# Candle Making Soy Wax Issues
Soy wax is a great way to make your own candles at home. It is a renewable, sustainable material derived from a vegetable source, is easy to work with, and when melted it has an almost neutral pH level. Despite its many benefits, soy wax may cause some issues during the candle making process, depending on how it is used and stored.
## Problems Burning Soy Wax Candles
When burning soy candles, one of the most common issues is flickering. This usually occurs when the wick is too long or too thick, or the wax temperature is too low. Other problems that may be encountered include:
* Tunnelling: This occurs when the edges of the candle do not burn completely and the wick tunnels down the center of the candle.
* Uneven Burn Pool: This occurs when the candle doesn’t burn evenly, leaving a dip in the middle. This can be caused by improper wicking, or by burning the candle for too long without allowing it to cool.
## Issues with Wick Selection
One of the most critical elements when it making a soy wax candle is the wick. If the wick is too thin, the candle will burn out quickly and produce a weak flame. If the wick is too thick, it can cause an excessively large flame and smoke.
To select the correct wick type, you will need to consider the size and shape of the candle, the type of wax used, the scent and any additives or dyes that you may be using. If you want your candle to burn at a slower rate, use a thicker wick. If you want it to burn at a faster rate, use a thinner wick.
The wick also needs to be trimmed regularly to avoid soot buildup and to maintain a consistent burn.
## Issues with Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils are a great way to make your candles smell amazing, but they can cause some issues with your soy wax candles. Fragrance oils can sometimes cause discoloring in soy wax, and they can also inhibit the candle’s correct burning.
To avoid these issues, it is best to use high-quality, safe-to-use fragrance oils that are specifically formulated for soy wax candles.
## Issues with Containers
When melting and pouring soy wax, it should always be done in an appropriate container. Containers that are too small can cause wax to overflow, while containers that are too large can cause wick issues. It is also important to avoid low-grade containers, as they can be the source of off-odors and harsh fumes that contribute to an unpleasant burning experience.
## Conclusion
Although soy wax candles are a great way to make homemade candles, there are certain issues that need to be taken into consideration before beginning the candle making process. To avoid any problems related to wick, fragrance oil, and containers, it is best to select the highest quality supplies and to use the correct techniques when melting and pouring the wax.
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
