Maddie James
Soy wax is widely considered the best wax for container candles due to its extended burn time, minimal soot burn, and great scent throw. It is also the safest and most eco-friendly option, as it has no toxins and burns cleanly. However, with a huge variety of container candle waxes available, candle makers must weigh the pros and cons of different waxes to determine which is best for their specific needs and preferences. For example, while soy wax is excellent for transmitting the scent of essential oils, achieving a strong fragrance throw with soy wax flakes can be more challenging than with paraffin wax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of wax | Soy wax |
| Wax form | Flakes, pellets, blocks |
| Wax brand | Golden Brands 464, Candle Science Soy Wax, KeraSoy 4130 Soy Container Wax, EcoSoya CB-Advanced Soy Container Wax, Cargill Naturewax C-1, Cargill Naturewax C-3, Ecosoya Q210, Ecosoya Q220, Ecosoya Q230, Ecosoya Quantum, Ecosoya Advanced Container Soy Wax, Golden Brands 416, Golden Brands 435, Blended Waxes Pillar Soy Wax (BW-921), Ecosoya PB Pillar Soy Wax |
| Container type | Glass, jars, tins |
| Container material | Clear glass, amber jars, mason jars |
| Container size | 8 oz candle tins |
| Wick type | Cotton, braided cotton, CD 18 |
| Scent | Essential oils, Fragrance oils, Oakmoss and Amber |
| Colour | Vibrant colours, white |
| Burn time | Extended burn time |
| Soot | Little to no soot |
| Scent throw | Excellent |
| Frosting | Minimal |
| Curing time | 7-14 days |
| Cost | $6 per candle |
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What You'll Learn
Soy wax is best for container candles
Soy wax is ideal for container candles due to its extended burn time, minimal soot, and excellent scent throw. It is also a safer and more eco-friendly option, with no toxins, making it less likely to trigger allergies. Soy wax is also versatile, allowing for vibrant colours and customisation with essential oils or fragrance oils.
Soy wax is a popular choice for container candles due to its ability to provide an even burn and its compatibility with various containers, such as trendy straight-sided containers, classic apothecary jars, or simple candle tins. It adheres well to the walls of the container, ensuring a neat appearance. Additionally, soy wax is known for its semi-matte finish, which is appealing to consumers.
When choosing soy wax for container candles, there are several options available. KeraSoy 4130 Soy Container Wax is a popular choice for beginners, offering a maximum fragrance load of 10%. CandleScience also offers a range of soy waxes, including AAK Golden Brands 415 and 464, the latter of which is made from American-grown soybeans and comes in flake form for easy handling.
For those seeking an advanced option, EcoSoya CB-Advanced Soy Container Wax is an all-natural choice with a maximum fragrance load of up to 12%. This wax is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested. However, it does have a longer curing time, requiring 7-14 days for optimal results.
Soy wax is a great option for container candles, offering customisation, a clean burn, and excellent fragrance transmission. With its versatility and eco-friendly nature, soy wax is an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced candle makers.
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$16.79 $18.99
The benefits of soy wax over paraffin wax
When it comes to making candles, soy wax and paraffin wax are two of the most popular options. Soy wax is made from soybean oil, while paraffin wax is derived from petroleum byproducts. While both have their pros and cons, there are several benefits to using soy wax over paraffin wax.
Health and Environmental Benefits
Soy wax is a natural, hydrogenated vegetable oil that turns solid at room temperature. It contains nothing artificial and is non-toxic, making it a healthier option for both the environment and humans. On the other hand, paraffin wax releases toxins and harmful substances when burned, such as benzene, which has been classified as a carcinogen. Paraffin wax is also derived from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource, unlike soybeans.
Clean Burning and Scent Retention
Soy wax is known for its clean-burning properties, producing little to no soot, and is less likely to trigger allergies. While both soy and paraffin waxes can create soot, paraffin wax is more likely to compromise air quality by emitting chemicals such as alkans, alkenes, and toluene. However, it is important to note that soy wax candles can also emit chemicals, especially if the soybeans are grown using pesticides.
Colour and Scent Options
Soy wax is an excellent choice for creating candles with vibrant colours and strong scents. It holds colour and scent well, allowing for a wide range of options in candle-making. While soy wax may not hold scent as well as paraffin wax, it still offers a great scent throw and can be used with a variety of fragrances.
Longevity and Cost-Effectiveness
Soy wax tends to have a longer burn time than paraffin wax, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run. Its higher density requires more heat to burn, resulting in slower burning candles. Additionally, soy wax is made from renewable resources, which can make it more affordable when purchased in bulk.
In summary, soy wax offers several advantages over paraffin wax, including health and environmental benefits, clean burning, colour and scent options, and longevity. However, it is important to consider the specific needs and preferences of each candle-making project when choosing the most suitable wax.
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Choosing the right container for your soy candle
Soy wax is the most popular choice for container candles. It provides an even burn and holds fragrance and colour well, resulting in a strong scent throw. Soy wax is also eco-friendly, non-toxic, and affordable, especially in bulk. It is also known for its extended burn time and lack of soot burn.
When choosing a container for your soy candle, you have endless options. Popular choices include mason jars, trendy straight-sided containers, and classic apothecary jars. You can also use candle tins, which are simple and easy to find. If you opt for a clear container, you may want to consider the appearance of the wax, as soy wax can have a bumpy or cratered surface after burning, and may be prone to frosting over time.
The type of container you choose will also determine the size of the wick you need. Wicks are chosen based on the wax and the width of the container. A correctly sized wick is important for creating a candle with a strong fragrance throw and a clean, even burn.
If you plan to reuse your containers, be sure to clean them thoroughly between uses. To clean your jars, put them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and place them in the oven at 200°F until the wax melts. Then, carefully wipe the containers clean with a paper towel.
With so many container options to choose from, you can get creative and express yourself with your soy candles. Whether you choose a simple jar or a trendy container, the right combination of soy wax and container will result in a beautiful and functional candle.
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How to make a soy candle
Soy wax is a great option for container candles due to its extended burn time, minimal soot, and great scent throw. It is also eco-friendly, non-toxic, and provides an even burn. Soy wax is also versatile, allowing for scented or unscented candles, as well as colourful or plain options.
To make soy candles, you will need a handful of supplies, including:
- Soy wax flakes
- Essential oils or fragrance oils
- Dye blocks or liquid dye (optional for colour)
- Containers (glass jars, amber jars, or other creative containers)
- Wicks and metal tabs
- Clothespin
- Wooden popsicle stick
- Glue (optional)
- Double boiler or heat-proof container
- Newspaper or parchment paper
- Tea towels or pot holders
- Prepare your workspace by laying out newspapers to protect the surface from any spills.
- Create a double boiler by placing about two inches of water in a pot and setting a heat-proof container or canning jar ring in the centre. Place your soy wax container on top.
- Add 1.5 cups of soy wax flakes to the container. If you are making two 8-ounce candles, you can double the amount of wax.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat until the wax completely melts.
- Meanwhile, prepare your containers by securing a wick to the bottom of each with a little glue or melted wax. Thread the top of the wick through a clothespin, which will help centre the wick.
- Once the wax has melted, remove the container from the heat and add your choice of essential or fragrance oils. Use a wooden popsicle stick to mix well.
- With a steady hand, carefully pour the melted wax into your containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Reposition the clothespin to ensure the wick remains centred.
- Allow the wax to harden for approximately 1-2 hours, then remove the clothespin and trim the wick to the desired length.
- Your soy candle is now ready to be lit! Alternatively, you can seal the lid and store it in a cool cabinet for later use.
Remember, soy wax is known for its bumpy or cratered surface after burning, and it may develop tiny crystal formations called frosting over time. This is natural and does not affect the performance of your candle. Enjoy your homemade soy candles or gift them to your loved ones!
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Different types of soy wax
Soy wax is widely regarded as the best wax for container candles due to its extended burn time, minimal soot, and great scent throw. It is also the most eco-friendly option, as it is non-toxic and has a clean burn. However, soy wax is not the best option for every type of candle. For example, paraffin wax is better for taper and pillar candles as it holds colour well and is very versatile.
There are many different types of soy wax, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular varieties:
KeraSoy 4130 Soy Container Wax
This wax is ideal for beginners as it can come in pellet, block, or flake form, making it very easy to work with. It has a maximum fragrance load of 10%.
EcoSoya CB-Advanced Soy Container Wax
This all-natural, advanced soy wax comes in pellet form and has a maximum fragrance load of up to 12%. It is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested. However, it has a long curing time and a narrow temperature range for melting and pouring.
AAK Golden Brands 415
This wax is 100% soy and has an excellent fragrance throw. However, the finish may not be as consistently pleasing as other waxes.
AAK Golden Brands 464
This wax is made from American-grown soybeans and has an excellent fragrance throw. It is widely used for wax melts due to its higher melting point.
NatureWax C-3 Premium Soy Wax
This wax is formulated for container candles and tealights. It offers excellent adhesion and a smooth finish.
Golden Wax
Golden Wax is a newer brand of soy wax that has quickly become a favourite among candle-makers. They offer both pure soy container waxes and enhanced soy container waxes, as well as a soy wax for tarts and melts.
Blended Waxes Pillar Soy Wax (BW-921)
This wax has a very good scent throw, vibrant colours, and minimal frosting. It is ideal for pillar candles, which can be used as decor items.
Ecosoya PB Pillar Soy Wax
This all-natural, 100% soy wax has a very good scent throw, achieves vibrant colours, and releases easily from molds.
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Frequently asked questions
There are endless container options for soy candles, from mason jars to trendy straight-sided containers to classic apothecary jars. The type of container you choose will depend on your personal preference.
Soy wax is best for container candles. It provides an even burn and has an extended burn time, little to no soot burn, and a great scent throw.
Soy wax is a natural, eco-friendly option that has no toxins. It is also cheaper to buy in bulk and has a longer burn time compared to paraffin wax.
The type of wick you use will depend on the wax and the width of the container. A correctly sized wick is important for creating a candle with a strong fragrance throw and a clean, even burn.
The process for making soy container candles includes weighing out the wax, melting the wax, adding fragrance, pouring the wax into containers, and allowing the candles to cool.
