Learn how to melt candle wax in more than one way, but crafters use the double boiler method to melt the candle wax. Candle making can be done easily at home with an old saucepan filled halfway with water and a heat-safe bowl that fits across the top.
What is the best way to melt candle wax for candles?
Candle wax must be melted with indirect heat. That makes this method of melting wax the best. If you make candles often, invest in a pouring pitcher. Placing a pitcher down in the water bath is the same as using a double boiler. Do not leave wax unattended.
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Read more on melting candle wax in my article “Best Candle Making Wax Melter”.
How to melt candle wax flakes?
Candle wax comes in a block of wax or wax flakes. Melting wax flakes is easier because you just need to weigh the amount you need without having to chop the wax block. Pour the flakes into the top of a double boiler over medium heat.
At what temperature does candle wax melt?
Invest in a thermometer. It is important to monitor the temperature of the melted candle wax. Use a double boiler at medium to medium-high heat. Boiling water can get into your wax if the temperature gets too high.
Softer wax such as soy wax melts at a lower temperature near 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Harder waxes like paraffin and beeswax melt at a slightly higher temperature near 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Candle wax melting points range between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit relative to the wax blend. Gel wax melting point is 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature should I melt candle wax to before I add the fragrance oil?
Melted wax is not enough. Monitor the temperature until the melted wax reaches about 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature is very important in candle making. Once the melted wax is at this temperature, remove it from the heat. The candle wax needs to expand with the heat to form a bond with the fragrance oil.
Once the melted wax is off the stove, the temperature will start to drop. Most fragrance oil can be added between 165 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the fragrance oil to the melted candle wax and stir for about 2 minutes.
Some fragrance oils are more sensitive to higher temperatures during candle making. Although flashpoints are used for shipping information, this is a good indication that a lower fragrance oil may evaporate readily when added to melting wax at a higher temp. For these fragrance oils, I add them at a temperature closest to their flashpoint.
At what temperature should I melt candle wax to before I add essential oil?
Melt the wax as you would for regular candle making. Monitor the temperature until the melted candle wax is between 145 to 165 Fahrenheit. Making candles with essential oils takes a lower temperature and more oil.
At what temperature should I pour candle wax?
Pouring temperatures for candles differ for each wax type used. Softer waxes such as soy wax are best poured at around 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Harder waxes such as paraffin are best poured at 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Parasoy or IGI 6006 are best poured at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you melt candles on the stove?
Yes. Place the candle in a saucepan with boiling water halfway up the glass or container.
Can you melt soy wax on a gas stove?
Yes. Always melt wax indirectly using boiling water or use a double boiler as a heat source.
How do you melt old candles on the stove?
Use a double boiler for old pillar candles and place them on the top to melt. Once melted use a fork to pull out the wick.
For old candles in a glass container (or tin), place them in a water bath in a saucepan on medium heat. Pour the wax out into a silicone mold for wax melts or make new candles. Remove the wick with a fork. Wipe the container with a paper towel and clean with soapy water to reuse.
How to melt candle wax on a gas stove?
Melting wax on a gas stove is the same process as melting wax on an electric stove. The important method is a double boiler to melt with indirect heat. Alternatively, place your melting pot into a water bath of boiling water.
Can I melt candle wax in a saucepan?
No. Melting wax directly in a saucepan or pot will cause scorching or could cause the wax to catch fire. Melting wax requires indirect heating. One exception is gel wax. The temperature to melt gel wax is 200 degrees Fahrenheit and requires direct heating.
Can you melt paraffin wax in a saucepan?
No. Paraffin wax requires indirect heating for melting. Direct heat may cause scorching, smoking, or create a fire hazard.
What do you melt paraffin wax in?
Paraffin wax can be melted using a double boiler method or using a pouring pitcher placed in a saucepan or pot of boiling water. The melting process for soy and paraffin is the same.
Can you melt wax melts to make candles?
Yes. Prepare a glass or tin container with the appropriate wick. Using a double boiler, melt the wax to about 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the pan from the stove and cool to about 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently stir and pour. Let the candle set up and cure.
How do you melt bulk candle wax?
Using a double boiler or pouring pitcher for melting wax makes about 4 to 6 8-ounce candles. Melting larger amounts of wax or bulk candle wax requires commercial equipment or an electric roasting pan for at-home candle makers.
Commercial wax melters can hold 50 pounds or more of wax and dispense with a valve. These sometimes can be purchased where candle supplies are sold. Most commercial wax melters are found online where wholesale supplies are sold.
A slow cooker or electric roaster provides indirect heat perfect for the melting process. An average slow cooker holds 5 quarts of liquid (10-pound bag of wax flakes) and a large turkey roaster holds 22 quarts of liquid (25 pounds of wax flaxes).
Slow cookers and roasters are a cheap way to melt wax without a stove or double boiler.
Can I melt candle wax in the microwave?
Yes. Use a microwave-safe bowl or pot. Heat the wax in the microwave at one-minute intervals. Stir each time and when the wax looks clear start checking the temperature with a thermometer.
Avoid using glass as it takes more energy to heat the glass than it does to get wax hot! Follow the same instructions for candle making adding your favorite scent.
Can I melt paraffin wax in the microwave?
Yes. Use a microwave-safe container. Use heavier plastic or a microwave pot. Microwave in one-minute intervals until the wax is completely melted. Paraffin melts at about 10 degrees higher than soy so it will take a little longer. Check the temperature with a thermometer when the wax is clear.
How do you melt wax without a burner?
For candle making, I don’t use a burner or hot plate. I use a slow cooker for small batches and a roaster for medium batches.
I like to use the lamps that provide heat from above with a light bulb. This allows me to still use the candle later if I choose. Most candles will produce a good cold throw and will also produce a soft hot throw with a boost of heat.
You can also use wax melts instead of candles by placing them in a heat-safe bowl or dish.
How long does it take for the candle wax to melt?
I have found that wax melts at about 5 minutes per pound over medium heat. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer and adjust it to the desired temperature. Using medium-high heat is okay but do not leave it unattended.
Why do you need a double boiler for wax?
The water from the double boiler insulates the candle wax from direct heat. It disperses the heat evenly preventing hot spots and burning. It allows the wax to gradually melt coming evenly to the proper temperature to create a stable bond.
What happens if you overheat the candle wax?
Overheating candle wax can scorch or burn resulting in discoloration, improper bonding, cracking rough surfaces, and separation. It may also interfere with the fragrance hot throw or retention.
Candle wax heated to temperatures that exceed 250 degrees Fahrenheit can break down and begin to de-solidify back to the soy oil it was before it was hydrogenated. This does not happen as often with paraffin. This breakdown can also break the bonds in other wax blends found with other waxes such as parasoy or coconut blends.
Overheating may also cause the breakdown in bonds created with chemical additives such as vybar or glossy crystals. It may also inhibit the ability of these additives to perform as intended.
