What Is The Difference Between Golden Brands 464 And 444 Soy Wax?

Introduce Golden Brands Soy Waxes

Golden Brands is a well-known company in the candle making industry that specializes in soy wax blends. Based in Illinois, they have been producing quality waxes since 1969. Over the years, Golden Brands has become a trusted brand among professional and hobby candle makers alike.

Two of their most popular products are Golden Brands 444 and 464 soy wax blends. Both contain 100% soy wax, but have slightly different properties optimized for certain applications. The numbers 444 and 464 refer to the melting points of each blend. These versatile waxes can be used on their own or combined together to achieve desired results.

Composition Differences

Golden Brands 444 and 464 soy waxes have different compositions. According to CandleScience, Golden Brands 444 soy wax is made from 100% soy wax and contains a soy-based additive that helps reduce frosting [1]. In contrast, Golden Brands 464 soy wax is a soy-paraffin blend containing some paraffin wax in addition to the soy wax. It also contains soy-based additives to reduce frosting and strengthen scent throw [2].

The paraffin wax in Golden Brands 464 gives it a smoother appearance compared to 444, which is 100% natural soy wax. The additives in each wax also differ, with 464 containing more ingredients to enhance the performance and appearance of finished candles.

Melting Points

The main difference in the melting points of Golden Brands 464 and 444 soy wax is that 464 has a significantly higher melting point. According to [2], 464 soy wax has a melting point range of 115°F to 120°F. In comparison, 444 soy wax has a lower melting point range of 110°F to 115°F as stated on [1].

The 15°F higher melting point of 464 soy wax allows candles made with this wax to better retain their shape and burn cleaner in warmer environments compared to 444 soy wax. The lower melting point of 444 soy wax makes it more prone to sagging issues in candles exposed to temperatures above 80°F.

While both 464 and 444 soy waxes have relatively high melting points compared to other waxes, the 5°F difference is quite significant for performance. This melting point difference is the primary reason why 464 soy wax is recommended for container candles, while 444 soy wax is suggested for pillars and votives.

Scent throw

One of the main differences between Golden Brands 464 and 444 soy wax is that 444 has better scent throw than 464. Scent throw refers to how well a candle’s fragrance is dispersed into the surrounding air when burned.

Golden Brands 444 soy wax is specifically formulated to maximize scent throw. It contains proprietary additives that help fragrance oils volatize more efficiently when the candle is lit. This allows the fragrance to be dispersed more strongly into the air compared to 464 soy wax (1).

For this reason, Golden Brands 444 soy wax is highly recommended for candles, especially candles containing essential oils or lighter fragrances. The enhanced scent throw capabilities ensure the fragrance will be detected when the candle is burned. Golden Brands 464 can be used for candles as well, but may not project lighter fragrances as effectively.

If releasing fragrance is the top priority, Golden Brands 444 soy wax is the best choice. The proprietary additives make a noticeable difference in scent throw compared to standard 464 soy wax (1).

(1) https://www.candlescience.com/wax/golden-brands-444-soy-wax

Appearance

One of the most noticeable differences between Golden Brands 444 and 464 soy wax is in their appearance. 444 soy wax has an opaque, cloudy look to it straight out of the package. This is because 444 contains more saturated fatty acids that give it a higher crystallization point. Meanwhile, 464 has a more translucent appearance and looks clearer in color.

When coloring or dying the soy waxes, you’ll also notice differences in how the color turns out. 444 tends to mute colors added to it, resulting in softer or lighter shades because of its opacity. 464 will allow colors to come through more vibrantly and appear truer to shade because of its more transparent nature. So if you’re aiming for bright, bold colors in your soy candles, 464 would be the better choice over 444.

Uses

Golden Brands 444 and 464 soy waxes have some key differences when it comes to recommended uses based on their formulas. The 444 soy wax is better suited for candle making because it has a higher melting point and holds its shape better, reducing issues like frosting and sweating in candles. The 464 soy wax is softer and more pliable, making it better for wax melts, tarts, and embeds where you want a softer texture.

The 444 wax will be more rigid when cooled compared to the 464. This makes the 444 better for achieving sharper edges and detail when molding candles. The 464 will be more likely to lose some definition when cooling because it solidifies to a softer wax.

So in summary, the Golden Brands 444 soy wax is recommended for candles while the 464 is recommended for melts, tarts, and embeds due to differences in their texture, moldability, and melting points that make each one better suited for those particular uses.

Blending abilities

Golden Brands 464 soy wax blends well with other waxes like paraffin and beeswax according to CandleScience. The versatility of 464 soy allows candle makers to customize the wax properties like melt point, scent throw, and appearance.

Golden Brands 444 soy wax does not blend as well with other waxes according to Quora. 444 is meant to be used on its own in container candles. Adding other waxes can negatively impact the appearance and performance.

Cost Comparison

When comparing the price per pound of Golden Brands 464 and 444 soy wax, 464 generally tends to be more expensive. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Golden Brands 464 Soy Wax

• Price per pound – Around $8-$12 per pound
• Bulk order discounts – Discounts may be offered for bulk orders of 464 soy wax exceeding 50 lbs or more. The bulk order discount can reduce the price per pound by 10-20%.

Golden Brands 444 Soy Wax

• Price per pound – Around $5-$9 per pound
• Bulk order discounts – Discounts may be offered for bulk orders of 444 soy wax exceeding 40 lbs or more. The bulk order discount can reduce the price per pound by 5-15%.

As you can see, 464 soy wax consistently costs a couple dollars more per pound compared to 444. However, buying in bulk can help reduce the price per pound for both waxes. When deciding which to choose for your candlemaking needs, take into consideration the pricing along with the different properties and characteristics of each soy wax.

Availability

Golden Brands 444 and 464 soy waxes can be purchased from most major online candle and soap making supply retailers. Some popular options include CandleScience, Lonestar Candle Supply, and Bulk Apothecary in the United States, and Candle Shack in Canada.

444 soy wax may have wider availability compared to 464 soy wax. Since 444 is a blended soy wax, more vendors tend to carry it as part of their standard product range. 464 is a 100% soy wax specially formulated by Golden Brands, so it may not be as widely available.

Most major suppliers in the US offer flat rate shipping or free shipping over a certain order value. They also ship internationally to many countries around the world. Shipping costs and delivery times will vary based on location. Be sure to check with the retailer for their specific international shipping policies.

Some popular international shipping options offered by major US suppliers include DHL, FedEx, UPS, and USPS. Delivery times range from 2-6 business days for major international destinations. Customers may be responsible for additional customs, duties and taxes upon import.

Summary

The main differences between Golden Brands 464 and 444 soy waxes are in their melting points, scent throw, appearance, and blending abilities.

Golden Brands 464 has a higher melting point of 119-125°F compared to 110-115°F for 444. The higher melting point makes 464 better suited for candles and melts in warmer climates. 444 is recommended for containers and candles in cooler areas.

464 also has a stronger scent throw than 444. Its crystalline structure helps anchor fragrances, while 444 has a smooth wax surface that releases scent more gently. Use 464 for maximum hot scent throw and 444 for lighter, cooler scents.

In appearance, 464 is an off-white wax with a matte finish that becomes frosted and crystallized as it cools. 444 has a creamy ivory color and smooth, glossy finish that remains opaque when cooled.

For blending waxes, 444 is very versatile and blends well with other waxes. 464 is more temperamental but produces nice blends when combined carefully in the proper wax ratios.

In summary, 464 and 444 have differences in melting point, scent throw, appearance, and blending that make each suitable for certain candlemaking applications. Understanding these differences allows crafters to select the right soy wax for their projects.