When getting into making candles you find that there are multiple methods to get things done. Melting wax to make candles is no exception. I’ve outlined a few of the most popular ways to do it in this article, let’s take a look and see what I found. How to melt candle wax?
Melt candle wax by using the double boiler method. A double boiler method consists of one pot containing water sitting on the stove and another pot containing wax sitting on top of it. The water separation prevents the wax from overheating and reaching its flashpoint.
Melting candle wax can be dangerous if not taken seriously. Most wax is combustible at around 400°F or slightly higher. That is well within the range of your stove top burner.
For that reason, most people use a double boiler when melting their candle wax. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly a double boiler is.
Melting Wax With A Double Boiler
With a double boiler, you have one pot containing water sitting on a stove until the water comes to a boil it will be at the temperature of 212°F. The temperature of the water can not exceed 212°F so that is when the water begins to steam. The boiling water and steam will heat the wax pouring pot that is sitting on top and melt your wax. This allows your wax to melt safely without the risk of combustion from direct contact with the burner.
How To Use A Double Boiler
- Select a large pot to sit on your oven’s burner.
- Put 3-4 inches of water in the large pot.
- Bring that water to a boil.
- Place the small pot containing the wax on top.
- Add water to the bottom boiling pot as needed to maintain water level.
- Monitor the temperature of wax until desired temperature is reached.
- Remove from heat when desired temperature is achieved and continue candle making process.
If the pot containing the wax is touching the bottom of the pot with the water then you may want to consider using a spacer between them.
Something that you do not mind boiling, perhaps an old metal cookie cutter or some old metal utensils.
Make sure you have a good thermometer. See my choice.
Melting Wax In The Microwave
Will candle wax melt in the microwave?
Candle wax will melt in the microwave depending on the wattage of your microwave and the container you are using. Stop the microwave frequently to stir and check the current temperature.
How To Melt Wax In The Microwave?
- Put your wax in a microwave-safe container such as Pyrex.
- Microwave on low power in 60 second intervals.
- Stirring and checking the temperature in between.
- Repeat microwaving and stirring until you reach desired temperature.
- Remove from microwave at desired temperature and continue candle making process.
What Temperature Does Wax Melt?
| Paraffin Wax | 125 °F |
| Soy Wax | 120 °F |
| Coconut Wax | 100 °F |
| Beeswax | 150 °F |
While these waxes have a relatively low melt point compared to their flashpoints. It is important to remember if you are making scented candles some fragrance oils have flashpoints as low as 160 °F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the melting pot directly on the burner?
Do not use the melting pot directly on the burner. Doing so can overheat the wax and cause a variety of candle-making problems. However, if you have a temperature control burner that lets you adjust the temperature to 200 or less placing the pot directly on the burner should be safe.
Can I use crayons to color my wax?
Crayons should not be used to color wax because the coloring in crayons is not the same as simply having dyed wax. The coloring in crayons can cause problems. It can clog up your wick and create problems when you try to burn your candle.
Can you reuse melted candle wax?
You can reuse melted candle wax and doing so is a great way to recycle your old candles. However, you will have less control over the fragrance and burn profile of the candle not knowing specifically what ingredients were used to make it.
What happens if you overheat candle wax?
Overheating candle wax can cause several issues such as discoloration, cracking, wet spots, rough spots, frosting, and poor candle scent throw. This problem is made worse if you add fragrance oil at high temperatures because the fragrance oil will begin to rapidly evaporate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, no matter what method you choose to melt wax for candle making just make sure you do it safely. Always check your temperatures and never leave heating wax unattended.
Check with your supplier and manufacturer to make sure you are sticking to their recommended temperature guidelines.
Candle wax should never exceed 190° because it is simply not necessary for the candle making process. Wax dye blocks are usually added around 185° and fragrance oils are added even cooler than that.