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Soy wax begins to coagulate and thicken soon after pouring it into a candle holder or container. The time it takes for the soy wax to completely harden depends on the size of the candle, as well as ambient temperature and air circulation. Generally, small candles set in around half an hour while large candles can take up to two hours. To speed up the process, you can place your finished candles in the refrigerator until wax has hardened. For added protection against debris or dust settling on your candles before they fully set, place a paper towel over the top and secure with a rubber band. After several hours (and once cooled), your soy wax candles are ready to be lit and enjoyed!
Introduce Different Types of Wax
Soy wax is a popular option for candle making, due to its natural and sustainable ingredients. It typically takes around 1-2 hours for soy wax to harden once it has been melted and poured into the container of your choice. However, other types of wax have different hardening times and properties that may require either a faster or slower process.
Beeswax is another natural, long burning wax that is often used for candle making. BeeIt is slightly harder than regular paraffin and soy waxes, therefore it generally takes between 2-4 hours for the wax to become firm enough to handle or pick up without deforming its shape.
Paraffin wax is petroleum-based, and can be bought in block form or as pre-melted pellets. Paraffin melts quicky and melts at a higher temperature than bee or soywax. On average, paraffin will take 1-3 hours to cool down and set firmly, depending on the size of your candle container.
Cite Experts
According to the National Candle Association, soy wax will typically harden in three to four hours. They suggest that for best results, when pouring liquid wax into candle holders, it should be left undisturbed for two hours so the candle can begin to cool and form a solid layer on top. Once the initial hardening process is complete and you notice a light sheen forming on top of the wax, you can scoop any remaining liquid from your holder.
Candle makers often recommend speeding up this process with a few simple steps. For example, freezing the candle in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or storing it in an ice cold environment can expedite cooling time significantly. Candle makers also point out that reducing pour temperature can help hasten cooling as well; by allowing your soy wax to cool off between 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit before pouring into your container, it should noticeably reduce time spent waiting for it to harden completely. Additionally, using gel containers specifically made for candles will also help hold heat longer which can improve and speed up hardening time.
Recommendations
Soy wax hardens in approximately 30-45 minutes depending on the type, amount of wax and climatic conditions. Different types and brands of soy wax have varying melting points, so make sure to read the instructions that come with your specific brand. Generally, once melted in a suitable container at the right temperature, you can pour the soy wax into molds or other shapes and expect it to cool quickly.
If you want to work with soy wax, there are several different brands to consider:
Golden Wax 464 Soy Wax: This is a popular choice for candle makers because it has a low melting point (118-126°F). It produces candles that burn cleanly and gives consistent results each time. Golden Wax also offers accessories such as specialty wick pins, wicks and metal containers.
EcoSoya Q210 Soy Wax: This plant-based wax is 100% natural and vegan-friendly. It comes in various colors including white and yellow, allowing for scented candles with different hues. EcoSoya also has primers, adhesives and toners available for their soy candles.
PureNature CB Advanced Soy 640: This advanced formula allows for an increased hot scent throw while burning and produces smooth pouring results at low temperatures. It also includes additives which help reduce frosting or sweating of your finished product after cooling. PureNature offers soy molds specifically designed for their advanced formula candle making waxes.
No matter which type of soy wax you choose, it’s important to follow instructions carefully when melting it down in order to get great results each time! Make sure to keep track of temperatures during the pouring process as well since too much heat can cause premature hardening which will ruin your finished product.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Soy wax will start to harden within 4 – 8 hours after pouring, depending on the size and thickness of your container. However, it is recommended to wait 24 hours to ensure that the wax is completely solidified before use. To prevent air bubbles when pouring soy wax, pour steadily and consistently into the container with a smooth motion; make sure not to pour too quickly. Another tip to avoid air bubbles is to pause occasionally while you’re pouring and give the wax time to settle into even layers; this will help minimize any air pockets that could trickle down later in the curing process. Lastly, if you notice any larger-than-normal bubbles on the surface of your candle when it has cooled down, you can always put your candle in a warm area (such as a sunny window) for several minutes; this will cause the hotter wax around the bubbles to expand outward and flatten them out.
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.
