Soy wax Candles

The candles I make are made from soy wax. They contain no paraffin oil (sourced from petroleum) so you can enjoy the burning experience without worrying about what your breathing in. Here are some tips and things to be aware of when using my candles. Enjoy!

​

Soy wax candles:  As mentioned above, candles purchased from the Paperbark Collective are made using pure soy wax. Why have I chosen to use Soy wax? For the following  reasons:

- 100% Natural

Soy candles are made from soybean oil - a natural, renewable source that grows easily in many regions. This is in contrast to traditional paraffin candles which are made from petroleum. Petroleum is a nonrenewable source that contains carcinogenic substances which are harmful to our bodies.

- Cleaner Burning

There are zero toxins, carcinogens or pollutants in 100% soy candles so they are less likely to trigger allergies. Soy wax is much healthier for us and the environment. This planet-friendly substance doesn't emit any harmful waste into our atmosphere. 

- Longer Lasting

Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax. This means that soy wax burns cooler and will last longer than paraffin candles. An extended candle life means that you can enjoy your beautiful candle for much longer.

- Stronger Smelling

A candle's scent is emitted into the air from the wax pool that surrounds the wick. Because the melting point of soy wax is lower than paraffin, this means that there is usually a larger pool around the wick, resulting in a much stronger aroma.

- Biodegradable

Since soybeans are a vegetable, soy wax is naturally biodegradable.

​

​

Uneven Surface: In soy wax candles, it can be quite common to see what looks like bumps and divots form on the surface of the candle as it cools and hardens after each use.  This happens when the rate of cooling is inconsistent. This unfortunately is not something we can control as it is a natural occurrence with soy wax. Sometimes the wax will re-solidify with a rough, uneven surface and other times as smooth as glass. The good news is that this is purely only a slight aesthetic flaw. It does not in any way effect the efficiency and function of the candle. Personally, I would rather see the small defects due to keeping my candles natural and healthy, than add chemicals just to achieve a "perfect look."

​

Burning Tips: When you light any candle, to get the very most out of them, make sure to burn your candle long enough to achieve a full melt pool. A full melt pool is when the melted wax pool around the candle flame reaches to the very edge of the candle container and no more solid wax is seen on the top layer. This process is important so that the candle burns down evenly and avoids tunneling. Candle tunneling happens when a candle burns down the centre, leaving hard wax around the circumference of the candle. The wax left over then becomes wasted as the candle will no longer be able to burn it. As the flame burrows further down the middle, the wick will become more and more difficult to light due to oxygen not being able to flow easily to it and will eventually be drowned by melting wax. Ideally to avoid tunneling and to achieve a full melt pool, you will want to burn your candle for about 2-4 hours per use. No more than 4 hours.

 

Wooden Wicks: Wooden wicks are ideal when it comes to achieving a soothing and relaxing ambience. The crackling sound it produces, mimics the natural sound of a crackling wood fire. Who doesn't love that sound! That being said, as a wick made from timber, they do require a little more love and care than your average cotton wicks. But don't worry, its easy! All you have to do to make sure you get the best possible flame is to trim your wick. I cant stress this enough guys, its very important! By not trimming your wick you risk your flame being oversized which can cause it to smoke, make the sides of the container black with soot, and the container overheating. Your wax also gets used up way to quickly, leaving you with less time to enjoy your candle. Another thing to keep in mind, if you don't trim your wick, the wick will naturally break off the black charred bits of wood on its own, making them fall into your melt pool. This does not look nice at all!

Those pieces belong in the bin, not in your beautiful candle. You CAN avoid all this by simply trimming your candle. To trim it, all you have to do, is before lighting your candle, use your fingertips to pinch and break off any weak charred bits. Once you start to feel resistance in the breakage, you will know you are done. Run your finger across it a couple times to smooth the rough surface. And now you are ready for lighting! When trimmed correctly, wooden wicks provide a nice clean burn with minimal to no soot residue.

​

Location: Where you choose to put your candle when burning is also important. To keep your flame controlled and steady, avoid placing your candle in the pathway of wind, this being your air conditioning, fans or an open window. Also keep the candle away from spots where it can easily get knocked over. A level, draft free spot away from children and pets is ideal for safe burning.

​

Safety:

• Trim wooden wick to approx 5mm before lighting to ensure appropriate size flame.

• Place candle on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface before lighting. 

• Keep candle away from drafts or anything that could catch fire.

• Keep candle out of reach or children and pets. 

• Never use water to extinguish candle. 

• Do not use lid to extinguish candle. 

• Never leave burning candle unattended and ensure it's extinguished before leaving room. 

• Never move candle while burning or if there's liquid wax, ensure wax is solid before handling.

• Do not touch wax when in liquid state.

• Cease burning candle when there in 10mm of solid wax remaining in glass jar. 

​

As always, if you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me!

Liz xx

​