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How To Make Soy Wax Melts
In a world that has never been more conscious about sustainability and using reliably sourced products, chandlers are thinking more and more about what they use and where it comes from, be it wax or packaging, 2021 has seen businesses hurtling towards wellbeing, sustainability and veganism.
Today, you can now get vegan wax melts, natural wax melts, essential oil wax melts, paraben-free fragrances, soy wax and sustainable packaging making it even easier to access vegan friendly, sustainable and of course, handmade products. Soy wax is becoming a more and more popular choice for candles and wax melts amongst those in the industry.
So how do you make a soy wax melt? Let’s take a look!
First of all what are the benefits of using soy wax for wax melts?
Soy wax has so many benefits! Soy is preferred by many wax melt and candle makers because of its huge range of both marketing benefits and physical properties. On average, soy candles burn for upto to 50% longer than paraffin candles and melts giving you and your customers more for your money. Soy wax is also preferred because it is an excellent fragrance carrier that does not require chemical amplifiers or additives. The result is a well-balanced true to scent wax melt.
Soy wax is a renewable source unlike paraffin waxes, Soy occurs naturally and is environmentally friendly as it is made from renewable resources; whereas classic paraffin wax is made from petroleum and is non-renewable.
Lastly, one of the main reasons why chandlers prefer soy wax is because of its clean burn. Paraffin based waxes can release toxins, so many crafters tend to opt for soy for a cleaner burn and better quality of air!
Read our blog; Cruelty Free, Vegan and Biodegradable, What Do They Mean? To discover more about sustainable candle making!
What do I need?
To make soy wax melts you’re going to need a few things. Your chosen Soy Candle Wax, a Fragrance Oil, Candle Dye, Clamshell or Deli Pot, A Container to melt the wax in such as a wax melter or a bowl inside a pan, A Cooker or heat source to melt the wax, Pouring jug, Utensil to stir the wax, Thermometer and Weighing scales.
What is the best way to melt soy wax?
The most popular way to melt wax is using a double boiler but you can also use a microwave or ban marie method.
Place your chosen weighed out soy wax into your double boiler or bowl and heat gently and slowly to around 80°C. Don’t let your wax exceed this temperature as you risk damaging your wax rendering it useless. We highly recommend using a thermometer so that you are able to precisely measure the temperature of your wax throughout the process. When your wax reaches 70°C add your colour (if desired). Remove your wax from the heat and let it cool to around 65°C. You can now add your chosen fragrance if desired. Stir gently but thoroughly for a few minutes to ensure that the wax and fragrance bond.
You can discover more about melting wax in our blog; Best Ways To Melt Candle Wax.
What is the best way to pour soy wax?
When making wax melts your pour temperature will have to suit your chosen mould, if using a silicone mould you can pour at temperatures of around 60°C, if you are using plastic moulds or clamshells we would recommend pouring at around 55°C to ensure that you don’t melt your mould.
How long wax melts take to set?
Usually your wax melts will be fully set within a few hours and will be removable from their moulds if you wish to re package them. However, it's important that you leave your wax melts to cure for at least 2 weeks before burning. ‘Cure time’ is where you leave your melts to mature, allowing your wax melts time for the fragrance to fully develop and bind with the wax, the longer you leave your melts to cure the better hot throw you will get when burning.
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