Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is classified as a chemical preservative. The raw material is used to make paraffin wax which is a petroleum by-product created when crude oil is refined into gasoline. As many of you know, petroleum is not a renewable resource. Because it is oil-based, this wax burns hotter and faster. One of the most vital factors in selecting the best paraffin wax for your candle-making projects is the type of candles that you will make. The type of paraffin wax you will use for pillar-type candles differs from what wax you will use for container candles.
Paraffin wax has no scent at all and burns faster than beeswax. Paraffin wax has different melting points, so it is vital to purchase the correct melting point for the type of candle you are making. Container candles, for example, require paraffin with a melting point of 126-131 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas over-dipping candles require a melting point of 154-156 degrees Fahrenheit. The melting point of wax is the temperature at which the wax becomes liquid. The flashpoint, or the temperature at which the wax ignites, rises as the melting point does.
There are many kinds of paraffin wax available, and choosing the correct wax could be confusing. So, to keep it simple for you, I will break out the different paraffin waxes by melting point; low, medium, and high, and what type of candles to make with each. To sum up, choose your wax by considering the characteristics listed above and the appropriateness of the method or type of candle you are making. This article will help you decide which wax to use for your specific candle project.
Low Melting Point
This type of wax will melt at a temperature of approximately 127 degrees Fahrenheit, or 53 degrees Celsius, and is a soft wax. Soft wax is ideally used for container candles and can keep scent until the candle is burned. This wax is highly flexible and does not require the addition of any additives. There are many advantages to using softer paraffin waxes. They are, however, more hard to work with than other waxes and produce more soot.
Medium Melting Point
This wax is frequently used for votive candles and, on occasion, container candles. The melting point is between 127 degrees and 145 degrees Fahrenheit or between 53 to 63 degrees Celsius. This type of wax will be harder to touch, and it will keep its shape much better than the lower melting point waxes. This wax will hold its scent well but will require additives. It comes in blocks and must be in small chunks to melt.
High Melting Point
This wax is ideal for pillar candles, hand-dipped taper candles, molded candles, and shaped or carved candles. This wax is extremely firm but does not keep its scent. The melting point of this type is 145 degrees Fahrenheit, or 63 degrees Celsius. This type of wax needs to be used for these candles so that your candles won’t cave in on themselves while they cool. If you want to make candles out of this wax, you’ll need to use additives.
Once you determine the type of candle you want to make, you can choose the type of paraffin wax that will work best. When shopping for paraffin wax either in your local store or online, make sure that you know the melting point of the particular paraffin wax so that your candles look great.
