Ben Carter
Soy candles are a great natural alternative to traditional candles, but they can sometimes present unique issues, such as discoloration. Discoloration in soy candles can be caused by several factors, including the presence of fragrance oils, the cooling process, and exposure to light. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind soy candle discoloration and provide tips on how to prevent and address this issue. Whether you're a candle-making enthusiast or simply curious about the care and maintenance of your soy candles, understanding the causes of discoloration will help you create and enjoy beautiful, long-lasting soy candles.
Characteristics and causes of discoloration in soy candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frosting | Caused by the growth of tiny crystals on the surface of the wax due to the wax cooling too quickly or excessive stirring of melted soy wax. |
| Rough and uneven tops | Caused by the hot wax in the melt pool cooling and solidifying at an inconsistent rate. |
| Holes | Caused by air bubbles in the wax due to air becoming trapped in the wax during the design process or from stirring too vigorously. |
| Yellowing | Caused by fragrance oils containing vanillin or by adding too much fragrance oil. |
| Wet spots | Caused by exposing candles to cold temperatures while drying. |
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Fragrance oils
Another issue caused by fragrance oils is frosting, which is the formation of a white, powdery, or frosty coating on the surface of the candle. This is caused by the crystallisation of wax molecules, which can be accelerated by over-agitating the melted wax or by temperature fluctuations. To reduce frosting, it is recommended to preheat glassware and maintain a stable ambient temperature during the candle-making process.
Additionally, using too much fragrance oil or adding it at a temperature that is too cool can lead to fragrance leaching, seeping, or bleeding, resulting in a strong fragrance and an uneven appearance. Therefore, it is recommended to use the appropriate amount of fragrance oil and maintain the ideal temperature during the candle-making process.
Overall, while fragrance oils can enhance the experience of soy candles, it is important to carefully control the amount and temperature to avoid issues such as discolouration, frosting, holes, and lumpy tops.
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Natural ingredients
Soy candles are made from natural ingredients, and mother nature sometimes throws up some challenges. Natural ingredients can impact the eventual colour of your candles. Fragrance oils, for instance, often include ingredients like vanillin, citrus oils, and cinnamon, which can vary from batch to batch, leading to discolouration over time. This is a common variable when using natural ingredients, and there is nothing wrong with the oil itself. To reduce discolouration, you can add a drop of ivory liquid dye, which produces the same colour as natural soy wax.
Another issue with natural soy wax is frosting, which is a natural occurrence unique to vegetable waxes. Frosting is caused by the growth of tiny crystals on the surface of the wax, and while it does not affect the performance of the candle, it can be unsightly. This is accelerated by over-agitating the wax, and it can be reduced by preheating your glassware and ensuring a consistent ambient temperature during the process.
The ambient temperature and humidity can also cause issues with the tops of your candles, causing an uneven finish. This can be remedied by increasing the pouring temperature incrementally. Fragrance oils can also cause holes and lumpy tops, and if added in too high a quantity, can lead to fragrance leaching, seeping, or bleeding.
Some other natural issues that can occur include air bubbles, which can be caused by stirring too vigorously, and surface cracking, which is caused by air bubbles and wax shrinkage.
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UV light
Exposure to UV light can cause soy candles to discolour and fade, similar to how sunlight fades fabrics. Over time, even dye-free candles will turn yellow, and dyed soy wax will eventually lose its colour. To prevent this, a UV inhibitor can be added to the candle to block the UV light and stop any fading and yellowing.
Another cause of discolouration is fragrance mixing issues. If the fragrance oil is not correctly mixed with the melted wax, it will not completely bond with the soy wax and will sink to the bottom of the container. This will result in a yellowish discolouration.
Additionally, frosting can occur on soy candles over time, causing a white, powdery, or frosty appearance. This is caused by the natural wax molecules re-crystallizing and forming visible crystals on the surface of the candle. While frosting is purely a cosmetic issue and does not affect the candle's performance, it can be reduced by preheating glassware and ensuring candles cool at room temperature in a draft-free space.
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Wax cooling too quickly
To prevent this issue, it is important to ensure even cooling. Placing your candles on a wire cooling rack, rather than a solid surface, can help. Solid surfaces, especially granite and marble, will pull heat from the bottom of the jar, causing the wax to cool too quickly and shrink, pulling away from the glass. Allowing enough airflow around your candles as they cool will also encourage an even rate of cooling.
Another factor to consider is the presence of air bubbles in the wax. Vigorous stirring can produce air bubbles in your melted soy wax, which can then lead to imperfections in the finished candle. To prevent this, avoid over-stirring your wax and gently tap the container after pouring to help any air bubbles escape to the top.
Additionally, the temperature at which you pour your wax is important. Pouring at a lower temperature can help reduce crystal formations that occur once the wax hardens. Begin adjusting your pour temperature in small increments of 5°F until you find the ideal temperature for your workspace. It is also important to let your candles cool slowly at room temperature in a draft-free area.
If you do end up with a rough surface on your cooled candles, there are ways to correct this. You can use a heat gun to melt the surface slightly and fill in any cracks or imperfections. Alternatively, you can slowly pour a thin layer of leftover wax over the top of your candle to create a smooth surface.
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Air bubbles
Another reason for air bubbles is the rapid cooling of the wax. When soy wax cools too quickly, it can cause the wax to shrink and pull away from the tealight holder, resulting in an uneven surface. This can be avoided by placing your candles on a wire cooling rack instead of a solid surface. Solid surfaces, especially those made of granite or marble, can draw heat away from the candle, accelerating the cooling process and causing the wax to contract and separate from the glass.
Stirring the wax too vigorously is another factor that can introduce air bubbles into your soy candles. Over-agitating the melted wax increases and accelerates the crystallization process, leading to a frosted appearance and potential air bubble formation. To mitigate this, it is recommended to preheat your glass containers to reduce the speed and extent of frosting. However, ensure that the containers are not heated above 100°F for safety.
Additionally, allowing sufficient airflow around your candles as they cool is crucial. When glass containers are placed in close proximity, the adjacent sides retain heat, causing those areas to cool more slowly than the rest of the jar. By providing adequate airflow, you promote an even cooling rate, reducing the likelihood of air bubble formation.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural ingredients in fragrance oils, such as vanillin, citrus oils, and cinnamon, can cause discolouration over time. This is a common variable when using natural ingredients.
To reduce or eliminate discolouration, try adding a UV inhibitor to block UV light and prevent fading and yellowing. Alternatively, add a small amount of ivory dye to neutralise the yellow tint and achieve a more natural, uniform soy colour.
Frosting is a natural occurrence in soy wax candles, caused by the growth of tiny crystals on the surface of the wax. It is unique to vegetable waxes and indicates that you are using 100% natural soy wax.
To reduce frosting, preheat your glass containers and ensure your candles cool slowly and evenly at room temperature (70-76°F is ideal). Avoid exposing your candles to temperature fluctuations, and consume them within six months of making them.
Wet spots can be caused by temperature fluctuations during the cooling process. To prevent this, increase the pour temperature slightly and keep your candles in a warm place, especially overnight.
