If you’re a candle enthusiast, making your candles has probably crossed your mind. But when selecting the wax for your masterpiece, which type should you choose?
Soy wax is a good option for candle making because it burns cleanly, produces very little soot, and is easy to clean up. Plus, since it’s a vegetable-based wax, it’s biodegradable and eco-friendly.
In today’s blog post, I’ll be exploring the pros and cons of soy wax compared to other types of wax so that by the end of this read, you’ll feel confident in choosing the right kind of wax for creating beautiful and long-lasting candles.
Is Soy Wax Good for Candle Making?
Absolutely! Many opt to make candles using paraffin wax, which is a viable choice. However, while this method has proven effective, some drawbacks must be considered before deciding on this option.
It also has a lower melting point than other types of wax, so it’s easier to work with.
However, it can also be more expensive than other types of wax, so it may not be the best choice for large-scale projects.
Pros
- It is a sustainable and renewable source, which is excellent for the environment.
- Compared to paraffin wax, soy candles burn cleaner and longer – providing an extended lifespan for your candle with reduced soot.
- Cleaning up and eliminating is simple, so you don’t need to worry about unsightly marks or discolorations.
- This wax is versatile and can craft candles in various ways, such as pouring, molding, or dipping.
Cons
- Costing a bit more than other waxes, such as paraffin wax, it can be worth the investment for its many benefits.
- Due to its increased pouring temperature requirements, the utmost caution should be observed when working with it.
- Compared to other waxes, this one has a shorter shelf life and will need to be used up more promptly.
- Making candles with this wax may be a bit more complicated than other candle waxes, particularly if you’re starting.
About Soy Wax
Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin (90-110 degrees Fahrenheit) and can hold scents.
Basically, soybeans are cleaned, dehulled, and then the oil is extracted. This oil is then hydrogenated, which creates a wax-like consistency.
The Best Types of Soy Wax for Candle Making
Now that you know soy wax, let’s discuss which type works best for different kinds of candles.
Container Candles
A container candle is a candle used in a holder or container. These candles often have a taller, narrower shape, allowing them to fit into holders with smaller openings.
When considering a container candle, look no further than Aak soy wax or EcoSoya CB Advanced—two premium quality formulations specially designed for your desired vessel.
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are often used as centerpieces or decorations because of their large size and unique shape.
Tealight Candles
Illuminating your space for brief periods doesn’t have to be a hassle – tealight candles are the perfect solution. These small, slender waxen lights come in various colors and fit snugly into most tea light holders.
With tealight candles, setting the mood is effortless!
A good option would be a soy wax blend formulated explicitly for tealight candles, like Aak tealight wax or EcoSoya Votive.
How to Make Soy Candles
Making soy candles is a fun activity that anyone can do. You need a few materials and patience, and you will have beautiful homemade candles. Let’s get crafty!
What You Need
The beauty of making soy candles is that the ingredients list is relatively short.
- Soy wax flakes
- Wicks
- Essential oils or fragrance oils
- A container of your choice (such as glass jars).
- Add colorant, glitter, or dried flowers to get fancy.
Once you have all these items gathered together, it’s time to start crafting!
The Making Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Containers
- The first step is to prepare your containers. Please ensure they are clean and dry before moving on to the next step.
- Then place the wick in the center of each container and secure it with hot glue or tape. This ensures that your wick stays in place during the melting process.
- Be sure to leave enough room above the wick so there is plenty of space for the wax once it has melted.
Step 2: Melt Your Wax
Next, it’s time to melt your wax. Depending on your available tools, you can use a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl.
- Using a double boiler, heat your wax until it reaches about 150°F (65°C).
- For a microwave-safe bowl, heat your wax in 30-second intervals until completely melted (this should take 1-2 minutes).
- Once melted, add any colorant or essential oil if desired and stir gently until thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Pour Your Wax
Finally, it’s time to pour your wax into each container.
- Allow each candle to cool for at least 24 hours before lighting or displaying them anywhere in your home.
- You can also choose to trim down the length of the wick after cooling if needed.
- And voilà —you now have beautiful handmade soy candles!
Other Types of Wax for Candles
Let’s break down the different types of wax and their benefits.
Paraffin Wax
This wax is a petroleum byproduct refined into solid blocks or pellets. It has a melting point between 125-145 degrees Fahrenheit and comes in different hardness levels depending on how much stearic acid it contains.
It also comes in different colors and fragrances, which makes it easy to customize your candles just the way you want them!
One thing to note about paraffin wax is that it does not hold onto scent like other types of waxes, so if you’re looking for a strongly scented candle, this may not be the best choice.
Beeswax
Beeswax has a natural honey scent that many people find pleasant and calming. Plus, beeswax burns cleanly without releasing toxins or pollutants into the air like some other types of wax.
Another great benefit of beeswax is its high melting point (150–165 degrees Fahrenheit), which means that candles made from beeswax are much more resistant to melting in hot weather than those made from other waxes would be!
The only downside is that beeswax can be rather expensive compared to other waxes; however, if quality and sustainability are important factors for you, this may be worth the cost!
Coconut wax
It has a clean, non-toxic burn and holds onto scent very well, making it ideal for strongly scented candles.
It also has a higher melting point than other waxes (160–180 degrees Fahrenheit), so candles made from it are more resistant to melting in hot weather.
Wax Blends
Wax blends are becoming more and more popular among candle makers.
Combining different waxes like beeswax and soy wax in unique blends can be an excellent method to customize your candles. For example, blending the two provides an ideal blend of scent-holding power from the beeswax, along with all the benefits of a lower melting point that comes with using soy wax.
This is one way to get exactly what you need for your candle creations!
FAQs
Can soy wax candles be used for aromatherapy?
They can be used for aromatherapy as they have a low melting point, allowing them to release fragrances effectively.
Are soy wax candles environmentally friendly?
Yes, it is a renewable resource and produces less soot than traditional paraffin candles.
Can soy wax candles be used as massage oils?
Yes, they can also be used as massage oils when melted and applied to the skin.
Can soy wax candles be colored?
Yes, natural or liquid candle dyes can be added to the melted wax to create various colors.
Is soy wax safe for use around pets and children?
It is non-toxic and does not release harmful chemicals when burned, making it safe for use around pets and children.
How long do soy wax candles typically burn?
It burns slower and longer than paraffin candles, with an average burn time of 50 hours per ounce of wax.
Are soy candles better for the environment?
Generally speaking, yes. However, it is vital to consider the entire lifecycle of the candle and its packaging and any potential impact from the cultivation and production processes involved with the source materials.
Can soy wax be used for other purposes besides candle making?
You can also use it as lotions and cosmetics as emollient or thickening agents. It can also be used in wood finishing products such as furniture polish or wood stain.
How do I properly care for my soy candles?
To get the most out of your soy candles, always trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting and avoid burning them for more than 4 hours at a time. Allow the melted wax to reach the edges of the container before extinguishing to prevent uneven burning in future uses.
Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use.
