Our Guide To Candle Waxes & Melting Points

To ensure your safety and achieve the best results in candle-making, knowing the right temperature at which to melt your candle wax is crucial.

In general, most wax types should never be melted to a temperature of over 200F. Instead, it will likely be between 100F and 190F; however, this changes according to the type of wax and any additives inside.

We’ve composed a short guide below, taking you through the different waxes and their melting points, how to test and melt the wax, and a few safety tips to follow during the process.

Different Types of Wax & Their Optimal Burning Temperatures

Depending on the wax you are using to make your candle, these waxes have varying melting points; knowing the melting point of your type of wax is essential before you start the candle-making process. 

Beeswax 

Beeswax is a great natural type of wax for candle making and has a very high melting wax point of 144-149F; it is known to be a hard wax. 

It is also the perfect candle wax for burning if you want natural scents inside your home. 

• Melting point – 144-149F.
• Fragrance added – 160-165F.
• Cure for 2 days.

Soy Wax 

Another common natural wax choice is soy wax. It has a melting point of 113-127F and is affordable too. The downfalls are that it needs to hold scent better and colour. 

• Melting point – 180-185F.
• Fragrance added – 120-140F.
• Cure for 3-14 days.

Paraffin Wax 

Paraffin wax is mostly commercially used, with a melting point between 115F-142F. It holds colours and scents well and has an excellent hot/cold throw for making scented candles. 

• Pouring point – 180F.
• Fragrance added – 180F-185F.
• Cure for 1-2 days.

Gel Wax 

Gel candle wax has a very high melting wax point of around 180F; this is also the pouring point. Gel candles are also more fun to make since you can put non-flammable items in to watch the gel candles burn. 

• Pouring point – 185-200F.
• Fragrance added – 170F for flash point fragrances.
• Cure for 1-2 days. 

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is typically blended with soy wax to make it more suitable for candle making, and it can mix and hold fragrance well too. It has a melting point of between 124F-127F.

• Pouring point – 110-130F.
• Fragrance added – 130F.
• Cure for 1-2 days.

How To Melt Candle Wax 

Knowing the melting temperature of your candle wax is essential, but knowing how to melt it and test the temperature of your candle wax is equally as important too. 

We’ve listed the basic steps to melting down your candle wax to the right temperature below; you can use a double boiler or a microwave to do this safely. 

Microwave 

1. Begin by taking your microwave-safe container to melt the wax in 1-2 minute intervals.
2. Stir between intervals and note the wax’s temperature with a candle thermometer. 
3. Remove and allow to cool.

Double Boiler 

1. Start by filling your saucepan with two inches of water, then place over medium heat. 
2. Now take a pouring pitcher and place it inside the water once it is boiling. 
3. Lower the heat, allow the water to simmer, keep an eye on the wax and take its temperature often till reaching melting point. 
4. Remove from heat, allow to cool for a few minutes, then stir in your fragrance combination for scented candles.

Safety Tips For Burning Candle Wax 

If you’re making a batch of candles at home with different types of waxes, beginner candle makers should ensure they are following safety precautions when dealing with hot wax. 

We’ve listed a few essential tips worth knowing below.

• Keep your wax from reaching a temperature of 250F – Avoid leaving your wax to burn unattended and never let it get to a temperature of over 250F.
• Refrain from burning wax on direct heat – Burning wax on direct heat is a big no-no. Like the double-boiler method, you need to burn wax only on a slow, controlled heat.
• Wear safety gear – We recommend wearing safety gear such as goggles to avoid wax splashing into your eyes.

Last Words 

To conclude, common candle waxes melt below 200F; the exact melting point depends on the wax you are using.

We recommend melting your wax on a double boiler and taking the temperature of your wax often, always add your fragrance in at the right temperature to have the best throw.