Over the next month, we’re going to explore everything you need to know to make the ultimate soy candle—from wax and wicks, to fragrance, containers, and finishing touches. Whether you’re brand new to candle making or looking to refine your technique, this series will guide you step by step.
Today, we’re starting at the very beginning: with wax
Why Wax Matters?
Wax is the heart of any candle. It determines how your candle burns, how it looks, how long it lasts, and how well it holds fragrance. While Pure Soy Wax is one of the most popular options—especially for beginners and eco-conscious makers—it isn’t without its challenges.
Let’s take a closer look.
Let’s Talk About Wax
You’ve probably noticed that there are a lot of soy wax blends available. That’s because pure soy wax is quite soft and melts at a relatively low temperature. While this makes it easy to work with, it also makes it more delicate and difficult to ship—especially in warmer climates like Australia, where candles may soften, warp, or even melt during transit.
Here are a few other common disadvantages of using 100% pure soy wax:
- Frosting – A white, crystal-like appearance on the surface. It’s completely natural and doesn’t affect performance, but it can affect the look of your candle.
- Temperature sensitivity – Soft in summer, brittle in winter. Pure Soy doesn’t travel well, especially during hot months.
- Inconsistent surface – Pure Soy Wax can cool unevenly, leading to sinkholes, cracking, or bumpy tops—especially in draughty or cool environments.
- Poor jar adhesion – Pure Soy Wax often pulls away from the sides of the jar as it cools, creating visible “wet spots.”
- Mild scent throw – While Pure Soy holds fragrance well, the hot and cold scent throw can be softer than other wax types or blends.
A Note on Where to Buy Your Wax
I wouldn’t recommend buying soy wax from discount stores or general craft shops. While convenient, these stores often stock lower-quality wax that isn’t suitable for consistent, high-quality candle making.
Instead, I buy my wax from a reputable supplier that specialises in candle making. These stores often carry a variety of soy and blended waxes, and their staff will know their wax blends well. They can help you choose the best option based on the type of candle you want to make—whether it’s for jars, moulds, or melts.
The Four Things You Must Know About Your Wax
When you choose a wax, there are four key temperatures you need to understand:
- Melting Temperature – How hot the wax needs to be to fully melt.
- Colour Add Temperature – The best point to add your dye or colour chips, so they melt evenly and don’t affect texture.
- Fragrance Add Temperature – When to add fragrance so it binds well without burning off.
- Pouring Temperature – The ideal temperature to pour your wax into the container or mould to avoid frosting or sinkholes.
Note: Each wax (especially blended waxes with coconut, beeswax, or paraffin) will have slightly different temperature guidelines, so always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Harder blends generally require higher temperatures across the board.
Always melt your wax using a double boiler or a proper wax melter. Never place wax directly over a flame or heating element, and be careful not to overheat your wax—it can lose fragrance performance and wax quality if taken over its recommended temperature threshold.
Choosing the Right Wax for Your Candle Goals
So, what’s the right wax for you? That depends on the type of candle you’re trying to make and your overall goals.
1. Jar Candles for Gifts or Personal Use
If you’re just starting out and making candles for yourself or as gifts, Pure Soy Wax is a beautiful, natural option. While it may have a few quirks, it offers a clean burn and a rustic charm that many people love.
Tip: If surface imperfections bother you, try pouring in two stages or lightly warming your containers before pouring to minimise cooling issues.
2. Candles for Selling or Shipping
If you’re planning to sell your candles—especially online or in warmer months—consider using a soy wax blend. These are designed to:
- Improve scent throw
- Create smoother tops
- Reduce frosting
- Increase durability for shipping
Popular blends include soy + coconut, soy + beeswax, or soy + paraffin (if you’re not strictly natural-focused). These blends give a more polished finish and consistent results.
3. Using Moulds? Read This First
If you’re planning to use candle moulds, pure soy wax is too soft. You’ll likely struggle to remove the candle cleanly. For moulds, you’ll want to use a blended pillar wax that contains harder waxes designed to:
- Shrink slightly as it cools (making it easy to release from the mould)
- Hold shape and detail better
- Create clean, crisp finishes
4. Making Wax Melts?
Like pillar candles, wax melts need a harder wax that can pop out of plastic moulds without breaking or crumbling. Use a Soy Blend specifically designed for melts, often labeled “pillar blend” or “tart wax.” These are formulated to:
- Be firm enough to remove easily
- Hold fragrance well without getting too oily or sticky
- Perform well in warmers or burners
In Summary
Pure Soy Wax is a beautiful, natural place to start your candle-making journey—but it’s not ideal for every type of candle. Choosing the right wax (and knowing how to work with it) is key to creating great results.
Next week, we’ll dive into Wicks 101—why choosing the right size and material is just as important as the wax itself.
Keen to try it for yourself?
Join our Soy Candle Making Workshop to get hands-on experience and learn the art of candle making step by step!