How to Make Wax Supplies for Soy Tarts

Candle wicks may contain lead, which is dangerous to your health.

A soy tart is molded wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Melting a soy tart in a tart burner is similar to burning a candle. The soy tart gives off an aroma as it melts, much like a candle would. Soy tarts offer more benefits over the traditional candle. Soy tarts do not need a wick. Soy wax can be heated in an electric burner. Some candle wicks contain lead. Burning lead can be dangerous to your health. This makes burning a soy tart the responsible alternative.

Things You'll Need

• Soybean wax
• Double boiler
• Water
• Candy thermometer
• Candle wax dye
• Wire whisk
• Fragrance oil
• Metal candy mold or wax tart mold

Instructions

1. Purchase the soy. Look for a soybean wax that is all natural. You do not want to purchase soy wax that has already been colored or dyed. Natural soybean wax can be purchased at craft stores or on the Internet.

2. Melt the soy wax. Place water at the bottom of your double broiler. The wax should be added to the top part of the broiler. Place the double boiler on the stove. Once the wax is liquid you can insert the candy thermometer.

3. Watch the temperature. When the temperature of the wax reaches about 180 degrees Fahrenheit, take the wax off the stove.

4. Remove the thermometer. Add the dye according to the manufacturer's instructions. Stir the wax and dye for 2 minutes.

5. Read the temperature. Place the thermometer back into the wax. Wait until the temperature of the wax drops to 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Add the fragrance. The more fragrance you add, the stronger your soy tart will be. Start by using about 1 oz. per 1 lb. of wax. Use the whisk to stir the wax for 2 minutes.

7. Pour the wax. If you removed the thermometer, place it back in the wax. Wait until the temperature of the wax is around 155 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the wax into the metal molds.

8. Allow the wax to set. This may take up to two hours. The wax will pop out of the mold easily when it is ready.

Tips & Warnings

• Wax tarts can be melted multiple times before they lose their fragrance.

• Although it is not necessary, letting the soy tart cure for two days will make for a better burning soy tart.

• Never heat soy wax to a temperature above 250 degrees Fahrenheit. That is close to the flash point of the wax and may cause it to catch fire.

• The melted wax will be hot. Use caution when whisking and pouring the hot wax.

References

• Soy Wax Candle: Making Soy Tarts
• Country Soy Candles: Benefits of Soy
• Cajun Candles: How to Make Soy Candles