Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Make Soy Resin

Soy-based resin is a nontoxic alternative to conventional candle materials. A candle can be made from the soy resin that will illuminate as well as any commercially made candle. The candle can be made safely in your kitchen using supplies acquired from a home-and-garden shop as well as with tools found in most kitchens. No special protective clothing is needed.

Things You'll Need

Measuring cup, microwave-safe
Soy flakes
Plastic spatula
Nonstick spray
Paper towels
Pot holder
Cotton swab
Candle wick, 10 inches long
Cellophane tape
Fragrance oil
Scissors
Match

Instructions

- 1
  Pour the soy flakes into the microwave-safe measuring cup up to the 16-ounce mark. Level the flakes in the cup with your finger. Spray the end of a plastic spatula with nonstick spray.
- 2
  Place a paper towel on the microwave platform. Place the cup on the towel. Microwave for five minutes.
- 3
  Remove the cup from the microwave using a pot holder. Place the cup on the kitchen counter. Push the end of a cotton swab through the center of the mixture inside the cup to the bottom.
- 4
  Remove the swab. Run an end of a wick into the hole and down the channel to the bottom. Run the other end of the wick over the edge of the cup and tape it there with a piece of cellophane tape
- 5
  Add 10 drops of fragrance oil to the mixture inside the cup. Stir the contents of the cup with the plastic spatula around the wick until the mixture is even to the eye.
- 6
  Let the mixture cool and harden. After an hour, poke the mixture with your finger to confirm that it has cooled and hardened. If the mixture is still not firm, let an additional hour pass.
- 7
  Remove the tape from the wick. Trim the wick so that it is about 1 inch above the hardened mixture with a scissors. Place your soy candle where you would like to see its illumination and light the wick.

Science