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Candle Making
The pouring temperatures for
each of the waxes you may use are best determined by following the manufacturer's
recommendations. No matter what type of candles you are making, paraffin,
gel and/or natural waxes, the pouring temperature is very important. When
using quality waxes, pouring hotter can produce better results, but this
should only be done when first trying the manufacturer's recommended pouring
temperatures. In addition to temperatures, it is also important to
develop consistent procedures for measuring the various items being placed
into your formulation. Certain additives such as vybar are very effective,
but being off of the formulation just a little can change the results of
the finished candles. One nice thing about candle making is that
there really is no wrong or right way to make candles if the end result
is a safe burning and desirable looking candle. However, the key to make
consistent candles is to try to develop consistent procedures. |
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 Soap
Making
Soap
is made by mixing lye and water with fats or oil. Through a complex chemical
reaction lye which is also called sodium hydroxide (a base) converts Fats
or Oil (an acid) to soap. This process is called saponification. When oil
or fats (acid) come into contact with the lye or sodium hydroxide (base)
the saponification process begins with the lye turning the oil/fat into
a completely new substance that we know as soap. The process changes the
two substances into a thicker and more uniform solution. The point at which
the solution begins to thicken is called a trace. Any oils/fats or other
ingredients added at this point will not be substantially converted and
will basically remain in the soap in their original form. At the trace
stage the soap can be poured into molds where it will continue to harden.
The chemical reaction will continue for about 3 weeks at which time the
soap is hard and ready to use.
The process
that the home soapmaker will use is referred to as "cold process soapmaking".
Even though it is called a cold process, heat is required for the chain
reaction to take place. This heat is provided by the chain reaction of
the water and the lye and their incorporation into the oil or fat. (You
will notice that when the lye is poured into the water it heats up immediately)
Stirring the oil/fat/lye mixture helps this process to continue and to
be uniform. |
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