Making Soy Pillar Candles

Again, the key to making quality soy wax candles is quality ingredients... mainly a good soy candle wax. In this project I have used KY Candle Wax Supply's votive blend. Soy pillar candles require a harder wax to burn properly, so do not use a container soy wax.

Soy pillars can be rather tricky, simply because we are going to use a mold. The same rule applies with other molded candles like votives and tapers. Since this is the case, you should be able to follow this guide to make soy votives, soy tapers, and soy tarts.

I have to admit, the great thing about using soy wax and other natural candle waxes is the ability to melt it in the microwave. This makes cleanup a breeze!

To begin the project, the first thing we need is a pillar molds. You can find these at many online candle supply stores but you may want to check eBay. A lot of metal candle molds can be found on eBay at a pretty reasonable price. I have even gone so far as to make my own molds with supplies from a local hardware store. Someday, I will share my secrets! ;-)

Pillar candle molds for making soy pillars can be a variety of different shapes and sizes. It has been my experience to start with a smaller pillar mold, then work your way up to bigger and more extravagant molds.

After your wax is melted, add your color and fragrance. Once the wax is melted well, it is time to pour. There is a silicon spray that is available for metal candle molds. This spray is referred to as a releasant. This makes it easier to get the pillar, out of the candle mold. I have found this to be fairly non-effective on smaller candles but once you get to a larger soy pillar, this comes in handy!

Before pouring your candle, you will need to wick you mold. I have used a wooden skewer to tie the wick to at the top of the mold (bottom of the candle). Then pass the wick through the hole in the bottom of the mold (top of the candle). Your wick size will depend on the diameter of your soy pillar. If your intention is to sell these products, test with a couple different wick sizes. The soy pillar should burn completely and consume itself.

You will find various methods of sealing the bottom of the mold from leaking wax after you pour your soy pillar. These can be as simple as a sticky type of wax, a magnet, or a rubber plug. I prefer the rubber plug, but feel free to experiment. Make sure you have a sealed bottom, or you will have a big mess!!

Now pour your soy wax into the pillar mold. Once your soy wax is poured, it will start to set. This length of time depends on the room temperature and the temperature of your wax.

Let your pillar sit in the mold overnight. This will give soy pillar time to setup. Once the pillar candle is set up, it is time to release them from the mold. The soy pillar should pop out of the mold with a slight tug from the wick. If your candle is stuck in the mold, you may have to put it in the freezer for a few minutes. Be careful... when soy wax is submitted to extremely cold temperatures, it has a tendency to crack. Avoid putting your soy pillar in the freezer for more than a couple minutes. If you have the time, it may be better to put the candle in the refrigerator for a bit longer.

Once the soy pillar is released from the pillar mold, it is always good to let the candle "cure" for a day or two, however if you are ready to burn one, feel free. When burning soy pillars, make sure you burn it on a plate or something fireproof to catch a wax runoff if it occurs.

Good luck with your soy pillars,... and I would be happy to hear and success stories, or answer any questions you may have. Thanks again for your visit to soywaxcandles.org!

 

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