Expert: Neecie - 5/15/2007

Question
Hi,
When I make soy wax candles I get a white film over the wax once it dries. How can I prevent this? and what is causing it?

Answer
Hi Dana,
I have found over the years that soy wax is really quirky.  The white film you describe is one of those things that really want to make you pull your hair out.  As frustrating as it is, it's not easy to completely eliminate. What you are seeing is what is called "bloom" or "frosting".  It is one of those things that come along with using soy wax, it occurs naturally in soy wax.  It can develop anytime from as jars are cooling to several weeks later.  Some changes in temperature may make it "worse" too and dyes can affect how much you get. I think liquid dyes can make it worse as well.

Although there are things you can do to try to minimize its appearance, sometimes no matter what you do it shows up. What some candlemakers may do is add a little paraffin wax to diminish it. It can help, it's just trying to find the right ratio. I know some may fret over having added some paraffin into their creations. According to the Soybean Council, a candle made with 70% of soy is still considered a soy candle. You can also try slow cooling your candles. Slow cooling is putting your candles back within the box and letting them cool. I use Styrofoam containers and it helps some.  Trying to totally eliminate the white film from your soy candles is futile and trying to totally delaminate it is frustrating. Over the years, I've stopped fighting it and I've learned to appreciate the unique look it gives my soy candles.  Good luck to you!