jnewport Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Does anyone know what the shelf life if for soy candles? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 There is no definite answer to that question because that depends on how you define "shelf life." Most veggie wax packaged from the manufacturer is good for at least a year when stored properly. Because soy wax is unstable, after it's poured, it can change form as it ages. A candle can look perfect when boxed up, but continue to change its form due to the polymorphic nature of soy wax. This can occur because of the methods and materials used to manufacture the candle as well as the conditions under which the candle is stored (temperature, humidity, etc.). Sometimes it begins to frost a little; other times it frosts so much the color of the candle is obliterated. Worst is when the wax does the "cauliflowering" morph where the wax seems to grow and cover the wick and top with "brainy" lookin' stuff. Some folks think fungus is growing on those candles, but it's just one of the odd things soy wax can do.NONE of these issues affect the burn quality of the candle, but they sure can ruin the appearance. Like many homemade products, soy candles are best when used fresh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnewport Posted October 28, 2009 Author Share Posted October 28, 2009 Thanks again Stella. I knew you would reply to this one when I posted it. You have so much knowledge. Thank you for sharing. Jeanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 Of course, parasoys are much more stable so they don't become so interesting over time...:laugh2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnewport Posted October 28, 2009 Author Share Posted October 28, 2009 LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topofmurrayhill Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 NONE of these issues affect the burn quality of the candle, but they sure can ruin the appearance. Actually, the cauliflowering thing is liable to render the candle unusable if it happens.Even without a dramatic effect like cauliflowering, the wax level can rise as it frosts over time. When I did my long-term testing with a lot of different fragrances, I cut the wicks so they'd fit under the lids of the tins without being bent over. In actual practice that would have been a bad move, as many of them got partially or completely swallowed. It's probably a good idea to leave ample wick exposed when storing soy candles, and not go overboard with the fill level.Just another one of those things you don't have to worry about with paraffin and parasoy candles. The way they come out is the way they stay, indefinitely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lsbennis Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 Interestingly enough I just found some soy candles I made almost 3 years ago and the wicks were almost totally consumed by the wax. I did manage to light them and they burned fine but it was odd to see that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon in KY Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 Actually, the cauliflowering thing is liable to render the candle unusable if it happens.Even without a dramatic effect like cauliflowering, the wax level can rise as it frosts over time. When I did my long-term testing with a lot of different fragrances, I cut the wicks so they'd fit under the lids of the tins without being bent over. In actual practice that would have been a bad move, as many of them got partially or completely swallowed. It's probably a good idea to leave ample wick exposed when storing soy candles, and not go overboard with the fill level.Just another one of those things you don't have to worry about with paraffin and parasoy candles. The way they come out is the way they stay, indefinitely.Since you have done some long term testing on this.. What's the smallest percentage of paraffin you would add to soy to get the long shelf life? Paraffin and Beeswax last forever. Just haven't tested on which would extend soy candles looks/life indefinitely. TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuck_35550 Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 I had some Halloween candles from last year that didn't sell. I use a 70/30 parablend wax and 6% fo pp. Most of the candles were fine but a few had no fragrance and on test barely burned. The candles were covered with the sealing Saranwrap and stored in a cool place with no sunlight exposure. I gave the candles away as appreciation gifts to my good customers, instead of selling them. They smell great and look just fine for the most part. I'd be hesitant about selling really old product, if for no other reason than quality control. IMHOSteve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 the wicks were almost totally consumed by the wax.Yep. Kinda like the reverse of cotton candy. The crystals morph over time especially if stored even slightly too warm. So long as you can light the wick, the candle will burn fine, although I would not sell one like that. You can heatgun the top and expose more wick if it's too short to light. The morphed formation is not as dense as it was originally (thus the "growing" appearance), so melting the top reduces the level again. the cauliflowering thing is liable to render the candle unusable if it happensWhen this happened to me, there were several candles in the flat. After questioning, I discovered that the gal routinely set hot pots on top of the flat of candles, using them as a trivet (god preserve me from idiots!). I took 'em home, heatgunned the tops, which exposed the wick, and they all burned quite well. I would not sell them after that, but I enjoyed them immensely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorrie Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 . Worst is when the wax does the "cauliflowering" morph where the wax seems to grow and cover the wick and top with "brainy" lookin' stuff. Some folks think fungus is growing on those candles, I have never seen a soy candle do that.. Learned something new today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topofmurrayhill Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 (edited) Since you have done some long term testing on this.. What's the smallest percentage of paraffin you would add to soy to get the long shelf life? Paraffin and Beeswax last forever. Just haven't tested on which would extend soy candles looks/life indefinitely. TIAHmmm, I dunno precisely. I did actually test that in some way once but didn't keep notes on it. It depends on what exactly you add, but I'd say maybe 10% or even a bit less.I think the problem is that there's nothing you can add at such a low percentage that won't make the wax a little wonky in some way. You usually need more than one ingredient and higher percentages to get something good. A "mostly soy" blend is trickier than a "mostly paraffin" blend. Edited October 30, 2009 by topofmurrayhill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted November 1, 2009 Share Posted November 1, 2009 I have never seen a soy candle do that.. Learned something new today.Sorry I don't have a "brainy" picture of soy, but here's one of the same style morph, but not soy wax - it's glass glow palm wax! The FO was wild mountain honey which causes my C3 to frost terribly, but it smells so good, I still use it anyway. I had avoided the frosting by using it in palm wax pillars. My "container" customers missed it, so I made several with Glass Glow, which didn't frost. The tester smelled & burned great!! BUT when I went to clean out the tester jar (it had set around, covered, for several months), THIS is what I found: *faint*Moral of story: veggie wax is stranger than fiction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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