How to reduce frosting in soy wax scented candles
Frosting (also called glaze) is a byproduct of natural wax and is caused by the growth of tiny crystals on the wax surface. All soy wax will eventually frost over time, but fortunately, frosting is only an aesthetic issue and does not affect how the candle burns or smells.
Tips to Reduce Frosting in Soy Candles
Stir the wax gently…
Excessive stirring of melted soy wax can increase and/or accelerate the crystallization process, which creates the frosted appearance.
Preheat your containers…
Preheating containers can help reduce the rate and extent to which soy wax candles frost. You can easily preheat containers in a warm oven at the lowest setting. Make sure not to heat containers above 40°C, and handle hot containers with care.
Pour at a lower temperature…
Pouring at a lower temperature can help reduce crystal formations that occur as the wax sets. Start adjusting the pour temperature in 5°C increments.
Allow poured candles to cool slowly…
Ensure your candles cool at room temperature (21–25°C is ideal) in a draft-free space. Placing candles on a wire cooling rack can also help them cool evenly and prevent additional heat transfer that can occur if they are cooling directly on a solid surface or countertop.
Additional methods to reduce frosting:
- Preheat the container/mold in a warm oven, no higher than 40°C.
- Pour the wax at a lower temperature to reduce crystal formation.
- Try making uncolored soy candles; adding color makes frosting more visible.
- Cool at room temperature and keep away from cold spots while the wax is warm.
- Place candles on a wire cooling rack so that the table or countertop doesn’t draw heat from the bottom too quickly.
- Add a small amount of coconut or palm oil.
- Pour in two layers: first pour about three-quarters of the container, let the wax set, then pour the remaining wax at the lowest possible temperature.
