I know that I reviewed this wax a few months back and gave it glowing reviews and 5 stars, however, after continuing to work with the Q-210 as I have poured my Fall candle collection, I just HAD to review it once again...Why...??? Because I really, really want everyone to know how WONDERFUL this wax is!!!
When I initially began using this wax back in February'ish, I followed the manufactures and Candle Sciences directions and melted to 185 +/- 5 degrees and poured around 170 degrees...I admit, it was good, and overall I was happy with the results, cold and hot throw were good... No complaints...
Since then I have done a couple of things differently and I am really glad that I did.
The first thing I did was I bought a Presto Wax Melting Pot off of Etsy...This allows me to control the temperature more closely than when I was previously melting it in the microwave, which would sometimes result in overheating...
Secondly after doing some reading on another soy wax sellers site, I saw that they were recommending that *their* soy wax be heated to about 160 degrees, and letting it cool to 130 degrees then add fragrance, stir gently and the pour around 115 degrees...Since their soy wax was also a soy/botanical oil blend, I got to wondering why their instructions were so different than the ones here on CS so I decided to try pouring the Q-210 following the *other* websites instructions just to see what would happen.
I am so happy that I did, as it produced, in my opinion, a much better result than when following the instructions here on CS...(Sorry CS)...
Here are some things that I have noticed as a result of following the method on the *other* website...
Using the Presto Pot and heating the Q-210 to 160 degrees did NOT overheat the wax, and *the fragrance oil incorporated into the wax fully even at 130-35 degrees*
I found that pouring into my Mason jars at between 115 and 120 degrees, and letting them completely alone overnight, I had virtually NO wet spots.
Tops were smooth and even.
Cold throw was wonderful within 24 hours after pouring, and after I put the lids on them and let them continue to cure, the cold throw has only gotten stronger and stronger.
The hot throw...After 2 weeks I began burn tests...Most of the fragrances burned strong, but some needed just a little bit longer before they really kicked out a nice strong fragrance. *I have found that the longer they cure the stronger the hot throw*...The ones I am testing right now I poured about a month and a half ago and they fill my entire house, so the hot throw is wonderful!!!
I have also noticed the by melting to the 160 degrees, the Q-210 does not turn that sickly looking peach, flesh color that my first sets of candles did when using the microwave to heat it to 185 degrees. Yes, depending on the fragrance oil you are using, it will slightly turn the wax to a creamy ivory, (unless you use Orange Blossom, then it will turn it a very pretty yellow orange, yet if you use Caribbean Teakwood you will not notice any real change in the color of the wax, it will look almost white).
I also use 2.5 oz of fragrance per pound of wax, period... and that produces and nice strong cold and hot throw.
For wicking I have found that I have *EXCELLENT* results with the LX 24 when using the 4 and 8 oz Mason jars, as well as the 6 oz Tins.
I also LOVE how the candle tops re-congeal to a nice smooth top after you blow it out and the wax cools...it makes the candles look real high end as opposed to *another soy wax* I tried that after you blew it out and it cooled, the top was all cratery and full of holes.
I would however STRONGLY emphasize that you allow for a LONG curing period...It really does seem that the longer they cure the better they smell...
I for one will begin my Fall/Holiday collection in the Spring of 2019, just so I have enough time, along with my soap making to get the candles labeled and packed away so they are all ready to September.
The more I continue to use this wax, the more I love it...it is a great wax, and I really wish people would give it a chance...
I have also experienced EXCELLENT results with the Q-230 for my wax melts by following the same melting, fragrance and pouring temps...:) :) :)
As for the loudly complained about vinegar smell of the wax... I have found that when I get the box of wax home, remove the entire bag from the box and place it bag and all into a very large Sterilite storage bin, open the bag and let it air out for a few minutes then put the lid to the bin on it, when I go back to use it it smells just fine...what ***little*** vinegar smell is pretty much gone and I never smell it in the finished product.