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Soy Wax Properties

Soy Wax is a vegetable wax made from the oil of soybeans. After harvesting, the beans are cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes. The oil is then extracted from the flakes and hydrogenated. The hydrogenation process converts some of the fatty acids in the oil from unsaturated to saturated. This process dramatically alters the melting point of the oil, making it a solid at room temperature. The leftover bean husks are commonly used as animal feed. The U.S. grows the vast majority of the world’s soybeans, primarily in Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.

Why Soy Wax

Soy Wax lasts 50% longer than candles made of petroleum-based paraffin most candles. They also burn slower and cooler (helping to better distribute fragrance), Soy Wax is Nontoxic, Less likely to trigger allergies, Soy Wax cleans up with soap and water, Produces very little soot. Soy Wax is eco-friendly so they are more animal and child-friendly than traditional candles. Environmentally friendly. Made from soybeans, Soy Wax Candles are Biodegradable.

How is it used?

Soy wax is used by candle makers in several ways. It can be used straight as in Golden Brands 415 soy wax, blended with other natural oils like Ecosoya CB 135 or Advanced Soy.

Is there something wrong with my candle?

Our supplier also highlights some inconsistencies noted by customers and other candle makers, on the subject of “Frosting” the term used to describe the white coating that appears on your soy candles.

What causes it? The frosting is a perfectly natural effect of using soy wax and is unique to vegetable waxes. It is the natural wax recrystallizing and trying to return to its natural state.

All soy waxes frost and is a sign that you are using 100% natural soy wax. Some “soys” have additives to stop this frosting however if you want a 100% natural product then expect to frost.

Frosting does not affect the performance of your candle and is something that you shouldn’t stress over.

You can minimize frosting with these simple tips.

Keep your candles warm overnight. Don’t leave them out, especially when you know the temperature is going to drop. This is certain to promote frosting. Soy hates difference in temperatures.

Frosting will also occur with age, so try and move your candles quickly if its something you don’t like.

“Wet Spots” is an unusual term for a candle problem but never-the-less it is legitimate. A wet spot refers to the patch on the inside of your glass. It almost looks like an air bubble between the wax and glass.

What in fact has happened is the wax has pulled away from the edge of the glass. Once this happens, it will not re-adhere. It does not affect the performance of the candle in any way, but it is a beautiful thing.

It generally happens when the candle temperature fluctuates, and the wax expands and contracts. You will find it very nearly happens always overnight if you leave your candles out.

Using a good quality wax like GW 464 that has excellent glass adhesion but also with your pour temperature.

If your candle wet spots overnight make sure you put the candles in a warm place, don’t leave them exposed to the cold.

Sometimes, however, no matter what you do, you will not prevent wet spots. When there are climate changes during transportation or the air-conditioning in a shop can all cause wet spots.

Data used here is extracted from Candle Science, and Aussie Candle Supplies its the best definition we have seen.

Soy Wax Properties