Jessie Taylor
Candle wax is hot enough to cause serious burns, and its temperature depends on the type of wax used. Natural candles made from soy wax, for instance, have a melting point of around 45-54°C (113-127°F). Paraffin wax, commonly used in commercial candles, melts at 46-61°C (115-142°F). Beeswax, another natural option, has a very high melting point of 62-65°C (143-151°F, or 149°F in another source), making it unsafe for wax play, where hot wax is dripped onto the skin.
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What You'll Learn
Candle wax melting points vary
Some popular types of candle wax include soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, paraffin wax, and gel wax. Each of these waxes has a different melting point range. For example, soy wax, a natural and popular option, typically melts at temperatures between 113-127°F (45-54°C). It has a lower melting point compared to other waxes, which contributes to its longer-lasting burn time. Beeswax, another natural option, has a higher melting point, ranging from 143-151°F (62-65°C). This wax is considered hard and produces less smoke when burnt. Coconut wax, often blended with soy wax, has a melting point range of 124-127°F (51-53°C).
Paraffin wax, commonly found in commercial candles, has a melting point range of 115-142°F (46-61°C). It effectively holds colour and scents, resulting in a strong scent throw. However, it is not a natural product and emits carcinogens and pollutants. Gel wax, which can be used for both candles and wax melts, has an even higher melting point of around 180°F (82°C). This type of wax offers a long burn time but contains refined crude oil by-products, making it less environmentally friendly.
The melting point of candle wax is not only influenced by the type of wax but also by additives and impurities. For example, candle additives such as dye, oils, and scents can increase the melting point, while impurities in a particular batch of wax can impact its melting temperature. Therefore, it is essential to have a good understanding of the melting points of different waxes and their unique characteristics when making candles to ensure optimal results and safety.
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Wax type impacts temperature
Candle wax is available in various types, each with its own unique melting point. The melting point of candle wax is crucial in determining its performance properties, such as burn time, scent retention, and eco-friendliness.
One of the most popular types of candle wax is soy wax, which is derived from soybeans. It has a melting point of 45-54°C (113-127°F), which is relatively lower than other types of wax. This lower melting point contributes to the longevity of soy wax candles, as they burn at a slower rate. Additionally, soy wax is known for its ability to retain fragrances effectively, resulting in a better scent throw.
Beeswax, another natural option, boasts an exceptionally high melting point of 62-65°C (144-149°F). Its high melting point makes it a hard wax, and it is considered eco-friendly due to its biodegradability and lack of chemical compounds. Beeswax candles produce minimal smoke during burning and are highly regarded for their sustainability.
Coconut wax, often blended with soy wax, falls within the melting point range of 51-53°C (124-127°F). This natural wax type is known for its ability to retain its form and fragrance, enhancing the overall scent throw.
Gel wax, on the other hand, has a significantly higher melting point of around 82°C (180°F). Candles made from gel wax tend to have extended burn times, outperforming traditional wax candles. However, gel wax is not considered eco-friendly due to its crude oil by-product composition.
Paraffin wax, the most commonly used wax in commercial products due to its low cost, has a melting point of 46-61°C (115-142°F). It effectively holds colours and scents, resulting in a robust scent throw. However, paraffin wax is not natural and releases carcinogens and other pollutants during burning.
The type of wax significantly impacts the temperature at which candles burn, with some waxes, like soy, beeswax, and coconut wax, offering more eco-friendly and sustainable options due to their natural origins and lower melting points.
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Safety precautions when melting wax
Melting wax can be a potentially hazardous activity, so it's important to take the necessary safety precautions. Here are some guidelines to follow when melting wax to ensure a safe process:
Use Appropriate Equipment
Always use a double boiler or a dedicated wax melting pot to melt your wax safely. Avoid heating wax directly on a stove, as it can burn easily and become a fire hazard if it exceeds 250°F (121°C). Use a heat-resistant spatula or spoon made from materials like silicone, stainless steel, or ceramic for stirring. Metal utensils should be avoided as they may react with the wax or transfer heat unevenly.
Temperature Control
Monitor the temperature closely to prevent overheating, which can degrade the wax, cause discolouration, or even lead to fires. Keep the temperature between 180°F and 200°F (82°C to 93°C), depending on the wax type. Use a reliable thermometer to ensure the wax doesn't exceed the desired temperature.
Ventilation
Wax boiling releases hazardous fumes, so ensure your workspace is well-ventilated. Good airflow is crucial to avoid inhaling these fumes.
Wax Melter Placement
Keep electric wax melters away from flammable items such as furniture, bedding, carpets, drapes, books, and paper. Place them out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidents.
Tea Lights
If using tea lights with wax melts, ensure the tea light is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room. Always unplug electric wax melters from the mains when not in use.
Container Precautions
If your wax melter or burner is used on a non-heat-resistant surface without a protective plate or tray, it may cause damage. Flammable objects in the wax pool, such as matches or insects, can ignite and cause the wax to overheat, leading to splattering or container breakage.
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Wax play in a BDSM context
Wax play involves dripping or pouring hot wax on your partner's body, typically from a lit candle, when you’re getting intimate. It is a form of risk-aware consensual kink that can be classified as sensation play, temperature play, and edge play. The dominant partner might drip the wax on the submissive partner, using it as part of a punishment or teasing.
The sensation of feeling something warm on the skin and the visual of watching the slow drip can activate arousal. The wax is hot when it hits, so there is a little frisson of pain or intensity, and the person receiving the wax can anticipate it, which heightens their focus and often the eroticism.
In popular culture, the 1993 film Body of Evidence features a scene where Madonna's character binds her lover's arms together with his belt, then, while he is helpless, she teases and denies him sexual satisfaction, demonstrating his subjugation to her by pouring candle wax onto his penis before they have sex.
To prepare for wax play, you can apply mineral oil or lotion to the skin beforehand to make wax removal easier. You can also use massage candles that have a low melting point and don’t hurt when they make contact with the skin for sensual massages. After wax play, it is important to check that the skin beneath the wax is fine and to calm any irritated skin with a soothing aloe vera cream.
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Candle wax removal techniques
Candle wax can be a stubborn stain on your tablecloth, rug, or shirt, but there are several methods to remove it. The best time to clean candle wax is right after it has hit the surface. If you catch the spill or drip when it happens, simply wipe the wax with a dry microfiber cloth and make sure you have removed it all.
If the wax has hardened, you can try the ice cube method. Place several ice cubes inside a plastic bag and place the bag on top of the wax. Let the bag of ice sit on the wax for at least five minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the ice bag and scrape the wax with your fingernail. If you can’t scrape the wax off with your fingernail, try using a credit card, plastic knife, or plastic spoon.
You can also use heat to soften the wax and then wipe it away with a soft cloth. Use a blow dryer or hairdryer set to medium and held about 6 inches away from the wax. If the material doesn’t begin to soften after one minute, move the dryer closer to the surface. Once the wax has softened, wipe it away with a clean microfiber cloth.
If you are removing wax from fabric, you can try the iron and paper bag method. First, put the fabric in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the fabric and scrape off the cold wax. Next, place a paper bag over the wax and run a warm iron over the bag to absorb the wax. Finally, apply a little laundry detergent directly to the stain and wash as directed.
To remove wax from hair, place the tips of the hair in hot water to melt the wax, then wash as normal.
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Frequently asked questions
The melting point of candle wax depends on the type of wax. The melting point of soy wax is between 45-54°C (113-127°F) or 118-125°F, beeswax melts at 62-65°C (143-151°F), coconut wax melts at 51-53°C (124-127°F) or 75-100°F, gel wax melts at around 82°C (180°F), and paraffin wax melts at 46-61°C (115-142°F) or 122-158°F.
Wax play involves dripping candle wax onto the skin to create a slight burning sensation. The temperature of the wax depends on the type of candle used. Soy candles melt at around 46-57°C, paraffin candles at 47-65°C, beeswax candles at 62-65°C, microcrystalline wax at 63-93°C, and stearin at 80°C.
Heat wax to between 180°F and 185°F. Add fragrances or dye, stir, then pour the wax at around 150-160°F or 140°F.
Wax that is too hot can cause serious burns. If wax play is performed incorrectly, the burns may be severe enough to require medical attention.
