{"id":6035,"date":"2022-03-09T17:12:01","date_gmt":"2022-03-10T01:12:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/?p=6035"},"modified":"2023-01-25T19:09:57","modified_gmt":"2023-01-26T03:09:57","slug":"can-you-mix-soy-and-paraffin-wax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/can-you-mix-soy-and-paraffin-wax\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Mix Soy and Paraffin Wax? (Explained for Beginners)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It may sound like opposite ends of the wax spectrum, but you can mix soy and paraffin wax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although one is considered toxic, and the other one natural, there are a number of reasons why blending them makes sense. Paraffin wax can add structure to soy wax, make its fragrance stronger, and prevent the lumpy texture that can appear on the surface of pure soy candles.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been trying to troubleshoot various challenges related to making 100% soy candles, then blending in paraffin wax might be a solution worth considering. Continue reading to discover if this is the right wax blend for you.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Why Mix Soy and Paraffin Wax?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Completely natural soy wax<\/a> is difficult to work with. Blending it with paraffin can produce a versatile wax blend. Blending these two waxes can be surprisingly beneficial. Here are some ways mixing soy and paraffin wax can lead to less complicated candle making:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Soy wax is too soft to effectively produce useful pillar and other molded candles. Typically, soy candles are poured into containers for this very reason. If you were to blend soy and paraffin wax, you would be able to create molded candles without a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fragrance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All soy wax has a weak cold and hot fragrance throw<\/a>. The exception is if you\u2019re using essential oils. Fragrance from essential oils tends to remain strong when added to 100% soy candles. But fragrance oils are a different story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paraffin wax has a very strong fragrance throw and works well with fragrance oils blended with essential oils.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you mix soy and paraffin wax, it\u2019ll result in a candle made with some natural ingredients and an irresistible scent. That\u2019s why companies like Bath & Body Works<\/a> combine soy and premium paraffin wax. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unattractive Surface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When using 100% soy candles, you might experience sunken holes on the surface of the candle. Rough lumps also appear upon cooling. Air bubbles and surface cracks<\/a> create frustration for candle makers using only soy wax as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With soy wax<\/a> you have to be more mindful of pour temperatures and air bubbles. You can troubleshoot these problems, but it\u2019s helpful not to have to go through the pouring process more than once. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soy wax blended with paraffin produces smooth, silky surfaces once the candle has cooled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frosting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nope, not taking about cake here. Because soy wax is all natural, small crystals can grow on its surface and sides. This collection of crystals is referred to as frosting<\/em>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s more visible on candles that have been colored. While it doesn\u2019t interfere with burn time or fragrance, it\u2019s simply unattractive even though soy candle color is less vibrant.<\/strong> On way to prevent frosting is to warm your containers prior to pouring in the soy wax. Frosting doesn’t occur when paraffin wax is blended in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coloring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Paraffin wax takes pigment<\/a> exceptionally well; soy wax does not. If you want to make candles that have rich, saturated hues, you\u2019ll have to blend soy with another wax. <\/strong>And since paraffin takes color so well, it\u2019d be a good match for colorful candles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mixing soy and paraffin wax not only adds vibrancy to the color of soy candles, it also prevents them from developing those annoying crystals that are more obvious on colored candles. <\/strong>Mixing in paraffin wax is one preventive measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poor Adherence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another challenge with all natural soy candles is that they don\u2019t always adhere to the wall of their container. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since these gaps or wet spots are only visible in transparent glass containers, it may help to heat them before pouring in your wax.<\/strong> Poor adherence is also the result of uneven cooling. This happens when some portions of the candle wax cool off faster than others. In addition to preventing poor adherence, preheating your glass containers can help to create conditions that allow for even cooling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, you can mix in paraffin wax and avoid this altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Paraffin wax alone looks, well, waxy. When combined with the creaminess of soy wax, you\u2019ll get a candle with a smooth, velvety texture. This makes for a more attractive candle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Wait, Isn\u2019t Paraffin Wax Toxic?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Soy wax is one of the most popular eco-friendly candle wax options. Paraffin is often pitted against soy wax, described as a toxic wax that produces black smoke and releases carcinogens into the air when burned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of the statements made in the video below align with this old narrative about paraffin wax:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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