What is a “cure time” anyway?
Making Soy Candles
written 11.28.23
Making soy candles is a meticulous process that involves a lengthy set up and clean up, many crucial time-sensitive steps, some math skills, and precise measuring. With basically no room for error, it can be frustrating at times checking and rechecking everything you do, not to mention beginning testing stages - more on that later.
Yes, the entire process is time consuming, I won’t lie to you there, but to me it’s time well spent.
I’ve learned so much during my adventure in candle making and I’m excited to learn more.
After making so many candles, I’m thrilled to say, I really enjoy the pouring process, maybe even more than before and I always look forward to those hours I set aside to do what I love.
Here’s a quirk about me, lol. I’m a sucker for pouring candles when it’s raining.
If the forecast predicts rain, I’ll plan for a pour session in the chandlery.
I’ll just flip on my Stevie Nicks playlist and disappear into my own little world for hours.
I don’t know why I find this to be so therapeutic.. Is it the tin roof? Is it because I’m a water sign?
haha I’m not sure. All I know is this little pour ritual of mine brings me joy.
Prep/ Setup:
A pour plan is made by checking available supplies and to determine the number of candles to pour:
(number of vessels, wicks, wick stickers, wick stabilizers, the amount of wax, fragrance oil)Before every pour, batch math and any additional information are documented and dated.
(candle name, pour/ cure dates, formula+math, testers, 1st-time pours, wick size, flash points, blends, FO, etc.)Work surface is prepped with parchment paper for easy clean up.
Containers are gathered and insides are wiped with rubbing alcohol.
Warning labels and lid labels are applied.
Containers are then temporarily tagged with the candle’s name, pour date, cure date, and wick size.
Wicks are stuck, stabilized, and trimmed.
Vessels are covered with lids to keep any dust or moisture out.
Melt/ Blend/ Pour:
Wax is measured in a pouring pitcher using a kitchen scale.
Temperature is closely monitored until it reaches around 190 degrees (exceeding 200 degrees can result in burnt or discolored soy wax).
Shortly before this, FO is precisely measured out (in grams) using paper cup(s) and a gram scale.
Wax is then removed from heat and FO is added when temp reaches 185 degrees.
Mixture is blended gently for at least two minutes.
It’s set aside to cool, being stirred occasionally until it reaches around 150 degrees or a little under.
Right before it reaches 150 degrees, the insides of the containers are warmed with a heat gun. Doing this promotes better wax adhesion and smoothness.
Each vessel is carefully filled and recovered.
Cure/ Clean Up:
Candles sit overnight to solidify and are inspected the next day. Any imperfections are smoothed with a heat gun.
Wicks are trimmed to 1/4” and label is applied.
Clean up consists of heating pitcher to melt any remaining wax mixture. It’s then carefully wiped clean with paper towels and rubbing alcohol (NEVER WATER). Same for thermometer.
Cure time is complete after TWO WEEKS. Candles are ready to burn after that.
So, what exactly is a cure time and why is it important for soy wax candles?
As a natural, eco-friendly alternative to traditional paraffin wax, soy wax is naturally derived from soybeans, making it a renewable and sustainable resource. One of the remarkable qualities of soy wax is its ability to retain fragrance exceptionally well, resulting in a pleasant and long-lasting scent experience. However, this favorable outcome can only be achieved if the wax is allowed to cure properly.
Soy wax candles require a minimum of two weeks to fully set and develop its optimal fragrance throw, burn performance, and appearance. During the two-week cure time, the soy wax undergoes a chemical process known as polymerization. This is when the individual soy molecules bond together, forming a more solid and stable structure. As the wax cures, it becomes less likely to shrink or crack. Additionally, this process allows the fragrance to fully integrate with the wax, resulting in a more robust scent throw when the candle is lit. As soy wax cures, it naturally develops a soft and smooth texture.
