Soy Candles
Soy – The Healthy Candle Wax
By Amanda Toop
If you are looking for a candle wax that is inexpensive, natural, and healthy then you could not make a better choice than soy. What do you think of when you think of soy? If you are like most people you probably think of food like tofu. These days soy is used for so much more.
History
Beeswax was traditionally the only “natural” alternative for candle making. Unfortunately beeswax is also expensive. In 1992 Michael Richards investigated finding a cost effective natural wax, this led to the discovery of soy wax. The first waxes were actually blends of soy, coconut, and palm oil. It was not until 1996 that a stable 100% soy wax was developed.
How is it Made?
Soy beans are dried and then crushed. The crushed soy beans are heated to high temperatures to liquefy the natural oils, which are then extracted by pressing the mixture. The resulting oil is then hydrogenated to create a solid, which is what we know as “soy wax.”
Wax Types
Wax can be purchased in flake or block form. Many people report that flake wax is the easiest to use and measure. Like other waxes, soy wax comes in different formulations depending on different uses. If you want to make a container candle, 100% soy will work well as it is soft and has a lower melting point. If instead you want to make pillars or votives, look for a wax with a higher melting point or a combination of additives to make the wax stronger. The only issue to keep in mind when choosing wax is this – there are no existing government regulations governing the composition of soy wax. This means, if 100% purity is important to you be sure to contact the supplying company.
Advantages
Soy wax spills can be easily cleaned up with soap and water. Furthermore, all of the equipment you use to make your candles can go straight into the dishwasher. Soy candles also release 90% less soot than paraffin candles while burning one and a half times longer.
Amanda is a candle making expert. For more great candle making information please visit http://candle-making-made-simple.com/soy-candle-wax/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop
http://EzineArticles.com/?Soy—The-Healthy-Candle-Wax&id=2743542
Soy candles made from 100% American grown soybeans and natural botanicals, no chemicals or paraffin in our special blend. 50 delicious fragrances to choose from. Our soy scented candles are clean burning, long lasting and made in the USA inside and out. Shop our scented soy candles, soy soap, room sprays, and electric tart melters. You’re sure to find something to Satisfy your Senses! Join our Candle of the Month program to receive our latest candles. Each auto-ship package contains a both an 11 oz and 20 oz Cascade candle, 4 oz room spray and a 6-pack of tart chunks.
