Soy wax, a natural material that is eco-friendly and versatile, has been a favorite amongst candle makers. Soya wax is known for its versatile use, clean burning, and eco-friendly qualities. In this comprehensive soy wax for candle making guide, we explore its origins, advantages, and practical tips to create beautiful candles.
Soy Wax: A Rise in Popularity
Soy wax is made from soybean oil, which is abundant, renewable, and sustainable. Paraffin wax comes from petroleum. However, soy wax is biodegradable and free from toxic and harmful chemicals. Its natural composition makes soy wax an environmentally friendly alternative for candle making, appealing to eco-conscious customers.
Soy Wax for Candle Making: Its Benefits
- Cleaner-Burning: Soy wax burns cleaner than paraffin and produces much less soot, which helps to reduce indoor air pollution. This makes soy candles perfect for people who have allergies or are sensitive.
- A Longer Burning Time: Soya wax candles have a typically longer burn time compared to paraffin candles. This gives candle enthusiasts more enjoyment and value.
- Even wax distribution: Soya wax has excellent glass adhesion, resulting in a smooth and consistent burn pool for the entire candle’s life.
- Enhanced Fragrance Release: Soy wax has lower melting points than paraffin wax. It can, therefore, hold fragrance oils and release scents more effectively. The result is a more muscular fragrance release.
- Easy clean-up: Spills, drips, and soy wax can be easily cleaned up with soap and a little water.
How to Use Soya Wax in Candle Making
- Select High-Quality Soy Wax: Choose a reliable supplier and purchase soy wax that is specially formulated for candle making. Check that the soy wax does not have additives or is blended with other waxes.
- Use Proper Sizes: Choose wicks that are appropriate for soy wax to get the best burn performance. The container size and diameter of the candle should determine the size and kind of wick to use.
- Carefully add fragrance oils: When adding fragrances to soy waxes, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommended use rates. When you overload the wax, it will result in poor burning performance and reduced fragrance throw.
- Monitor pouring temperature: Paraffin wax has a higher melting point, but soy wax is lower. Soy wax typically melts between 43 and 54 degrees Celsius (110 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit). Monitor the pouring temp carefully to avoid overheating.
- Allow Enough Cure time: After pouring your candle, you should allow enough time for the wax to cure. This takes anywhere between 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size, composition, and size of the candles.
The Creative Uses of Soy Wax Candles
The versatility of Soy Wax opens a whole new world of possibilities for candle makers. Soy wax can be poured or molded in a variety of containers to produce unique and stunning candles. It can also be combined with other natural materials, like beeswax (or coconut wax), to enhance its properties.
Conclusion
Soy wax revolutionized the art and craft of candle making by offering an eco-friendly, natural alternative to traditional paraffin. With their clean-burning characteristics, long burn times, and enhanced scent throw, soy candles have become favourites among consumers seeking sustainable, high-quality products. By following practical advice and exploring creative opportunities, candle makers can unleash the magical properties of soy, creating exquisite candles to delight the senses and enhance the ambiance of any place.
