We get lots of questions from people about the art and business of candle making.

When I pour my soy wax I get a crusting on top of my candle or it looks like my color bleeds why is this happening?

Soy has many positive attributes but one thing that it is not quite as effective at is holding fragrance. In most instances when this occurs you have put more fragrance in the wax then it can hold. The bleeding is actually the fragrance oil bleeding which pulls the color with it.

There are several things you can do to try and correct this:

• Pouring at a lower temperature can capture the fragrance in the wax before it has time to bleed out.
• Use an additive to help hold the fragrance in the wax Palm Stearic (all natural) at 10-20% depending on how much fragrance you want to add.
• The least popular is try reducing the fragrance load.

A related question is can I add paraffin wax to my soy?

The answer on this is definetely yes at any chosen percentage and will depend on how you want to market the candle. Many companies are using something like a 51% Soy and 49%, but any percentage will work.

Soy candles are quick and easy to make. Enjoy this step-by-step video.

Enjoy this beginner's guide to difference between paraffin and soy wax properties.

Soy Wax

The first wax we will feature is soy. Soy wax is simply hydrogenated soybean oil and the best application for this wax is in containers. When using soy wax it is important to note that there is definitely performance and appearance differences between paraffin wax and wax and soy wax.

• First and foremost is the appearance of the candle. Soy wax in general produces candles that have a “flat” or pastel shade to the candle. This can play very well to the scents used; in the fall nothing is better than harvest colors and fragrances.
• Soy wax will always require more dye to get to the desired color.
• It is as close to one a pour wax as exists in the market. It will still require some topping off if poured too hot or if the container is too large.
• Another very positive feature of the soy wax is that the pouring temperatures have less impact on the finished candle than paraffin waxes.
• Depending on the scent load you are using, in most instances no special additives will be needed.

By now you have to be asking yourself if it is that good then why not just switch to this wax while I read this article? The main reason is that the scent throw that candle makers achieve with paraffin just cannot be at the same level when using soy wax. As these waxes get better at scent throw or fragrance companies improve the scent throw that can be achieved, the soy market will continue to grow.

Palm Wax

The other natural wax to consider would be the Palm wax. This wax is produced by hydrogenated Palm Oils. These waxes are great because of the unique textures which can be produced with these waxes. In most instances there is a crystallizing pattern which is available for both containers and freestanding candles. In addition there is a feathering pattern which is available for free standing candles.

One of the best natural waxes we offer is the CSP wax. This is an all natural blend of soy and palm wax which creates a very nice creamy finish. This wax is excellent for pillars, votives and tarts.

4 Quick Tips to Improve Your Candle Line

Jump start sales and add new products to "reposition/market" your lines. Some of the suggestions can be simple little editions to your line while others may require a little more testing and product development. As all businesses have learned, you are no longer able to just hope that what you were doing in the past is enough to get you through another year.

There are many new and exciting product changes!

Wood Wicks

Without a doubt the most exciting new product to come along recently is the wood wick. The wood wick candle has been out for a few years, but for many, finding quality wood wicks from suppliers has always been difficult. The wood wick is not designed to replace your existing candle line, but is a way to attract new customers to your products.

The wood wick is limited to use in containers, but is great to use with all soy waxes and paraffin waxes. The wood wick can add a nice touch and unique burning property to your candle. Your candles can have that nice crackling sound that people love to read and relax by, but without the need to use the fire place. The wood wick definitely should be considered especially with some new or unique pieces of glassware.

Natural Candle Wax

Natural wax candles are here to stay and if you haven’t tried it yet, now is the time. Soy is great in that it is all natural and produced here in the US which can have some great marketing appeal. A unique way to launch your soy wax line might be to add a line using travel tins. Travel tins are relatively easy to make because the exterior surface can hide many of the blemishes that occur when using glass containers. Tin containers do not break when the heavy shipping season occurs. (Be sure to check out our September 2007 issue on how to make these candles).

Custom Labels

There are many things about a candle that can appeal to the consumer, and one of them is the label. With today’s technology and printers it has simplified the process of making custom labels. Nothing is more appealing to small retailers and manufacturers then to offer items that cannot be found in the mass markets. Custom labels can be a tremendous asset for fundraisers and local craft shows and events. One site that we have always liked for help on custom labels is http://www.avery.com.

Luminaries

One of the new products that we received numerous compliments about, and companies really like the suggestion, is to add luminaries to the line. For those that may not be familiar with this, these are the candles used in downtowns and neighborhoods by lining the streets with Luminaries.

One of the great things about the candles used in this application is they do not necessarily have to be white or a specific color. They can almost be any color because they are placed in the bag. What better way to use wax that may be colored but does not meet your color specifications, or a custom order canceled at the last minute.

Some other helpful hints would be contact the coordinator of the event and ask (in exchange for a discounted price) if you can you apply a label on the bag advertising your company. Be sure to check with various downtown districts and neighborhood civic associations to promote this idea. Many downtown events are in early December and will provide for some last minute advertising. For other items be sure to check out September 2008 issue.

Many of the above can be started with minimal investment.