Different Types of Soy Wax and Their Features

Soy wax is chosen over paraffin wax because it is more environmentally friendly, healthier, burns longer, has fewer chemicals, makes less soot, and emits less pollution. It also produces less heat.

Soy wax is a type of vegetable wax produced from soybean oil. The beans are cleaned, cracked, stripped of their skins, and then rolled into flakes after harvesting. From the flakes, the oil will be extracted and hydrogenated. The best way to distinguish between them is as follows!

General Characteristics

Performance

Soy wax is often softer than paraffin, though it has a higher density. This dense composition of soy wax means it can be more difficult for wicks to throw the scent without using an overly thick one.

As a result, the hot throw from soy wax may not be as pronounced in comparison to paraffin.

Shipping

When it comes to waxes, two of the most popular are GW 464 and Cargill NatureWax C-3 – both of which come in a flake form. This makes them much easier to work with than paraffin, which is often sold in brick-like slabs. However, there are also soy waxes that come in a blocky structure as well.

Many companies offer different service levels when it comes to shipping waxes. Generally, you can choose between regular ground shipping and expedited options that get your order delivered faster.

All waxes should be shipped with extra care; too much heat can cause them to melt or ignite.

Chemistry

The chemical process behind the industry’s most commonly used waxes, soy, and paraffin are fascinating. The average melt point for soy is 124 °F, while paraffin has a higher melting point of 131 °F. So why does this matter?

In terms of containers, lower melt points make soy ideal since it is more malleable than its counterpart. However, paraffin may be better suited when it comes to applications requiring thermal hardiness.

When heating the wax for use in candles or other products, it’s important to ensure that the temperature reaches at least 185 °F – anything less could result in a lower-quality product.

Additionally, due to differences between batches of wax and other natural variations, sometimes it’s necessary to keep the wax at high temperatures for an extended period of time to reduce moisture content.

A common issue observed with soy wax candles is “frosting” – white crystal-like formations on the outside of the wax. This polymorphic behavior can be attributed to changes in temperature and time, making it difficult, if not impossible, to prevent or avoid frosting altogether.

In some cases, though, businesses have taken advantage of these cosmetically unappealing formations in order to demonstrate how natural their product is visually.

Finally, one must consider the curing process when creating pure soy candles – allowing a period of up two weeks after construction for them to harden and bond with any fragrances used within them properly.

The outcome is increased scent throw and reduced issues like frosting (though this isn’t always guaranteed). Curing will also help create a more robust candle overall that should last longer than one that hasn’t been adequately cured post-creation.

Type 415

415 Soy Wax is an additive-free, all-natural soy container wax. It is fragrance-free and perfect for mixing with paraffin or other types of wax.

It has a melting point between 121 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a little higher, and it melts quickly to keep a stronger scent load. It can also be used on its own, but to prevent frosting, the tops might need to be refinished. With its single pour and smooth, re-congealed burn pool, it can maintain a higher aroma load and blend in well with other waxes.

Created especially for use in container candles. It may not have the best finish or cleanliness compared to other waxes, and it does not always stay lit, but that is because it is entirely made of soy.

Type 444

A natural wax that contains a soy-based ingredient, 444 Soy Wax, aids in preventing frosting. Due to its soy-based component and higher melting point, it may be able to hold a higher fragrance load and intensify the scent.

It is designed for candle containers and blends well with some other waxes, such as paraffin, slack, and microcrystalline wax, but never with beeswax. It has a melting point of 119–125°F. The recommended pouring temperature is between 125°F and 145°F.

Benefits of Type 444:

1. It includes a soy-based ingredient that reduces icing and increases scent throw.
2. High scent load is possible; 9 to 11 percent fragrance loading is feasible.
3. Looks rich and silky.
4. Flakes are available.
5. There is no need for additives.
6. Candles retain their shape better in warmer climates due to a higher melt point.

Some Instructions:

1. The wax should be warmed to about 185 degrees.
2. Add color if necessary, then thoroughly combine.
3. Add candle fragrance if necessary, then fully combine.
4. In order for the candles to adhere to the jar and have a smooth finish, let them cool slowly.
5. Please wait at least 24 hours before lighting.
6. To find the best lighting conditions, which differ depending on the type of wax, aroma, color, and container size being used, wick experimentation is advised.

Type 464

The best option for beginners making container candles is 464 soy wax. The maximum essential oil content is 12 percent. Additionally, its melting point of 45–48 °C makes it very practical to use—the mold temperature is 57 °C.

Use American soy bean wax, which has a soybean base additive and can improve bottle wall adhesion, reduce frost, and disperse flavor.

C-3 Naturewax

Naturewax C-3 superior wax is a soy wax developed to provide superior quality and performance for container candles and tealights. Candles with high fragrance retention have a pleasant cold throw perfume that attracts customers and encourages impulse purchases at the point of sale.

Additionally, when burned, they offer a stronger scent, boosting client satisfaction and brand loyalty. Further, the C-3 single-pour container wax sticks to containers well.

More info:

• The kind of wax used is natural soy wax.
• The melting point between 125 and 130 °F
• The maximum fragrance of 7%
• The suggested pour temperature is 125° F.
• Having a smooth, opaque appearance
• Use in: Jars or tealights
• Two recommended wick series are CD Wicks and ECO Wicks.
• Over 600 °F flash point

C-6 Naturewax

Naturewax C-6 superior wax, a blend of coconut and soy, is appropriate for container candles and tealights. This wax, when properly applied, provides a smooth finish on top, has a lovely white finish, is intended to attach to the sides of jars, and is a single perfect pour wax.

More info:

• The type of wax used is natural coconut/soy wax.
• The melting point of 124 °F
• The maximum fragrance of 6%
• The recommended pour temperature is between 160 and 170 °F.
• Appearance: opaque and smooth
• For Use In Containers or Tealights
• A recommended Wick Series is CD Wicks.
• over 600 °F flash point

What is the Difference Between 444 and 464 Soy Wax

444 is a soy container wax, just like its cousin 464. Contrarily, 444 has a few variations that might be more suitable for your candle-making requirements. Let’s examine a few things to remember when working with 444 soy wax for the first time.

Melting

• 444 wax has a higher melting point and is more durable than 464 wax.
• 119 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit is the temperature range, as opposed to 113 to 119 degrees for 464 wax.
• This wax is a fantastic option if you want to ensure that your candles don’t weaken or melt in warm weather.
• Use a double boiler or special candle melter to prevent scorching or burning, just as you would with 464 and other soy waxes.
• Do not panic if the wax begins to clump together. This is typical; you can break up the clumps with your stirring tool.
• Before you start, make sure you only use fragrances that are permitted for use in candles.

Fragrance

Similar to 464 wax, 444 wax has a maximum scent hold of 10% or 1.6 ounces per pound of wax.

But we advise beginning with a scent load of 6%, or one ounce per pound.

Keep in mind that more fragrance does not necessarily equal a stronger scent, and too much scent can burn.

Wicking

The wick you select impacts a lot of the candle’s properties.

Using 464 wax and the CD wick and ECO series is advised. For more information on how to choose the best wick for the candles, see our wicks guide.

The way the candles turn out could depend on the temperature at which they are poured.

Frosting

444 is significantly more prone to icing than 464, as we’ve found.

The frosting is a typical occurrence and has nothing to do with how the candle burns or smells.

You can lessen the icing effect by heating your jars and glasses before pouring. To cover up any icing that happens, you can also use opaque containers, like candle tents, and refrain from painting your candles.

For the best results, give your soy candles two weeks to cure.

This will help the candles’ scent throw to be as strong as possible.

Summary

Everyone likes to add home accessories to liven up their personal space. The most common candles are decorative ones. They provide a corner of our house with great warmth, making it feel cozier.

Commercial candles are attractive but expensive and have a short lifespan. Making candles at home is simple and affordable with just a few materials. All three types of candle wax—beeswax, paraffin, and soy—are excellent choices, but we’ll concentrate on soy wax because it is the most widely used.

Soy wax is one of the most widely used materials for candles because it is completely renewable, environmentally friendly, and carbon-neutral. They last longer than paraffin wax because they are made from soybeans and burn more slowly and cleanly.

The most widely used soy waxes are 444, 415, and 464 by Golden Wax.

We recommend studying:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-choose-soy-wax-464-444-415-amanda-zhang
https://www.lonestarcandlesupply.com/candle-making/candle-wax/soy-wax
https://www.candlescience.com/getting-started-with-444-soy-wax/