What Temperature Do You Add Mica To Soy Wax?
Soy wax candles have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional paraffin wax candles. Soy wax is made from soybean oil and offers several advantages over paraffin, including being more environmentally friendly, natural, and non-toxic. Mica powder is often added to soy wax to produce beautiful shimmering or color effects in candles.
The origin of soy wax dates back to the early 1990s when a candle maker was looking for a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to beeswax. While the first attempts at soy wax candles did not burn well, innovations in hydrogenation and additives soon made soy wax suitable for quality candle making. Now, soy wax is a top choice for many candle makers and enthusiasts.
Mica powder is composed of mica mineral flakes and provides a shimmery, metallic shine. Adding mica powder to soy wax can create an eye-catching finish in candles. However, it’s important to add mica at the right wax temperature to ensure it blends properly. This article will explore the recommended temperatures and techniques for adding mica to soy wax.
What is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is a vegetable-based wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Unlike paraffin wax which is made from petroleum, soy wax is made from a renewable and sustainable resource – soybeans (Waxpoeticcandlebar.com, 2021). The soybeans are cleaned, cracked, flaked, and then hydrogenated, turning the soybean oil into a solid wax (Thecandlestudio.com, 2019).
The main benefits of soy wax are that it is made from a renewable, environmentally-friendly resource, compared to paraffin wax which is a petroleum-based product. Soy wax also burns cleaner and is non-toxic. Soybean crops can regenerate which makes soy wax sustainable long-term (Selfmadecandle.com, 2023).
Types of Soy Wax
There are three main types of soy wax used for candle making:
Natural soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil with no additional ingredients. It has a low melting point and produces a soft, opaque candle. Some popular natural soy waxes are Golden Natural 444 Soy Wax and NatureWax C-3.1
Blended soy waxes are a mix of natural soy wax and other waxes like paraffin or beeswax. They are engineered to have specific properties like a higher melting point or enhanced fragrance retention. Common blended waxes are Golden Brands 464 and Eco-Soya Q210.2
Hydrogenated soy wax has been chemically processed to increase its melting point and make it harder. This makes it good for pillar candles and wax melts. Lonestar Candle Supply’s Hydrogenated Soy Wax is a popular hydrogenated soy.3
What is Mica Powder?
Mica powder is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined from the earth. It is composed of silicon, oxygen, aluminum, potassium and magnesium (1). Mica has a layered structure that can be separated into thin, transparent sheets. When mica is ground into a fine powder, it provides a shimmery, pearlescent effect. This makes mica powder useful as a pigment for adding color and luster to products like makeup, paint, plastic, resin and more (2).
Mica powders come in a wide variety of natural colors like silver, gold, copper, black, green, red and bronze. They can also be coated with substances like titanium dioxide or iron oxide to produce custom colors. The pigment particles in mica powder reflect light to create a brilliant, shimmery effect (3). This makes mica an ideal additive for cosmetics, nail polishes, and arts & crafts projects where a metallic, shimmery or pearlescent effect is desired.
There are two main types of mica powder used in crafting and cosmetics – natural and synthetic. Natural mica is mined from the earth and produces vibrant colors. Synthetic mica is made in a lab to replicate effects of natural mica (1). Both provide color and shimmer, but some artists prefer the brilliance of natural mica.
Adding Mica to Soy Wax
Mica powder can be added to soy wax once the wax has fully melted and reached the proper temperature. The recommended temperature range for adding mica to soy wax is 160°F to 180°F (71°C to 82°C) [1]. At these warmer temperatures, the mica pigments will fully incorporate into the wax.
Allowing the soy wax to cool down before adding the mica prevents the mica from burning, which can happen if the wax is too hot. Cooler wax also thickens slightly, allowing the mica pigments to remain suspended rather than settling on the bottom.
Once the wax is within the ideal temperature range, add a small amount of mica powder and stir gently to combine. Avoid vigorous mixing, which can cause air bubbles. Add more mica gradually, stirring constantly, until you achieve the desired color intensity. The color may slightly deepen as the wax cools.
Use 0.5-1 teaspoon of mica powder per pound of soy wax as a starting amount. Adjust according to your preferences and the particular color. Darker, more intense colors require more mica. Pastels require less. Too much mica can make the color appear chalky or opaque.
When properly incorporated at the right temperatures, mica powder will provide vibrant, even color in soy candles, wax melts, and other products without clogging the wax or settling.
Recommended Temperatures
The recommended temperature range for adding mica powder to soy wax is 160-180°F (71-82°C) (Source). This allows the mica powder to properly mix into the wax without separating or settling on the bottom. Here are some pros and cons of different temperature ranges:
Lower Range (160-170°F/71-77°C):
- Pro: Mica incorporates well at cooler temps
- Con: Risk of frosting or mottling from pouring too cool
Middle Range (170-180°F/77-82°C):
- Pro: Reduces frosting/mottling risk
- Pro: Mica still mixes in evenly
- Con: Wax starts to thicken so mixing is slower
Higher Range (180-190°F/82-88°C):
- Pro: Thinner wax means faster mixing
- Con: Mica doesn’t incorporate as well at hotter temps
- Con: Can start to burn off fragrance
The ideal temperature is around 175°F (79°C), which balances mixing ability with mica incorporation. But anything between 160-180°F (71-82°C) should provide great results.
Measuring and Mixing
When adding mica powder to soy wax, it’s important to use proper measuring tools and techniques to achieve the desired color effect. According to Makesy, mica powder should be added at a rate of a pinch per 8 ounces of wax. Using measuring spoons or a small scale can help ensure you add the right amount.
Before adding the mica, fully melt the soy wax to its proper pouring temperature according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, generally between 150-185°F. The wax should be completely liquid with no remaining solid chunks. Next, add a small amount of mica powder and stir thoroughly to incorporate. Avoid dumping mica directly on top of wax, as it may clump up. Instead, sprinkle lightly over the surface and stir in a figure 8 pattern.
Continue adding small pinches of mica powder, stirring well between each addition, until the desired color intensity is reached. Be patient and add conservatively, as it’s easy to add more mica but difficult to remove excess. Stirring too vigorously can also cause air bubbles in the wax. Use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the pouring pot when mixing to ensure even color distribution.
Common Issues
Some common issues that can arise when adding mica powder to soy wax include:
Clumping – Mica powder can clump together when added to soy wax, leading to uneven color dispersion. To prevent clumping, always make sure to stir the mica powder into the wax slowly and thoroughly. Going too fast can cause the mica to clump up. Stirring constantly as you add the mica can help prevent this issue (https://brazywickz.com/en-us/blogs/news/exploring-the-pros-and-cons-of-using-mica-powder-in-soy-candles).
Uneven color dispersion – If the mica is not fully incorporated into the wax, this can lead to an uneven, streaky or blotchy appearance in the finished candle. Mix the mica powder into the wax one tablespoon at a time, allowing it to fully integrate before adding more. Continuing to stir for 2-3 minutes after adding all the mica can help produce an even color distribution (https://www.reddit.com/r/candlemaking/comments/q8lmm3/does_anyone_use_mica_powder_in_their_candles/).
Achieving Desired Effects
There are various techniques you can use when adding mica powder to soy wax to achieve beautiful and unique designs in your finished candles.
For swirl effects, you can add different colored mica powders to each layer of wax as you pour. Use a skewer or toothpick to swirl the layers together after pouring for a marbled look. According to Northwood Candle Supply, the more you swirl, the more the colors will blend together.
You can also create stunning layers by pouring wax with mica into the container in alternating colors. Allow each layer to slightly setup before adding the next. This will create defined stripes in the finished candle.
For a fun confetti or sprinkle effect, add mica powder on top of the wax when it’s still molten. The powder will sink into the wax as it cools. Use multiple colors for a festive look, as recommended by Brazy Wickz.
By experimenting with different mica powder colors and techniques, you can create an endless variety of designs to make your soy candles truly unique.
Safety Tips
When handling mica powder, it’s important to take some basic precautions. Mica powder can cause irritation if it gets into your eyes or lungs. Here are some tips for safely working with mica:
Wear a dust mask – Mica particles can be inhaled and aggravate your respiratory system. Wearing a dust mask helps prevent this.
Use protective eyewear – Mica flakes may fall into your eyes, causing redness and discomfort. Wear goggles or safety glasses when handling mica.
Avoid skin contact – While mica is not absorbed through skin, the particles can cause irritation. Wear gloves when handling pure mica powder.
Work in a ventilated area – Use mica in a well-ventilated room or outside to prevent buildup of mica dust.
Clean up spills carefully – Use a damp paper towel instead of a dry brush to clean up mica spills to avoid stirring up dust.
Wash up after use – Wash your hands after working with mica to remove any residual powder.
Store in sealed containers – Keep mica powder in a tightly sealed jar when not in use to prevent particles from escaping.
With some simple safety practices, you can work with mica powder while avoiding potential health hazards. Always be mindful when handling this fine, lightweight powder.
