One candle maker’s story on how she created perfect soy wax candles in clear glass jars!

If there’s one positive during our times at home in the current situation, is having extra time to make test candles! Time to try out different waxes, varying pour temperatures, testing different fragrances at different percentages, trying out new jars, different sized wicks, new glassware…. the list is endless, and we have the time to do it!

I should begin by saying that I’ve been making candles for five years and have made thousands in that time.

Recently however, I thought of tackling the dreaded……. clear jars! It has been a while since I made candles in clear jars and I’ve kept away from them for so long after many unsuccessful attempts and lack of adhesion.

 As candlemakers, we do love the look of a perfect candle.  But a perfect candle means different things to different people. What do you look for in a candle? I know I go for the scent throw and gentle, calming burn.

My memories of candles made in clear jars flashed back. They didn’t set well and didn’t adhere well to the jar but they did smell great! So with the extra time staying at home, I grabbed my box of All Seasons Wax S16 (Deluxe Soy) and my favourite Luxury Candle Supplies scent - Vetiver and Patchouli, and had another go at making a candle in a clear jar.

What you need:

• Good quality jars - heat tested and recommended for candle making.

• S16 (Deluxe Soy Wax) – highly recommended for great glass adhesion

• Good quality fragrance oils - not more than 8% recommended.

• Enough bench space to spread jars apart when setting. This avoids the heat from one jar radiating and affecting another.

• Thermometer (here’s a digital thermometer from Bunnings which I love)

This is what I did and it worked a treat. Remember though, there are many variables to consider: room temperature, scales, thermometer etc.

So see how you go.

The steps to make a great soy wax candle with clear glass:

1.     Heat your wax in a melter set at 55 – 60 degrees Celsius.

2.     While the wax is melting, place a few jars on a tray in the oven for about 10 minutes until they are warm to touch. I left the oven door open during this process, and yes, the wicks were in the jar.

3.     Measure a jug of wax in grams (don’t forget to subtract the weight of the jug. This will give you the wax measurement only)

4.     Work out 8% of the wax amount.  This will become your fragrance load. (E.g. 600grams of wax times 8% = 48grams of fragrance).

5.     Add the fragrance to the wax and gently stir well so as not to create too many air bubbles. I usually stir for about 2 – 3 minutes.

6.      Pour the wax into the jars at around 52 degrees Celsius.

7.     Centre your wicks using icypole sticks and keep checking that they’re centred, as they do move a little while the candle is setting.

8.     Trim wicks the following day. If your candle has not set smooth, don’t worry, use a heat gun on a low setting and heat the surface of the candle. It should reset beautifully.

9.     Check your adhesion and remember if you do see some wet spots (as this can happen with soy) it does not affect the burn or scent throw of your candle. Don’t be too hard on yourself!

10.  Burn your candle and enjoy a product you have made with love!

Happy testing… in these testing times!