If you’ve ever made your own soy candles, you know that one of the most frustrating things about them can be when they start to develop what’s called “soy wax frosting.” Candle frosting is when the surface of the candle becomes white and cloudy, and it’s usually caused by temperature changes.
While soy wax frosting doesn’t affect the candle’s performance, it can be pretty unsightly. If you’re selling soy candles, Candle customers may even think that the frosting is a sign that the candle is of poor quality, which is simply not true frosting can happen to any wax type but is most common in soy.
What Causes Soy Wax Frosting?
The main cause of soy wax frosting is temperature changes. When soy wax is heated (like when it’s being melted for pouring), the molecules expand. Then, when the candle cools and the wax solidifies again, the molecules contract. This process of expansion and contraction can cause small amounts of soy wax to be pushed to the surface of the candle, where it then cools and becomes frosting.
How To Prevent Candle Frosting?
The best way to prevent soy wax frosting is to pour your candles at a lower temperature. For most soy waxes, the ideal pouring temperature is between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you pour at too high of a temperature, the soy wax will be more likely to develop frosting.
Another way to prevent candle frosting is to avoid sudden temperature changes. So, if you’re pour candles on a hot day, try to keep them in a cool, dark place until they’re completely solidified. And if you’re making candles in the winter, be sure to warm up the soy wax before you start pouring.
How To Fix Candle Frosting?
If your candles have already developed frosting, there are a few ways to fix it. One way is to simply scrape off the frosting with a sharp knife. This will remove the top layer of frosting, but it may also remove some of the wax beneath it.
Another way to fix candle frosting is to melt the frosting with a heat gun more on this later in the article.
Some of the time your soy candles are going to develop frosting, even if you do everything perfectly, fortunately there are a few easy ways to try and prevent soy wax frosting. Here are 4 of them:
1. Store your soy candles in a cool, dry place.
One of the main reasons why soy wax frosting occurs is because of temperature changes. When soy wax is exposed to extreme heat or cold, it can start to develop frosting.
To prevent this, make sure to store your soy candles in a cool, dry place. A closet or cupboard away from any windows or heat sources is ideal.
2. Avoid drastic temperature changes.
If you can, try to avoid exposing your soy candles to drastic temperature changes.
Allow them to cure over a longer time at a steady temperature. Putting them in the fridge to cure can cause the wax to contract and expand too quickly, which can lead to soy wax frosting.
3. Use a lower pouring temperature.
When you’re making soy candles, try to pour at a lower temperature.
For most soy waxes, the ideal pouring temperature is between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Pouring at a lower temperature will help to prevent soy wax frosting. As there is no drastic change to temperature.
4. Use A Wax Blend
One of the most effective and time saving ways to reduce the chance of your wax frosting is to use a wax blend. Candle science has come along way in recent years and Candle manufacturers have created some great products.
Using a blend of soy and other waxes can create just as beautiful candles, with the added benefit of no frosting to deal with.
Get one of our favourite soy wax blends here.
Can You Fix A Candle That Already Has Frosting?
The short answer is yes most of the time. Here’s a few ways you can fix soy wax frosting:
1. Scrape it off with a sharp knife.
This is the simplest way to remove frosting from a soy candle. Just take a sharp knife and scrape off the frosted wax from the surface of the candle. The only downside to this method is it can leave your candle looking a little scruffy.
2. Use a heat gun to melt the frosting.
If your candles have already developed frosting, you can use a heat gun to melt it away, this is our favourite method.
Simply hold the heat gun a few inches away from the frosting and wave it back and forth until the frosting has melted. Then, let the candle cool and enjoy! This method is both quick and easy.
Learn more about heat guns for candle making in The Ultimate Candle Making Supplies Guide!
3. Hide it!
This ones as simple as it sounds put it in a decorated jar or tin and no one will ever know. Candle frosting isn’t harmful, it just looks a little unsightly. Get a little creative and there are loads of ways to disguise the frosting!
Take a look at some ways to hide frosting.
Commonly Asked Questions
Does frosting affect candles?
Frosting will not affect the scent , burn time or performance of your candle. It is purely cosmetic.
Should I throw away a soy candle with frosting?
No, you don’t need to throw away your candle. As we mentioned before, Candle frosting is purely cosmetic and will not affect how your candle burns.
Does Tempering the wax stop frosting?
No, The tempering of wax has nothing to do with frosting. Candle manufacturers temper the wax to make it easier to work with and to get a consistent finish on the candle. If anything tempering your wax will increase the chance of frosting as it can make the surface of your candles uneven.
Conclusion
Soy wax frosting is just a part of candle craft. Look at some of the big name brands candles from time to time and you will see even there candles which are mass produced in perfect conditions sometimes develop frosting.
That doesn’t mean you have to live with it! By following the tips in this article, you can hopefully avoid soy wax frosting altogether, and create beautiful candles that everyone will love.
And, if your candles do happen to develop frosting, you will know exactly what to do to fix them.
Candle on, my friend! Candle on!
If you enjoyed this article be sure to check out our Candles and Wax melts section!
