The Pros and Cons of Using Soy Wax

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“The soy candles are perfect and ready to ship.”  ” Wow!  I cannot believe how easy this batch of soy wax was to work with.”   ” The testing I did with these soy candles has paid off.  Now we are ready to sell. ”

Do these thoughts swamp your mind when you think of your soy candles or tarts?  Some candle makers do not have any problem with their soy wax.  Their candles come out perfect every time (so jealous ), but what if you are like me and encounter problems.

Here is a list of cons when you work with soy candle wax, but what the great thing is is that within every con there holds a solution.

1. Because of the natural characteristics of soy wax, it has an annoying ability to expand and  contract due to changes of  temperature.  This makes pouring ahead of schedule tricky.

Solution -

• Temper the wax after you pour it into jars and molds
• Store premade candles in a warm (not melty hot) dry area to  reduce amount of expansion and contraction
• Add some paraffin to reduce the natural characteristics of soy wax

2. Frost marks in your soy candle or tart – You may like the look of frost marks like me, but your customers may not.

Solution -

• Explore soy additives to help reduce frost marks.  For example Frostop, USA
• If the problem persists check the fragrance oil and the liquid dyes that you are using

3.  Not flexible with all fragrance oils

Solution – easily take care of the problem by asking the manufacturer how the fragrance oil works in soy wax

• Test each scent yourself
• Test with a candle and tart

4. Soy wax is fussy with temperatures and humidity

Solution –

• Reduce the problem by pouring in a warm room
• Temper your soy wax in your jars or mold

5. Can create frost marks with liquid dyes

• Ask on forums, ask manufacturer – save money this way
• Trial and error

Soy is a tricky wax to make candles and tarts with, but I wouldn’t throw it out.  For candle makers who enjoy the challenge this wax is perfect.  For the candle makers who don’t enjoy a challenge try adding paraffin wax or a soy additive to reduce soy’s natural tendencies.  With each problem there is a solution.

The benefits of soy wax:

1. Reduced sooting when a candle is burned
2. Cheaper than paraffin
3. Longer burning which is a huge benefit for your customers
4. Has great scent throw when you find the scents it works well with
5. Falls into the “going green” marketing

Many Blessings,

P.S. Join us on our forum

Other Great Reads:

• Attaching Wicks to Containers Or Jars
• Gauging Your Melt Pool In A Burning Candle
• Testing Candles With Various Wicks The Easy Way
• Heating Your Silicone Soap And Candle Mold

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