Ive found the throw can be hit or miss depending on the actual fragrance oils you use. We've always done 8% FO at 185 high temp, then cool to 135 then pour. Experimentation is always important, even if it takes time to get it right. As a graphic designer, I keep my wax supplies and melting rig right next to my computer, so I can do tests while I work. Experimenting and testing new scents as we speak :) Check out our new site.

I have been making and selling candles for ten years now. When I started, I was using parafin but within a year I switched to soy. That was about the time they had introduced soy. I use a crock pot. My husband drilled a hole near the bottom, on the side, and put a spicot on it. I melt the wax in the crock pot. I have it set on the dial where it wil heat the wax to 150 degrees. I then pour the amount of melted wax that I want (let's say 14oz) into a glass measuring cup. I then add the scent. Usually about 1oz. It also depends on how strong the scent is, so take a wiff while your stirring. That will be about how strong it will be when the candle is burning. Then I add the coloring. I've tried different ways to color and I liked the liquid color the best but now I don't use any coloring. My label for my jars are the color the candle would be. As soon as I have added the sent and color, I pour it right into the jars.(I use 8oz mason jars) I don't heat my jars first but I do have my wicks already 'glued' into the jars before I pour in the wax. I put a dab of hot glue on the wick tab and attach it to the bottom of the jar. That way it stays centered and in place while the wax is cooling. The 14oz that I mentioned above plus the scent will fill two 8oz jars just right. Once the wax cools, I cut off the wick and put on the lid. I have not had any problems with the scent of my candles. I have repeat buyers. My question to you is what kind of wick do you use. I use a hemp core wick that is already tabbed and dipped in wax to stiffen it. It sounds as if you might be using a zinc core wick. The zinc core wicks will cause alot of the same problems you're having. I tried to use up the zinc core wicks that I had left over from when I made parafin candles and they do not work in soy wax. I was trying to save myself some money but that didn't work. I buy my supplies from Bitter Creek Candle Supply. A link to their site below. I would recommend them to anyone. They have alot of helpful ideas and they do have live help on their site. I don't know what time of day but they usually have someone on there everyday. You can also call them on the phone and there is always someone available. They love talking about candles. I hope this has helped you. Keep trying, you'll get the hang of it. Cindy Here is a link that might be useful: Bitter Creek Candle Supply

I have gotten good results with GB464 & Eco 10's. So the questions that come to mind are: How long do you let a candle cure befoe first burn? I would give it 48 hours. What oil are you using? They do not all work equally well. You have to go through a lot of trial & error to find the ones that work. I recommend keeping a little notebook to keep track of what works & what does not. Also, try things from different companies. No one company will have equally goud results with every oil they sell.

It is imperative to practice making soy candles or any candle for that matter before you give them away. Sure it's as easy as melting wax, adding fragrance oil, candle dye (if you choose) and pouring that into a container. However, that's not safe. You have to know what wick to use, how to get a proper burn, how much fragrance oil your wax will handle, how much total additives the wax handles.. How hot a wax needs to get to open up to receive the additives you are mixing with it. I've never used craft store wax. I'm sure you can make an ok candle with it. Or it wouldn't be able to be sold. And yes you can melt the wax in the microwave, but it's not the most efficient or best way to do it. What wick are you planning on using? How do you want this candle to burn? What fragrance oil are you going to use? You need a scale, so that you are adding the correct amount of fragrance oil to the right amount of wax. What size is the tin you want to use? But most of all, yes it is imperative that you know the temps of your wax. Time to head to the store and get a thermometer from the kitchen department. You are giving someone something that is dangerous, and has high risks. It's your responsibility as the maker to make the safest product you can. It takes months to get it right, it takes years to perfect it. It's not just another craft project.