Bill

Unfortunately that is the make up of the general public. Just like there are directions on hair dryers not to use them in water and people who sue for millions because the HOT drink they ordered was TOO hot so they burned themselves. That's why it is so important to include candle burning instructions if you are selling them.

LMAO, that's why I shave my head, so I don't have to pull any out!

I am having similar problems in my testing also. I think I am about to pour a non fragrant, non colored candle just to see if the burn changes. If it burns well then I know it's a problem with the FO or dye. I'll keep an eye on this thread for any good advice, but I think it's just a matter of patience. It looks like you have tried a lot of wicks kd, I hope you find the right one soon!

Ok, I see how the NCA page was a bit biased, my fault! But for some reason I keep crying everytime a Hallmark ad comes on tv, and now I just want to cuddle with someone! Damn this soy, I knew it had side effects!!!

Kelly, I live just South of Chicago and I get my EcoSoya from a company called DPS in New Lenox, Illinois. I get the wax from them because I can drive there to pick it up myelf, saves a ton on shipping!!! Since you are in WI it might be cheaper for you to order from them if there is no close options for you. I am not sure off the top of my head if Bitter Creek carries EcoSoya? http://www.dpswax.com/DPS_index.html

I am very new to this and I am using EcoSoya PB and so far my first votives turned out very nice. They were a bit oily but not too bad. For a first attempt I am pretty happy.

Here's the link in case anyone wants to check out more. http://www.candles.org/elements_wax.html

Ok, after 205 posts I have to start a new thread. Hopefully this will put some of the debate to rest. This is information I copied directly from the National Candle Association website. This information can be found under candle wax FACTS, did you read that, F A C T S. This is what I will be using to determine what claims I can or can not make about my candles. Paraffin is the most commonly used candle wax today. Beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes are also used in candle-making for the U.S. market, as are blends of waxes. Waxes burn with a yellow flame due to the presence of carbon. No specific type of wax or wax blend is considered "best" for candlemaking. All candle waxes - when provided in high-quality format - have been shown to burn cleanly and safely. No candle wax has ever been shown to be toxic or harmful to human health. There is no such thing as a soot-free wax. All organic compounds when burned will emit some carbon (soot) due to incomplete combustion. Sooting is primarily a factor of wick length and disturbance of the flame's steady teardrop shape. Reputable candle manufacturers use only high-quality waxes in their formulations. Now, can we all just get along, lol. I still need to figure out what type of wick to use in my soy wax, so far no luck!!

I just had my first order from them delivered so I can't comment yet on how the products work but the customer service was great and they tossed in a couple of sample scents along with my order. Gotta love freebies!!

Thank You Thank You Thank You:cheesy2: to everyone who has posted for both sides of the argument. It has been a huge help for me to see the story from both sides and what claims can be made and which ones can't. Bill

Ok, I see some people bashing all the drama on here but I am a newbie and I think this is a really important topic to get straightened out before I begin any kind of selling. I am sorry for anyone who is 'tired' of this topic but it seems to be a huge factor at every craft show I go to, so if you sell candles this shouldn't be a tiring issue. It's about your competition! I think the best thing I will do is to try to educate the general consumer on candle facts and myths. So figuring out how to differentiate the two is difficult, thus why these debates are healthy. I think it is safe to say that everyone could agree that ANY candle releases some sort of pollutant into the air, right. My goal is to try to sell a candle that burns CLEANER than most, not 100% clean. I value honesty and integrity about as high as any quality out there and I would NEVER mislead someone, thus why I am on here doing some research with other candle makers. Go talk to the general public and they don't have a clue on what we are talking about. I have heard some crazy claims like cancer causing candles and someone needing to burn soy because of asthma. They are setting themselves up for future lawsuits. So let's try to put the soy/parrafin issue aside for just a second and look at something else. If the color and scent add toxins to the air as well then what if a (soy or parrafin) candle was produced with no color and using only natural essential oils, could a candle maker claim it burns cleaner? I am not sure and that's why I ask the question. I think it is great that so many people are responding to this thread. Like I said earlier, if you are serious about candlemaking as a business, then debate is HEALTHY. I have been doing a lot of consumer research and I have come up with a few conclusions that I have come to while talking with customers and other candle makers. The absolute hands down number 1 reason someone buys a candle is the scent. The second reason was almost split even, half concerned with how the candle looked and the other half concerned with price. Now as far as I am concerned those will be the most important two things that I will be considering in my candle making process. This of course takes a lot of time and testing but I know that I am persistent enough to get there. So basically if every good candle maker produces a candle that has a great cold and hot scent throw, looks great and is offered at an affordable price, what's left to seperate one from the other? Marketing, marketing, marketing. Ok, this post is waaaaaay too long and I don't even think I said all that is on my mind or respond to anyone that directed a comment to me. But for anyone that did, thank you for your input, I appreciate all comments, critical or not! Ps, the more I get into this hobby (business) and what is involved in it I love more and more!

Ok, another question. Do we know what EXACTLY causes the soot. Is is the FO and dye? Would a candle with no FO or dye burn clean? Would a candle using EO's, no dye, and natural wicks burn clean? I plan on testing a lot of these theories out but I figure most of you have already!

Someone mentioned that the "majors" such as Eco Soya would have the benefits listed on their website if they were true. Well.........NGI makes Eco Soya and here is a link to their website describing the benefits of soy. http://www.ngiwax.com/AboutEcoSoya/Benefits.php

I have never heard of "white" soot before? Now I am really confused, lol!

I was going to put a lot of similar comments on my website and candles, however before I claim the US farmer portion I need to make sure that the wax I use is actually using soy beans grown here in the US and not imported from somewhere else to save a few bucks.

I am new to this candle making business and I am learning as I go on so bear with me here. From all the research I have been doing everywhere I go I see articles and information on the benefits of soy over parrafin. I am not sure that a newspaper article pointing out all of the benefits is so bad. If they were bashing a particular candle maker then that is a problem. If soy wax does burn cleaner and longer then why shouldn't someone use that as a selling point to their candle? I plan on making soy candles as long as they are cleanest burning on the market. If something else comes out in the future that burns cleaner than soy I would change. Does anyone else out there defend my standpoint or am I all alone on this one, lol!

I ordered a few sample packs from BC, I will let everyone know how it goes.

Ok, first off I would love to thank everyone that posts on this site. It has been a HUGE help for someone like myself just getting started on a new hobby and hopefully a lucrative business. I raised a few questions about wicking earlier and would like to revisit it. I am trying to make a candle that is as close to all natural that I can. I have plans on and all natural candle (EO & no color) but first things first. I am using Eco Soya CB Pure Soy. I poured a few containers using a cherry FO. The candle looks great, no wet spots, very little frosting and has a tremendous cold throw. However I am still having problems with the burn. I first tried some of the ECO wicks and wasn't too thrilled with how they burned so I tried a flat braid and that also is not burning well. If I am trying to make this candle as close to all natural as I can so I don't think I should be using a zinc cored wick. Is there a favorite type of wick that anyone has consistent success with or how about anyone that has had success using the Eco Soya CB Pure Soy. Thanks, you have no idea how much this site has helped. I'll return the favor someday as soon as I build up some experience and knowledge!! santa cool

Hi, I am new to this so bear with me. I just made a few starter candles to test my supplies. I am using soy wax and the appropriate ECO wicks for the containers and votives. When I did my initial test burns the wicks were horrible. The flame barely stayed lit and the wax melt was terrible. When I tried a cotton braided wick the flame and burn pool were fine. Is there an advantage to using an ECO wick or any pre-waxed wicks for that matter? Is there a disadvantage to using a non pre-waxed wick? Thanks, Hoping to get this business started!!!