What Is the Alex Method? | Candle Making

The Alex Method is a low temperature soy wax candle strategy.
In this episode, Kevin breaks down the Alex Method and the implications of pouring wax at too cool of a temperature.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD’S GREATEST CANDLE BLOG
armatagecandlecompany.com
BEST KEPT SECRET IN CANDLE MAKING:
armatagecandlecompany.com/new...
THE #1 CANDLE MAKERS ONLINE COURSE
armatagecandlecompany.com/cou...
**************************************************
👉 USE THE SAME EQUIPMENT AS ME
* Aluminum pour pot: amzn.to/33oYjE3
* IR Thermometer: amzn.to/39H40A1
* Normal thermometer: amzn.to/3e8M7gp
* Hot plate: amzn.to/3aUK3GN
* Wax melter: amzn.to/3eHektL
* Wick stickers: amzn.to/3u9VW2W
* Heat gun: amzn.to/3udPIiU
* Gram scale: amzn.to/2IPDxX3
* Rubbing alcohol: amzn.to/3u9aQGW
* Paper towels: amzn.to/3eJPR6X
* Apple corer: amzn.to/3e6h5FT
* Glass beakers: amzn.to/3kVeLlg
* Room thermometer: amzn.to/3722jez
* Clothespins: amzn.to/3kOv0QY
* Studio lights: amzn.to/3nQVD9F
**************************************************
Armatage Candle Company: Started in 2020 by Kevin Fischer to accelerate your candle making technique and business online.
To reach us send an email to [e-mail] or send us a direct message on social media.
armatagecandlecompany.com
**************************************************

[@BlackTieBarn]

I agree Kevin. There is also confusion around it. Some interpret it as 'Adding FO at a low temp' (which I would not recommend). Others interpret it as 'Pouring at a low temp' (which depends on the wax).

[@kandyhansard3527]

Another great and informative video. Thanks for sharing and all you do to spread the "help"! I actually hadn't heard of the Alex method, but your break down of it all certainly makes sense.

[@jojose417]

Super helpful! I always read about diff. temperatures to add the fragrance at but never an actual explanation of how it works!

[@BrooklyngirlLovesCrochet]

I heat my soyblend to 185 add the FO and stir for about 2 min making sure that it's as integrated as possible, then let cool to 130 and pour. Beautiful smooth tops every time since I learned that method.

[@BlueEyedCuriosity]

Right on! I'm with you and don't care for the Alex Method. After I tried it I was honestly confused about all the hype. Good to hear a detailed explanation about the pros and cons. Thanks!

[@cherryyakult8820]

I unknowingly did this when I started making candles in the beginning 😂😂

[@sasha-gayecrawford523]

Thanks for this detailed explanation. What are your thoughts on the Freedom Soy wax beads?

[@mizzstarr510]

I think I accidentally did Alex method before and it was the reason why my candle caught on fire at the bottom. The flame was so high. If even made the candle jar crack.

[@dianakhezaqia1287]

Great information, thanks! The wax i use is called golden brand 415. The instructions suggests heating to 160 f, is that ok or should i heat it up to 180??

[@mallowickcandles]

Hi, I use CB 135 and the recomendations is hit the wax to 70° , pouring at 60° and add FO at 65° , is that wrong so?

[@alyssacarpenter565]

What are your thoughts on adding Fragrance Oil at say 155*F then heating up to 185*F? I thought I was being smart and cheap by getting some hard plastic shot glasses for the FO to save some time and make more candles faster, but noticed the oil was eating the plastic so panicked and poured it in right after the wax completly melted, then heated up to 185. The Cold Throw was good but am I losing fragrance by doing that? I ended up buying a set of glass shot glasses already lol. I'm still learning and just doing 1 candle at a time for testing. Thank you!

[@marvelous-scents]

Hi how do you feel good about doing this method with a ParaSoy blend

[@kathleenschmitz5370]

I tried the Alex Method. Once.

[@MisterWhatWhat]

I tried this method for about a month or so. The only thing I noticed is that the HT was only present when the candle had 1/4 of wax left in the vessel. It's like the FO sunk to the bottom of the vessel lol. Never again!

[@Sujichan]

Can you heat it more and yet still pour cooler?

[@Adjudicus]

I can't think of a single downside to pouring at a low temp. I add fragrance oils at 75 and then wait for it to cool. It's great

[@RorschachB1]

I mix paraffin with soya wax yo make candles, would you say that's a good idea?

[@mommyandthe2girls]

My husband and I are celebrating our anniversary next week. As a gift, I made him a candle. I heated my soy wax to 185, took it off the burner and let it cool to 118. Then I added my FO and did a 2min slow stir. After I did the slow stir, I let it cool some more until the temperature came down to 108. Before I did my pour, I did one other thing I haven't seen anyone else do and I can't help but wonder why no one ever thought of it before or why I haven't seen it done. I added 7 drops of my oil extract to each of my wick's (3 in all). I thought by doing this, there would be a scent coming from the candle during each burn no matter what. Plus, there would be some scent still when it burns to the bottom. Once the temperature of the wax came down to 108, I did my pour. It set up really nice. There was some lifting in a small spot on the edge. When I did my pour, I kept some back just in case this happened. Topped it off and it looks awesome. This is my first time making a candle, so we'll see how well my extra trick goes. Hopefully it works.

[@kebayapink]

Ok guys need help here! Where i live there is no such thing like 444 464 its just simply soy. No label. My candle dont have smooth top yet. Ive tried many methods with different temperature etc, vco.. I live in hot humid city in Malaysia. Helppppp

[@glennmaillard5972]

I have found with my candles the wax* needs to be hot enough to mix fragrance oil evenly through the mix. I get the wax melted, then pour into a jug, then mix the fragrance, then pour it. I have had no problems. Between initial melt and candle pour is about 60 seconds. Is it the so-called ‘Alex Method’ or not? Don’t know. I love all this ‘scientific’ talk, but, honestly, with candles we’re really talking alchemy. Much of what is discussed on candle maker sites is not science. How much has ever been put through actual laboratory testing?