How Hot Does Wax Have to Be to Melt
For those new to candle making, it is important to know the correct temperature for wax. Wax should not be too hot or too cold. If your wax is too hot and you pour it into a mold, the exterior of the candles will melt before they can cool down enough. This can cause candles to warp and lose their shape. If your wax is too cold, it will not pour properly and the candles will be brittle.
This means that there will be no defined lines on your candles, and they won’t look as professional. In addition, waxing hot wax over sensitive areas requires a gentler hand to prevent irritation. Read this blog post to know how hot does wax have to be to melt.
10 Factors That Determine How Hot Does Wax Have to Be to Melt
1. The Size of the Mold:
The size of the mold you are using will determine how hot your wax needs to be. When using a smaller mold, your wax should be cooler than when using a larger candle mold. Otherwise, there won’t be enough time for each layer to cool properly. Consult with your candle-making guide to figure out how hot does wax needs to be for each mold. Keep in mind that smaller molds require a cooler temperature than larger ones.
2. The Type of Mold You Are Using:
There are many types of molds available, depending on the type of wax you plan on using. Paraffin and beeswax are solid at room temperature, so they don’t need to be heated up as much. However, if you are using soy or palm wax, the mold should be hotter than normal because the wax is more liquid in these molds. Some people choose to use molds that are made from silicone because they are flexible and can be easily removed when the candle is done. Silicone molds can also be reused.
3. The Amount of Wax You Are Using:
The depth of the candle also affects how hot your wax should be. The deeper your candles are, the hotter they need to be. For example, a one-inch candle requires a different temperature than a 2-inch candle. Sculpted or novelty candles may require even higher temperatures because their molds are usually shallower, and they may be intense. Once you’ve picked your wax, the next step is choosing your wick. Varying brands have different guidelines on the width of wick they recommend for each diameter candle.
4. The Wax Quality:
Pure beeswax and paraffin are poured at approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a different type of wax, check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how hot does wax has to be. Pour the wax into the mold until it is a little more than half full. Allow the wax to cool. Then, put the wick in place. Once the wax has cooled, fill the mold to within one-quarter inch of the top.
5. The Weather:
The temperature outside will affect the temperature inside your house if you don’t keep all windows closed when melting your candles. On cold days, make sure that you heat your home before working with wax. If you are melting any wax, it is best if your house is between 75 and 80 degrees before you begin working with hot wax.
6. The Type of Container:
Plastic or metal pots with lids are ideal for melting your wax in because they retain heat. If you plan on melting the wax directly on the stovetop, then a glass container is best. Read before knowing the fact how hot does wax has to be for pouring before creating this type of candle.
7. The Type of Stove:
If you are melting your candles in a pot on a stove, make sure that the stove is clean and well-maintained. A dirty stove may not heat your wax properly. Also, check to see if your pots will scratch the surface on which they are placed and use protective materials, such as a potholder or hot pad.
8. The Condition of Your Wax:
Before pouring, you should make sure that your wax is solid and not runny at all. If it isn’t solid already, heat the container slightly to ensure that your wax melts completely without any water or dirt left behind. Once this is done, you can stop heating it and begin pouring.
9. The Season:
The seasons also affect how hot your wax needs to be. In the summer, heat rises into the air instead of accumulating at the bottom of your pot, so you need to use more fuel to get hotter temperatures. Your home or studio may become too warm during this time of year, so be careful not to overheat your wax.
10. The Type of Candle Making Supplies:
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you need to use the right candle-making supplies to get the best results possible. While some candle makers prefer using newer brands because they think these products work better, you may want to stick with what works best for you.
How To Melt Wax?
The temperature of wax starts at a particular point. This means that no matter what you are melting, the temperature will have to be kept constant to melt completely. If you increase or decrease the temperature too much, then there is a possibility that the wax may not melt.
Well, if we say on average, all waxes begin to melt between 160 and 190 degrees. This is a temperature that has to be kept constant to know when the wax can liquefy easily. The melting point of wax depends on how it was manufactured or, in some cases, what type of vegetable oil it contains.
Steps to Make Candle with Melted Wax
Step 1: Choose a Color
When choosing colors, be sure to use natural or plant-based dyes. They do not irritate and are better for the environment as well. Avoid using carmine dye (made from beetles) in particular. If you don’t want to invest in powdered dyes, try using liquid watercolors instead.
Step 2: Gather Materials
You will need wax, a double boiler, and an old jar. The jar will be used to melt the wax in. You might want to use a bowl with water instead of the double boiler since it heats up faster.
Step 3: Melt the Wax
Melt your wax over a double boiler. A double boiler is when you place water on a pot, heat it on high, and place another pot with melted wax inside it. The effect is that the boiling hot water heats your melted wax without burning it.
Step 4: Pour the Wax into Your Jar
When your wax has melted, pour it into the jar. Then place the candle wick in. You can use any string to hang your candle with and make a handle. Just make sure it is thick enough.
Step 5: Let the Candle Dry
Before you hang your candle, let it dry for at least two days. When you finish your candle can put a festive candle cover on it to hide the wick and give it some extra flare. You can use anything from ceramic bowls or pitchers with interesting patterns to a cute mouse. You can also color the candle or cover using dyes or even markers. The choice is yours!
Step 6: Enjoy Your Candle!
When you take your candle out of the jar, it might create some bubbles on the surface of your candle. It’s nothing to worry about. Just scoop them off and enjoy your creation!
What Temperature do You Need To Melt the Wax?
Everyone knows that wax melts at a temperature of 100°C. But it is surprising how much temperatures differ between natural waxes (made from plants’ or animals’ fat) and synthetic ones (such as paraffin, made from petroleum distillates). The latter is almost always cheaper than natural waxes.
Different Wax Has Different Melting Points
The melting points of waxes are dependent on their chemical structure and molecular weight. The higher the molecular weight, the higher the melting point. This rule is true for both natural and synthetic waxes. We have discussed different wax melting points below:
- The melting point of paraffin wax is between 40 – 45°C, depending on the composition. Therefore, to work with it at room temperature, you need to heat it to 55-60°C.
- The melting point of palm oil wax is between 35 – 50°C, depending on the quality. Therefore, to work with it at room temperature, you need to heat it to 60-80°C.
- The melting point of beeswax is around 110 – 120°C, but the very high-quality ones melt at 95-100°C. So if you want to work with it at room temperature, you need to warm it up until its temperature reaches 80-90°C one melts at around 100°C.
- The melting point of candelilla wax is from 35-45°C, depending on the quality.
- The melting point of Japan wax is about 125 – 140°C, but its exact value depends on the origin and the distillation process. Therefore, to work with it at room temperature, you need to warm it up to 80-90°C.
- The melting point of soy wax is from 54 – 60°C, depending on the quality and composition (linseed oil or palm oil). Therefore, to work with it at room temperature, you need to warm it up to 75-80°C.
- The melting point of ester wax is between 60 – 70°C, depending on the quality. Therefore, to work with it at room temperature, you need to warm it up to 80-90°C.
Conclusion
We hope that this article on how hot does wax have to be to melt has helped you better understand the science behind the wax and how it needs to be heated for it to melt. To recap, heat is needed so the molecules can move faster and make contact with one another more often.
Once these two things happen, the molecules will break up into smaller pieces, creating a liquid state of matter. If your goal is not just knowledge but also some practical application, we recommend using an electric heating device. We would love to hear about and see how you make out with this project.
You may read also – How to Get Candle Wax Off Granite
