Soy Candle Making Workshop

Thank you for attending my candle making workshop,

I have put together this page for your reference, I hope you find it useful:

 List of contents:

 1, A list of websites I mentioned during the workshop.

 2, Fragrance load %.

 3, Common waxes used for candles

 

 

 

1, A list of websites I mentioned during the workshop, these are the places I commonly buy from, however there are plenty of other candle suppliers you can use:

• Bomar - a family run business in Co. Wicklow (essential oils & other candle supplies)
• Northern Ireland Candle Supplies - (great for bulk buying wax/fragrances/wicks/containers)
• Irish Candle Supplies - (great for wicks and all things candles)
• Candle Shack - Based in the Netherlands, great for information and recipes)

2, For calculating the amount of scent you should use the 'fragrance calculator' at Candle Shack is a useful tool, you will need to know the fragrance load % that you would like and the total wax weight you are using.

Fragrance load % is generally best at 6% - 8%, you should check the max load of the wax you are using and the fragrance manufactures recommendations.

3, Common waxes used for candles

Properties, Advantages & Working Temperatures (°C)

All temperatures are approximate. Always follow your supplier’s specific guidance.

1. Beeswax

Advantages / Benefits

• Natural and minimally processed

• Long, clean burn

• Naturally scented (light honey aroma)

Disadvantages

• Expensive

• Not vegan

• Limited scent throw

Melting Temperature
62–65°C

 

2. Paraffin Wax

Advantages / Benefits

• Cost-effective

• Strong scent throw

• Smooth finish and easy to work with

Disadvantages

• Petroleum-based

• Produces soot

• Less environmentally friendly

Melting Temperature
46–61°C

 

3. Soy Wax

Advantages / Benefits

• Renewable and biodegradable

• Cleaner burn than paraffin

• Widely available

Disadvantages

• Can frost or crack

• Weaker scent throw

• Requires curing time

Melting Temperature
48–60°C

 

4. Coconut Wax (and Coconut Blends)

Advantages / Benefits

• Clean burning

• Excellent scent throw

• Smooth, creamy finish

• Renewable and biodegradable

Disadvantages

• Expensive

• Too soft (often blended)

• Less widely available

Melting Temperature
Approx. 45–55°C

 

5. Palm Wax

Advantages / Benefits

• Firm structure (good for pillars)

• Long burn time

• Unique crystalline finish

Disadvantages

• Environmental concerns

• Requires careful sourcing

• Can be brittle

Melting Temperature
Approx. 82°C

 

6. Rapeseed Wax

Advantages / Benefits

• Locally sourced (EU/UK)

• Renewable and biodegradable

• Smooth, creamy finish

• Good scent throw

Disadvantages

• Less widely available

• Often blended

• Requires testing

Melting Temperature
Approx. 47–54°C

 

7. Parasoy (Soy/Paraffin Blend)

Advantages / Benefits

• Improved scent throw

• Reduced frosting compared to soy

• Easy to work with

Disadvantages

• Contains paraffin

• Not fully natural

Melting Temperature
Approx. 56°C

 

8. Gel Wax

Advantages / Benefits

• Transparent appearance

• Long burn time

• Ideal for decorative candles

Disadvantages

• Not natural

• Limited use cases

• Can be difficult to work with

Melting Temperature
Approx. 82°C

 

Key Notes for Candle Makers

• Always test small batches when using a new wax

• Temperature control is critical for finish and scent throw

• Wax choice should match your product (container vs pillar)

• Sustainability and sourcing are increasingly important to customers

There is no “perfect” wax.
Each wax offers different strengths depending on your product, price point and brand values.

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