The Pros and Cons of Water Soluble Soy Wax

The PROS of Water Soluble Soy Wax 

• The melting temperature is between 110 º and 140 º

• Soy wax comes in flake form, so measure out and melt what you need

• Fumes are not toxic

• Soy is a renewable resource (Beans for heaven’s sake)

• Soy wax is water soluble and is removed with hot soapy water, 140 º and synthrapol

• CLEAN UP IS EASY

The CONS of Water Soluble Soy Wax

• Soy wax is not waterproof and is not recommended for immersion dyeing

• Crackle (as in Batik crackle) will happen if you put your work in the freezer for a few minutes.  The Soy wax is more pliable and viscous and takes longer to solidify.  Your lines will be less crisp

Wax is wax.  But…there are a few notable differences in these three different waxes

Soy wax

• More pliable and viscous than Bees wax/paraffin

• Heated at a lower temperature than Bees wax

• Easier to remove than Bees/wax

• Best for nature since it is renewable resource

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Paraffin/Bees’ Wax

• Holds the line more crisply

• Best for crackle

Cold wax

• Doesn’t need to be heated at all Just brush it on right out of the jar

• You will not get a fine line with cold wax.  It spreads

• Cold wax acts as more of a deterrent to color than a dam for the color.

• Little color does get through

• Best for using a wax resist while painting plein air or anywhere without a heat source