Have you ever wondered if paraffin and soy wax can be mixed to make candles? Well, wonder no more!
By blending paraffin and soy wax, you can create a candle that shines with the impressive scent throw of paraffin wax and lesser shrinkage from the soy. Burning time is also improved to ensure long-lasting joy!
This guide will give you the lowdown on what you need to know when mixing paraffin and soy wax. So, grab your supplies, and let’s get started!
Can You Mix Paraffin and Soy Wax?
The answer is yes! Many candle makers mix these two types of wax to create a candle with longer burn times and better scent throw than either type of wax alone could provide.
Generally speaking, you should use about 20% – 40% soy wax mixed with 60% – 80% paraffin to achieve optimal performance.
Remember that different brands of soy and paraffin may require different ratios, so you will want to experiment until you find what works best for your particular candles.
Before we dive further into whether or not paraffin and soy wax can be mixed, let’s break down the major differences between these two types of waxes.
Paraffin Wax for Candle Making
Properties
Paraffin wax is a common candle-making ingredient that has been around since the 1800s.
It’s made from petroleum byproducts. That means it’s non-renewable and not environmentally friendly.
Paraffin wax also has a high shrinkage rate, meaning it will contract as it cools after being melted or poured into a container.
Pros
Some of the most important advantages of this wax are:
- First off, paraffin wax has been used for decades in candlemaking because it is relatively inexpensive to buy in bulk
- It has a higher melting point than other waxes on the market.
- Additionally, paraffin candles are often scented more strongly than other candles because of their higher melting point.
- It is known for its long burning time, which makes it ideal for making container candles.
- It can hold its shape well.
- It’s a popular choice for candlemakers because it gives candles a soft texture and helps them burn slowly.
Cons
There are some drawbacks to using paraffin wax.
- For one thing, many people are allergic or sensitive to the chemicals in paraffin wax, which can lead to skin irritation or respiratory issues.
- Additionally, paraffin wax releases toxins into the air when burned.
- It can emit soot or black smoke when burned, harming your lungs if inhaled.
- It also doesn’t hold fragrance or other types of waxes.
Soy Wax for Candle Making
Properties
Soy wax was developed in the 1990s as an alternative to paraffin wax. It’s made from hydrogenated soybean oil and has become increasingly popular for candle-making over the past decade.
It is considered a “cleaner” burn than paraffin because it doesn’t release toxins into the air when burned.
Unlike paraffin wax, it is all-natural and renewable, meaning it’s better for the environment.
Pros
Some advantages of using soy wax are:
- It is quickly becoming popular because it is made from all-natural renewable and biodegradable ingredients.
- It also burns slower than paraffin and produces less soot when burning—a major plus for people with allergies or asthma.
- It also has a lower melting point than paraffin, so it burns at cooler temperatures and lasts longer than traditional paraffin candles.
- It can hold fragrance better than paraffin and its natural flame retardant properties.
- It takes colors exceptionally well.
Cons
The downsides to soy wax are:
- It tends to burn quicker than paraffin, so it’s not ideal for large candles or long burning times.
- It doesn’t hold scents very well and doesn’t throw an aroma well, either.
- It’s too soft to produce useful pillars and other molded candles effectively.
- It doesn’t take colors too well.
Mixing Paraffin and Soy Wax
Why?
There are some pretty good reasons for doing so:
- Soy wax can be a bit finicky to work with: It’s natural and renewable, which is great, but it can be a bit softer than other waxes and may not hold its shape as well as other waxes. By mixing in a little bit of paraffin wax, you can give your soy wax candle a little more structure and make it easier to work with.
- To improve the performance of your candle: Soy wax burns slower and cleaner than paraffin wax, but it may not have the same strong scent throw as paraffin wax. By mixing in a little bit of paraffin wax, you can give your candle a stronger scent and make it last longer.
- Don’t forget about the environmental impact of our candles: Paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum and isn’t the most environmentally friendly option out there. Mixing in a little soy wax can reduce your candle’s environmental impact and make you feel good about your choices.
Benefits
- When you mix paraffin and soy wax, you can get the best of both worlds – a candle with a good scent throw and burn time from the paraffin wax and less shrinkage from the soy.
- This combination also offers more adhesion when embedding items like dried flowers or herbs into the wax and better release from molds.
- In addition, some candle makers find that blending paraffin and soy wax gives their candles a creamier texture with fewer bubbles.
Tips for Mixing Paraffin and Soy Wax
When blending paraffin and soy wax, it is crucial to keep a few tips in mind.
- You will want to ensure that the two types of waxes are completely melted and blended before pouring your candles.
- It is also important to note that the melting points of paraffin and soy wax are different so you may need to adjust the temperature of your wax blend accordingly.
- Be sure to take notes on how your experiments turn out so you can replicate the best results in future batches of candles.
How to Blend
Types of Candle and Blend Combination
Before you blend paraffin and soy wax to make a candle, decide what type of candle you are creating, and its purpose. This will guide the amount of each wax that should go into your mix.
- To make a smelling candle, typically, you can mix 2 parts soy wax and 3 parts paraffin wax.
- To make a pillar candle, we suggest blending 7 parts paraffin wax and 3 parts soy wax.
- It would help if you blended 80 percent soy wax and 20 percent paraffin wax for a harder wax.
- If a softer wax is what you’re looking for, it’s best to combine 80 percent paraffin wax and 20 percent soy wax.
How to Mix: DIY Project
To ensure the perfect combination of paraffin and soy wax when creating your scented candles, keep the ratio at 60% paraffin to 40% soy. If you have over a pound of wax, use a 5-gallon bucket for mixing; if there’s less than that amount, utilize a glass bowl instead.
Steps:
- Begin by melting the paraffin wax in a double boiler.
- Once liquified, add soy wax flakes and stir until fully melted. Now you can pour this into molds or containers to cool off.
- To make your candles stand out, you can incorporate color or scent with liquid candle dye, crayons for coloring the wax, and essential oils for fragrance!
- Make sure to mix thoroughly before pouring into desired containers – then allow them time to set before utilizing their beautiful ambiance!
- Let’s get creative; enjoy creating custom candles that are perfect for any occasion!
FAQs
What is the purpose of paraffin?
Paraffin is a waxy substance used in various applications, including as a fuel, a lubricant, and a sealant.
What are some of the common uses for paraffin?
Some of the most common uses for paraffin include fuel, lubricant, and sealant. Paraffin can also be used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Where is paraffin found?
Paraffin is found in various forms all over the world. It can be found in oil deposits, as well as in coal and tar pits.
How is paraffin processed?
Paraffin is typically extracted from oil or coal deposits through distillation. The paraffin is then purified and melted down to form a liquid.
What are some of the potential dangers of working with paraffin?
Working with paraffin can be dangerous if it is not handled correctly. If it is ingested, it can cause nausea and vomiting. It can irritate or burn if it comes into contact with the skin.
What is soy wax?
It is a natural, eco-friendly alternative, made from soybean oil and biodegradable.
What are the benefits of using soy wax?
Did you know that soy wax is not only biodegradable but also cleaner burning than other types of candle waxes? Plus, it’s a natural product and non-toxic, so you can feel good about using it around your children and pets.
What are some tips for using soy wax?
- Because soy wax is softer than paraffin, you may need to use more wick when pouring your candles.
- Additionally, you may need to use more essential oils when scenting your candles.
- It’s also a good idea to use a thermometer when melting the wax to ensure that it’s not heated too hot, as this can cause burning and other issues.
- Lastly, remember to always practice safety when working with any wax.