Soy Candle Making – Making Soy Candles – Make Soy Candles
The popularity of soy candle making is growing fast. The reason for this, is that soy candles are natural and they also burn a lot cleaner than the common alternative (paraffin). However, soy wax is slightly more expensive than paraffin. But the keen soy candle making enthusiasts willing to spend that extra bit more will be amazed by the results obtained from using soy wax.
As I mentioned before, soy wax is natural. This is because it is actually a vegetable wax, comprised of soy beans. Oil is evoked out of the soy bean flakes, and then it is hydrogenated. Let’s talk now about why soy candles are ‘cleaner’ than paraffin candles. The answer is actually quite simple, also candles emit some form of soot. This is merely an unavoidable issue that we as candle makers have to deal with. Paraffin candles give out a black soot when lit, whereas soy candles emit a white soot. Now soot in and off itself is not harmful to us as humans. But white smoke is cleaner and has less affects on the surroundings when compared to black soot.
The process of soy candle making is identical to that of making paraffin candles. You use the same equipment, plus you can still use a double boiler for melting the wax. However, the types of candles that you are able to produce with soy is limited in comparison to that of paraffin. What I mean by this is, that soy wax is a much softer wax, meaning that it simple will not be suitable for all types of candles. For example, you will not be able to make pillar candles using soy. Neither will you be able to use soy to make taper candles. You can however make floating soy candles, but again there are restrictions as, if you’re going to use soy to make floating candles. They have to be up to 3 inches in diameter.
Furthermore, you will likely run in to difficulties with soy candle making if you’re intending on making your own novelty candles, and unique designs. Again for the same reason, that the wax is a lot softer.
The bottom line is this, if you can make candles using paraffin wax, then you are more than capable of making candles using soy wax. Both waxes can hold scents and both waxes hold color. So in the end it all comes down to your personal preference, I highly recommend that you experiment with both types of wax. For in the end, only you can decide which you like the best.
