Soy wax is a great candle base to use. It gives off less soot than paraffin wax and is 100% natural, and therefore biodegradable. However, when creating candles without containers, such as pillar candles, it is best to use paraffin wax as it has more integrity to stand on its own. The scent-throw of paraffin-based candles is also greater than soy due to the molecular structure of the wax.

It is preferential to melt each wax using a double boiler. When this is not possible, you can pop the wax in a microwavable jug and melt on high, mixing regularly to ensure an even melt.

The best pouring temperature for soy wax is between 50-60°C. Pillar candles using paraffin wax are best poured at temperatures exceeding 80°C. You can measure the temperature of the wax using a thermometer.

Warming a glass candle votive before pouring the melted wax can help to prevent the occurrence of wax ‘frost’ or ‘wet spots’. However, these are simply aesthetic issues and do not affect the functionality of the candle.

It is important for the first burn of any candle to create a complete ‘wet pool’ of melted wax across the entire top portion of the candle – approximately ½ inch in depth. This should usually take two to three hours and usually prevents future tunnelling of the candle. If the ‘wet pool’ does not reach the edges or is extinguishing the flame and the candle begins to tunnel, then the wick thickness is too small for the candle.

It is important to display safety information with a candle – even if you are giving the candle to a friend. Here is a list of safety information that it may be relevant to include:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended or within reach of children and pets
• Keep burning flame away from any flammable objects
• Trim the wick to ¼” before burning
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room
• Extinguish a candle if it smokes, flickers repeatedly or the flame becomes too high
• Discontinue burning a candle once only 2” of wax remains