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Topic: For those of you using Universal SOY Additive... (Read 367 times) |
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realmarcha
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Addiction! Addiction! Addiction!
 
Posts: 167
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For those of you using Universal SOY Additive...
« on: Jun 26th, 2005, 11:46pm » |
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I have two questions, please.
1. What percentage of the Universal Soy Additive are you using to try to avoid the frosting in your soy wax?
2. At what temperature are you pouring?
I am getting sink holes; not bad, but bad enough, using 6% Universal Soy Additive.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
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Kysoy125, Kysoy Pillar/Votive, Beeswax, 6228.
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realmarcha
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Addiction! Addiction! Addiction!
Posts: 167
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Re: For those of you using Universal SOY Additive.
« Reply #1 on: Jun 27th, 2005, 6:08am » |
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Can't anyone help me here? 
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Kysoy125, Kysoy Pillar/Votive, Beeswax, 6228.
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kaz
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Smile !!!!!!
Posts: 97
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Re: For those of you using Universal SOY Additive.
« Reply #2 on: Jun 27th, 2005, 6:28am » |
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Hey There,
I don't know if I will be much help, but the beeswax is suppossed to help with the frosting with soy. I am not sure about the Universal Soy Add. Also if you pour your soy at the slushy stage, this helps with frosting and holes. Sorry I couldnt help more... 
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| « Last Edit: Jun 27th, 2005, 6:28am by kaz » |
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soygirl
Junior Member
Posts: 23
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Re: For those of you using Universal SOY Additive.
« Reply #4 on: Jun 27th, 2005, 1:00pm » |
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I don't know what the percentage is, but I add 1 1/2 tsp (half the recommended amount) per 1 lb. soy wax. That is plenty to smooth the tops. I don't really find that it helps much with the frosting though, and actually seems to make it worse if I use 1 tbsp/lb. I use it with ADM soy wax. I also tested the UA with NG soy and found that it didn't make any difference at all in top smoothness. Based on comments I've heard from others that use the UA, it seems to work better with pastille-type soy waxes, than flake-type. From my own experience, it seems that frosting has to do more with a combination of the following: A. type and amount of colorant B. pouring temperature and C. room temperature that candles are cooled at. Since I can't always control all of those variables precisely, I've decided that I find the "frosted" look very pretty and makes each candle unique. If you can't beat em, join em
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realmarcha
Full Member
Addiction! Addiction! Addiction!
Posts: 167
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Re: For those of you using Universal SOY Additive.
« Reply #5 on: Jun 27th, 2005, 1:58pm » |
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Thanks for the help! The links were helpful.
I did pour some USA last night using 6%, and I must say, I do NOT have any frosting whatsoever on my candles when I checked them this morning. I purposely picked fragrances/colors that I knew would frost with the soy wax I use, so far, I am pleased! Also, I wicked them this morning (couldn't wait on the cure time...too impatient), and they are burning nicely...also have a good scent throw. The scent throw will probably get better as the candles have time to cure, but is not bad now.
What I did notice: 1. on the first candle I poured, I did NOT melt the USA first and bring it to 200*, and noticed a bit a of grainy look...not bad though. Also, I poured this at 119*; any cooler and it would have set up, I ended up with some sinking/cracking in the middle. 2. on the second candle I poured, I did melt the USA first and brought it to 200*, and then added my soy wax...no grainy look whatsoever. You have to melt the USA thoroughly before adding your soy wax to avoid the grainy look. I poured this candle at 132* and ended up with a little bit of sinking/cracking, but not as much as candle #1 poured at the cooler temperature. My next candle will be poured a bit hotter to see if I can eliminate the sinking/cracking altogether.
Another positive is the jar adhesion on both candles is excellent. I have NO wetspots whatsoever. These are the first candles I have poured, in the 6 years I have been doing candles, that have NO wetspots.
I am going to continue testing the USA with my soy wax and see what happens. I have been looking for some type of ingredient to eliminate the frosting in my candles, and possibly, this is it. Believe me! I have tried many, including beeswax with NO success. Keeping my fingers crossed. 
If any of you are interested in my end result, let me know and I will be happy to post. Again, thanks for the insights!
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Kysoy125, Kysoy Pillar/Votive, Beeswax, 6228.
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ms98aus
Senior Member
Posts: 656
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Re: For those of you using Universal SOY Additive.
« Reply #6 on: Jun 29th, 2005, 4:01am » |
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Hi, JIMO, there is a USA that is made especially for ADM wax and if you don't stir them well, you are right it will give that grainy look when poured. Some waxes especially those that are flaky like CB135 or Soy 125 does not really take well with USA. I've tried them in nearly all the waxes I've tested and they give smooth tops but at the same time it gives white tiny flecks at the bottom especially when used with liquid dye.
You really can' t win with this. Also no matter how you store them in the dark, in time I noticed that my candles have faded in color, they turned all whitish at the top.
I used EL and USA does not work for this wax, also they have their own modifier anyway. I add 1 tbsp for my tests.
But I hope you'll be happy with that additive!
HTH...JIMO<
~Marie
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A perfect soy candle won't happen overnight....
but it will happen!
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realmarcha
Full Member
Addiction! Addiction! Addiction!
Posts: 167
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Re: For those of you using Universal SOY Additive.
« Reply #7 on: Jun 30th, 2005, 7:21am » |
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Thanks Marie!
I have continued to test the USA in the Ky125 and have had the following results so far.
1. If the USA is melted completely (200*), and then the Ky125 is added and the temperature brought back to 195*, I have had NO grainy look whatsoever.
2. I have mixed the USA at .3 oz. per 8.8 oz., .4 oz. per 8.8 oz., and .5 oz. at 8.8 oz. I am finding no matter what percentage I use I am getting the same results, which are:
a. No frosting after setup
b. I do get slight sinking in the middle no matter what temperature I pour at...not a smooth top.
c. Depending on amount of USA used, the wick usage may go up in size some.
d. I do notice my colors are a bit different in some; example, Ruby is not a darker Ruby anymore, more a deeper Pink, or reddish pink. The other colors used have not changed to any great extent. I am using color blocks and flakes. I have never used liquid color in the soy waxes since it promotes frosting.
e. No grainy look whatsoever, again, if melted thoroughly.
I have not had a candle sit around for any length of time yet, so I cannot comment on how they will look. I wish I could, then this would make up my mind whether to discontinue color altogether, or use the USA. I do like the results I am getting so far, but cannot know what this additive will do once the candle sits for any length of time. 
I did have some high hopes for this additive, but have been getting alot of negative feedback when used with soy waxes other than ADM. To bad ADM could not come out with a "REAL" Universal Soy Additive that worked in most of the soy waxes, instead of just theirs.
I have decided to try a few more testers and see what happens. I will let the testers I have eliminated sit around for awhile and see if I get the white tops and fading color. If this additive does not work, I am DONE with color in my soy "natural" candles. I have been working on a way to eliminate the frosting for 5 years now, and am tired of spending money on what seems a hopeless battle. It is a natural product and will do what it wants to...just like us humans I figure! 
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Kysoy125, Kysoy Pillar/Votive, Beeswax, 6228.
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ms98aus
Senior Member
Posts: 656
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Re: For those of you using Universal SOY Additive.
« Reply #8 on: Jun 30th, 2005, 7:28am » |
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Yeah, I really think natural colors will be better, I'm thinking of doing that now, and with no color, wetspots are not so bad!!!
But that's another story!LOL!!
I wish you luck,
~Marie
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A perfect soy candle won't happen overnight....
but it will happen!
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