Working With Candle Wax

Most candle making techniques, and virtually all the candles described in this website, involve the use of molten, liquid wax. It is therefore essential that you are aware of the potential problems and know how to deal with them should they arise.

Working with heat

There are two ways of melting wax - a safe way and a less safe way. The safe way is to use a double boiler, and for most candles this is perfectly adequate. The disadvantage is that a double boiler will not heat wax above 100°C (212°F), the boiling point of water.

Some candle waxes must be heated above this temperature and, in these cases, the wax must be heated in an open pan, which is a less safe method of melting wax. If you are using this method, it is very important that you do not leave the wax unattended. Raise the temperature slowly; monitoring it continuously with a thermometer to ensure that it does not overheat.

Fire safety

Wax should be treated like cooking oil. At temperatures below 100°C (212°F) it is fairly safe and will not ignite. At higher temperatures, it starts to vaporize and is liable to ignite. The exact   ' temperature depends on the type of wax being used, but it is best to treat all waxes at temperatures above 100°C (212°F) as though they are highly flammable. If the wax does catch fire:

1.  Switch off the heat immediately and cover the flames with a damp cloth or a metal lid.
2.  Do not move the pan.
3.  Do not try to put out the fire with water.

Working with wax

Candle making is not an inherently messy occupation, but upsets are bound to occur. With a little thought, difficult situations can be dealt with easily, or avoided altogether.

Preventing accidents

1.  When making candles, wear old comfortable clothing and move or cover rugs and  carpets.
2.  Give yourself enough space to work in and have your equipment and materials within easy reach.
3.  Remember that prolonged contact with hot molten wax will cause scalding. Do not leave pan handles sticking out from the heat source and keep children and pets away from hot wax containers.
4.  Do not pour liquid wax down a sink or drain - as it cools it sets hard and could cause a blockage.

Cleaning up

Allow spilt wax to cool and harden before trying to remove it.

1.  For wax on clothing and carpets, scrape off as much as possible and then remove the residue by ironing through a sheet of absorbent paper (kitchen toweling is ideal). Alternatively, you can have the item dry-cleaned.
2.  For wax on wood, scrape off the excess, then polish the residue with a soft cloth.
3.  For wax on metal or plastic, immerse the item in hot water until the wax melts and floats to the surface.
4.  White spirit or turpentine can be used to dissolve small amounts of cold wax.