What is Soy Wax Blend? Benefits and How-to Guide for Soy Candles
Have you ever wondered about the way your favorite candle is made? The answer might surprise you. There are actually several different types of wax blends that can be used in candle making, each with their own unique properties and benefits. If you love candles, you may want to try out the eco-friendly options offered by Calyan.
One popular kind of candle wax is paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum and has a smooth surface that allows for easy burning. Beeswax, on the other hand, is a natural wax that comes from bees and has a sweet scent when burned. Beeswax blends well with other kinds of wax, making it a great way to create unique candle scents at home.
Another eco-friendly option that we hope you’ll consider is Calyan wax, which we’ve reviewed and found to be a great choice for conscientious candle makers. Made from soy wax and other natural waxes, this blend creates a beautiful crystalline effect on the surface of the candle when it burns. And then there’s soy wax blend – a combination of soy wax and other natural waxes – which has become increasingly popular due to its eco-friendly properties. Thank you for considering these options with us.
At Calyan Wax Co., we understand that people want to make informed decisions when selecting their next favorite candle. That’s why we use a soy wax blend in all of our candles, which has been reviewed for its sustainability, performance, and fragrance throw. Whether you prefer a different type of candle wax, understanding the different loading options available can help you make the best choice.
So whether you’re new to the world of candles or just curious about what goes into making them, join us as we explore the fascinating world of candle waxes and discover what makes each one unique. For people who have reviewed Calyan candles, we invite you to learn more about the loading process and what sets our candles apart.
Benefits of Soy Blend Wax in Candle Making
Eco-friendly and Sustainable
Soy blend wax is a popular choice for people who prioritize eco-friendliness in their candle making. It is made from soybean oil, which is a renewable resource that can be grown domestically. Soybeans are biodegradable, making soy blend wax an environmentally sustainable option that people can feel good about using. In contrast, paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource that requires significant energy to extract and refine, and may not be the best choice for people looking to minimize their impact on the planet.
Longer Burning Time
One of the most significant benefits of using soy blend wax in candle making is its lower melting point. Soy blend wax has a melting point between 120-125°F (49-52°C), whereas paraffin wax has a melting point between 130-150°F (54-65°C). This means that candles made with soy blend wax burn slower and last longer than those made with other waxes. Because soy blend wax burns at a lower temperature, it creates less soot and smoke than other waxes.
Natural Scent Throw
Soy blend wax has a natural scent throw, which means it can hold fragrance oils better than other waxes. This makes it an excellent choice for scented candles as the fragrance will be more potent and long-lasting. The natural scent throw also means that candles made with soy blend wax have a cleaner scent profile than those made with synthetic fragrances or essential oils.
How Soy Wax Is Made
Soybean oil is extracted from soybeans through various methods such as cold pressing or solvent extraction. Once the oil has been extracted, it undergoes hydrogenation to convert it into solid form. The resulting substance is then blended with other natural waxes such as beeswax or palm oil to create the final product – soy blend wax.
Where Is Soy Wax Made?
Soybeans are primarily grown in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. The majority of soy wax used in candle making comes from the United States, where soybeans are widely cultivated. However, there are also soybean producers in other countries such as Canada, China, and India.
Where Does Soy Wax Come From?
Soy wax is made from soybean oil, which is derived from soybeans. Soybeans are a type of legume that originated in East Asia but are now grown worldwide. They were first introduced to the United States in the early 18th century and have since become one of the most widely cultivated crops in the country.
Understanding the Difference Between 100% Soy Wax, Soy Blend Wax, and Paraffin Wax
What is soy wax blend?
Soy wax blend is a combination of soy wax and other waxes, such as paraffin wax. It’s becoming increasingly popular in the candle-making industry because it offers a more affordable alternative to 100% soy wax while still providing some of its benefits.
100% Soy Wax
As the name suggests, 100% soy wax is made entirely from soybeans and is a natural alternative to paraffin wax. It’s biodegradable, renewable, and produces less soot than traditional paraffin candles. This type of wax burns cleaner and slower than paraffin candles, which means they last longer.
One thing to keep in mind when using 100% soy wax candles is that they tend to have a softer texture than those made with paraffin or other types of waxes. This can make them more susceptible to melting or becoming misshapen if not stored properly.
Soy Blend Wax
Soy blend wax typically contains less than 50% soy wax and may not be as eco-friendly as 100% soy wax. However, it still offers some advantages over traditional paraffin candles. For example, it has a lower melting point than pure soy candles, which can help prevent tunneling (when the candle burns straight down the middle instead of evenly across the surface).
Another benefit of using soy blend candles is that they often have better scent throw (the ability for the candle to fill a room with fragrance) than pure soy candles. This is because other waxes like paraffin can help carry fragrances better.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum and may release harmful chemicals when burned. While it’s still widely used in commercial candle-making due to its affordability and ease of use, many people are turning to more natural alternatives like soy wax.
One of the main drawbacks of using paraffin candles is that they tend to produce more soot than other types of candles. This can not only create a mess but also lead to health issues if inhaled regularly. Paraffin wax burns faster than soy or beeswax candles, which means you’ll need to replace them more often.
How to Make a Soy Blend Wax Candle: Step-by-Step Guide
Melt soy wax and other wax blends in a double boiler
The first step in making a soy blend wax candle is melting the wax. You will need to use a double boiler to melt the soy wax and any other waxes you want to blend together. A double boiler is simply two pots that fit together, with water in the bottom pot and the wax in the top pot.
To start, fill the bottom pot about halfway with water and place it on medium heat. Then, place the top pot on top of the bottom one, making sure it fits snugly. Add your desired amount of soy wax and other waxes into the top pot and let them melt slowly over low-medium heat.
Add fragrance oil and dye to the melted wax
Once your waxes have melted completely, you can add fragrance oil and dye if desired. The amount of fragrance oil you add will depend on how strong you want your candle’s scent to be. Typically, 1 oz of fragrance oil per pound of wax is recommended.
When adding dye, make sure that it is specifically made for candles as regular food coloring or liquid dyes can cause issues with burning later on. Use only a few drops at a time until you reach your desired color.
Stir both ingredients thoroughly into your melted soy wax blend candle using a non-toxic spoon or stirrer until they are fully incorporated with the soy candle.
Place the wick in the center of the container and secure it in place
Before pouring your melted soy blend wax into its soy candle container, ensure that your wick is placed securely in its center. Use either hot glue or double-sided tape to attach the end of your wick at the bottom center of your soy blend candle.
Next, thread your soy candle wick through a metal or plastic holder (also known as “wicking up”) so that it stands straight up from its base without leaning or falling over. You can use a pencil or chopstick to hold it in place while you pour the wax.
Pour the melted wax into the container, leaving some space at the top
Once your wick is securely in place, you can now pour your melted wax into its container. Make sure to leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top so that it doesn’t overflow when burning.
Pour slowly and steadily, making sure not to spill any wax outside of the container. If you’re using multiple colors or layers, pour each layer one at a time and let them cool before adding another layer.
Let the candle cool and cure for at least 24 hours before using it
After pouring your melted wax into its container, let it cool completely for several hours until it has hardened. Once cooled, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the wax.
Finally, let your candle cure for at least 24 hours before lighting it. This will allow all of its ingredients to settle properly and avoid issues like tunneling (uneven melting) or poor scent throw (weak fragrance).
Supplies Needed for Making Soy Blend Wax Candles
Soybeans and Vegetable Oils
Soy blend wax candles are made from a mixture of soybean wax and vegetable oils. These two ingredients are the main components needed to produce high-quality soy blend wax candles. Soybean wax is derived from soybeans, which are a renewable resource that is grown all over the world. The use of soybean wax in candle-making has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its eco-friendly properties.
Vegetable oils, on the other hand, are used to help soften the soybean wax and improve its overall texture. Commonly used vegetable oils include coconut oil, palm oil, and olive oil. These oils also help to increase the scent throw of the candle by allowing it to release fragrance more effectively.
No Crude Oil Required
Unlike traditional paraffin wax candles that require crude oil in their production process, soy blend wax candles do not require any crude oil at all. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint or have concerns about using non-renewable resources.
The production process for soy blend wax candles involves melting down the soybean wax and adding in various vegetable oils and fragrances before pouring it into molds or jars. This process can be done without any crude oil being involved whatsoever.
Purchasing Supplies
Supplies needed for making soy blend wax candles can be purchased at stores specializing in candle-making materials or online retailers. When purchasing supplies, it’s important to ensure that you’re buying high-quality products that will produce a long-lasting and fragrant candle.
Soybeans can be found at most grocery stores or health food stores, while vegetable oils can be found at any supermarket. Fragrances specifically designed for candle-making can also be purchased online or at specialty stores.
It’s important to note that when purchasing supplies for making candles, you should always read product labels carefully to ensure that you’re getting the right type of wax, oil, or fragrance for your needs.
Choosing the Right Fragrance for Your Soy Blend Wax Candle
Why Choosing the Right Fragrance is Crucial for Your Soy Blend Candle
Soy blend candles are perfect for adding a lovely scent to any room in your home. But with so many fragrance options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one that fits your needs. The scent of your candle can affect your mood and help you relax after a long day, so it’s essential to select a fragrance that resonates with you.
When choosing a fragrance for your soy blend wax candle, consider the following factors:
- Purpose: What is the purpose of your candle? Are you using it to relax or energize? Different scents have different effects on our moods, so consider what you want to achieve when selecting a fragrance.
- Room: What room will the candle be used in? Different fragrances work better in specific rooms. For example, lavender is excellent for bedrooms as it promotes relaxation and sleep.
- Personal preference: What scents do you enjoy? It’s essential to choose a scent that resonates with you since you’ll be smelling it frequently.
Adding Unique Twists to Your Soy Blend Wax Candle
Coconut flakes can add a unique twist to your soy blend wax candle. Not only do they give off a tropical vibe, but they also look stunning when added as an accent on top of the candle. To use coconut flakes in your soy blend wax candle:
- Melt down your soy wax blend as usual.
- Once melted, add 1/4 cup of coconut flakes per pound of wax.
- Stir until fully incorporated.
- Pour into jars and let cool.
Hand frosting your soy blend candle adds a personal touch and love to your creation. This technique involves adding texture and depth by frosting the top layer of the candle with an additional layer of wax.
To hand frost your soy blend wax candle:
- Melt down your soy wax blend as usual.
- Once melted, pour it into a separate container and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Once the wax has started to solidify but is still soft, use a spoon or spatula to spread it over the top of your candle.
- Let the frosting layer cool and harden before lighting.
Understanding Soy Blend Wax Candles
Soy blend candles are made from a combination of soy wax and other natural waxes, such as beeswax or palm wax. The addition of other waxes allows for a longer burn time and better scent throw than pure soy candles.
One key difference between soy blend candles and traditional paraffin wax candles is that they burn cleaner, with fewer toxins released into the air. This makes them an excellent choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Soy blend candles also have an advantage over paraffin wax candles since they hold scents better due to their lower melting point. This means that you’ll get a more potent scent without having to add additional fragrance oils.
Tips for Successful Soy Blend Wax Candle Making
Choosing the Right Wick Size
Choosing the right wick size is crucial to ensure a successful soy blend wax candle making process. The wick size you will need depends on your container size and wax blend. If you use too small or large of a wick, it can lead to uneven burning, tunneling, or even extinguishing.
To determine the right wick size, consider the diameter of your container and the type of wax blend you are using. You can find wick charts online that match different container sizes with appropriate wicks for soy blend wax candles.
Melting the Wax Blend
When melting soy blend wax, it’s essential to use a double boiler or a wax melter to prevent scorching or overheating. A double boiler works by heating water in a pot and then placing another pot containing the wax mixture on top of it. This indirect heat method ensures that the temperature does not exceed 180°F, which is the maximum temperature for melting soy blend wax.
A wax melter is an electric device designed explicitly for melting candle wax safely and efficiently. It has a built-in thermostat that maintains a consistent temperature throughout the melting process.
Adding Fragrance Oil at The Right Temperature
Adding fragrance oil at the right temperature is essential to prevent evaporation and ensure proper scent throw in your soy blend candles. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil is between 175°F-185°F (79°C-85°C). At this temperature range, most fragrance oils will mix well with soy blend wax without evaporating too quickly.
It’s also important not to exceed this temperature range as overheating can cause fragrance oil to evaporate before it mixes with the melted wax thoroughly.
Allowing Candles To Cool Slowly
Once you have poured your melted soy blend wax into containers with wicks, allow them to cool slowly at room temperature. Avoid sudden temperature changes as this can cause cracking and frosting, which will affect the overall appearance of your candles.
It’s best to let your candles cool for at least 24 hours before trimming the wick and lighting them. This waiting period allows the wax to settle and harden completely, resulting in a smoother, more even burn.
Test Burning Your Candles
After making your soy blend wax candles, it’s crucial to test burn them to ensure that they have a proper wick size, scent throw, and burn time. A test burn involves burning the candle for an hour per inch of its diameter to determine how well it burns.
If you notice any issues during the test burn such as tunneling or uneven burning, you may need to adjust your wick size. If you find that the scent throw is not strong enough, consider adding more fragrance oil next time. And if you notice that your candle burns too quickly or too slowly, adjust the amount of wax used in each container accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Soy Candle Wax Made?
Soy wax is made from soybean oil extracted from soybeans. The oil is hydrogenated to create a solid wax form suitable for making candles. Soy wax is popular among candle makers because it is eco-friendly, renewable and sustainable compared to other types of candle wax like paraffin.
How To Blend Soy And Coconut Wax?
Blending soy and coconut wax creates a unique texture and scent profile for candles. To make this blend, melt equal parts of soy wax flakes and coconut oil in a double boiler or electric melter until fully combined. Add fragrance oils at the right temperature range between 175°F-185°F (79°C-85°C) before pouring into containers with wicks.
Test burn your blended candles after they have cooled down completely to ensure proper burning characteristics like scent throw and burn time.
Why Soy Blend Wax is a Great Choice for Candle Making
Soy blend wax is an excellent choice for candle making due to its numerous benefits. This type of wax is made from soybean oil and other natural waxes, making it eco-friendly and sustainable.
Benefits of Soy Blend Wax in Candle Making
Soy blend wax has several benefits that make it an ideal choice for candle making. Firstly, it burns cleaner than paraffin wax, which means fewer toxins are released into the air when burned. Soy blend wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, which means that candles made from this type of wax burn longer. Soy blend wax also has better scent throw than 100% soy wax because it can hold more fragrance oil.
Another benefit of using soy blend wax is that it is renewable and biodegradable. Soybeans are a sustainable crop that can be grown year after year without depleting the soil’s nutrients or harming the environment. Soy blend wax also has a lower carbon footprint than paraffin because it requires less energy to produce.
Understanding the Difference Between 100% Soy Wax, Soy Blend Wax, and Paraffin Wax
It’s essential to understand the differences between 100% soy wax, soy blend wax, and paraffin so you can choose the best option for your needs. 100% soy wax is made entirely from soybean oil and does not contain any other waxes or additives. Soy blend wax contains a mixture of natural waxes such as beeswax or palm oil in addition to soybean oil. Paraffin is a petroleum-based product that releases harmful chemicals when burned.
While all three types of waxes have their advantages and disadvantages, soy blend wax is the most eco-friendly and sustainable option. It also has better scent throw than 100% soy wax and burns cleaner than paraffin.
How to Make a Soy Blend Wax Candle: Step-by-Step Guide
Making soy blend wax candles is relatively easy and requires minimal supplies. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make soy blend wax candles:
- Melt the wax in a double boiler until it reaches 180°F.
- Add fragrance oil and stir for two minutes.
- Pour the melted wax into a container with a wick.
- Let the candle cool for several hours before trimming the wick.
Supplies Needed for Making Soy Blend Wax Candles
To make soy blend wax candles, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Soy blend wax
- Fragrance oil
- Wick
- Container
- Double boiler
- Thermometer
Choosing the Right Fragrance for Your Soy Blend Wax Candle
Choosing the right fragrance for your soy blend wax candle is essential because it can affect how well your candle sells. It’s best to choose fragrances that are popular among consumers, such as lavender or vanilla. You should also consider seasonal scents like pumpkin spice or peppermint during the holidays.
Tips for Successful Soy Blend Wax Candle Making
Here are some tips to help you succeed in making soy blend wax candles:
- Use high-quality ingredients to ensure that your candles burn cleanly and have excellent scent throw.
- Follow instructions carefully when melting and pouring your wax to avoid any accidents.
- Experiment with different fragrances and containers to find what works best for you.
- Label your candles clearly with all of their ingredients so that customers know what they’re buying.
In conclusion, using soy blend wax in candle making has numerous benefits, including being eco-friendly, sustainable, having better scent throw than 100% soy wax, and burning cleaner than paraffin. By following our step-by-step guide, you can make beautiful soy blend wax candles that are sure to delight your customers.
FAQs
What is the difference between soy blend wax and 100% soy wax?
Soy blend wax contains a mixture of natural waxes such as beeswax or palm oil in addition to soybean oil, while 100% soy wax is made entirely from soybean oil and does not contain any other waxes or additives.
Can you mix fragrance oils with soy blend wax?
Yes, you can mix fragrance oils with soy blend wax. Add the fragrance oil when the melted wax reaches 180°F and stir for two minutes.
