Tyler Brooks
There are many reasons why you might want to melt a candle. Perhaps you want to melt down remnants of old candles to create a new one, or maybe you want to melt the top layer of a candle to prevent tunnelling. Whatever the reason, there are several methods you can use to melt a candle, including using a double boiler, an oven, a microwave, or a wax melter.
Characteristics and Values of Melting a Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Methods | Double boiler, microwave, oven, stove, wax melter, heat gun, blow dryer, aluminium foil |
| Container | Glass bowl, metal can, pouring jug, microwavable container |
| Temperature | Soy wax: 49-82°C, paraffin wax: 46-68°C, beeswax: 62-65°C, gel wax: 82°C, wax melter: adjustable |
| Time | 1 minute intervals, 2-minute intervals, 10 minutes |
| Precautions | Avoid overheating, avoid fire hazards, avoid inhalation of toxic particles, wear gloves |
| Uses | Making new candles, wax melts, wax sachets, fire starters, teacup candles |
| First Burn | 1-2 hours, until wax melts to the edges to prevent tunnelling |
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What You'll Learn
Melting candle wax in the oven
Once the wax has melted, carefully remove it from the oven. If you are melting wax from a jarred candle, you can scoop the wax out of the jar and reuse it for another purpose. Be careful not to burn yourself on hot wax or the oven. If you are reusing the wax, you can pour it into a mould to create homemade wax melts. You can also add a few drops of essential oil and place pressed flowers in the wax to create floral wax sachets.
If you are making a new candle, prepare your wick by gluing it to the bottom of your chosen container. Let the wax cool enough to handle, then carefully pour it into your new container. If you are combining the wax from multiple candles, make sure they are all the same type of wax. You can also add colour and fragrance to your wax. To do this, use a thermometer to ensure the wax is 70°C, then add your desired amount of colour and fragrance, stirring gently for one minute.
If you are not reusing the wax, you can simply dispose of it once it has cooled. You can also try removing wax from a jarred candle by placing the jar in the freezer. This will cause the wax to shrink and pop out of the jar, making it easier to remove.
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Using a double boiler
To create a double boiler, fill a large saucepan about halfway with water and place it on the stove to heat. You can use a plain saucepan or a pot with a large opening. The water level should be just high enough so it does not touch the bowl that will be placed on top. This is because it is better if the bowl is heated by steam than water. However, one source suggests allowing the water to come 1-2 inches up the side of the bowl, as this will heat the wax more quickly.
Place your wax in a pouring pitcher, clean coffee can, smaller saucepan, or heat-safe glass bowl. If using a bowl, ensure that it is fairly deep. Rest the container holding the wax on top of the saucepan or pot. Heat over medium-low heat until the wax is completely melted. If using a glass bowl, be sure that steam is escaping. If the steam cannot escape, it can build up pressure and push the bowl off.
Once the wax begins to melt, occasionally stir the unmelted parts with a wooden or heat-safe spatula to encourage even melting. Do not stir aggressively, as this can introduce air into the blend, which may impact the final candle quality. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer and remove the wax from the heat once it reaches 185°F to 190°F (85°C to 88°C). If you are adding colour, you can do so once the temperature reaches 70°C. If you are adding fragrance, remove the wax from the heat first and gently stir it in. Most wax should be heated to 185°F before adding fragrance, but always check your wax supplier's instructions.
When pouring the melted wax, use a potholder and be careful not to tip the bowl. It is also important to note that once a pan has been used for melting wax, it should not be used for preparing food.
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Melting wax in the microwave
Firstly, it is important to use a microwave-safe container, such as a glass or ceramic dish. Cut the wax into smaller pieces or use wax beads to help it melt more evenly. Place the container with the wax in the microwave and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds to 2 minutes, stirring between each interval, until it's fully melted. Keep a close eye on the wax as it melts to prevent overheating or fire.
Once the wax is melted, remove it from the microwave and place it on a safe, even, covered surface. Use a thermometer to check the temperature before adding colour and fragrance oil. The wax should be at around 70°C before adding these extra ingredients. Give the wax a good stir, ensuring the colour and fragrance are well blended.
The temperature at which wax melts depends on its type. For example, soy wax melts at a higher temperature than paraffin wax, with a range of 49-82°C compared to 46-68°C. Beeswax has an even lower melting point, at 62-65°C, while gel wax has a higher melting point, at 82°C. It is important not to exceed these temperatures, as the wax may become too thin and runny, increasing the risk of burns.
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Using a wax melter
A wax melter is a special appliance designed for melting wax. It looks like a pot with a spigot at the bottom, from which the melted wax flows out. Most wax melters are electric and come with temperature control features.
If you are using a wax melter, place it on a table or counter with the spigot hanging over the edge. Plug it in and set the temperature according to the type of wax you are using. Place the wax directly into the pot and wait for it to melt. Once it has melted, open the spigot and let the wax flow into a container.
Always use protective eyewear and clothing when using a wax melter. Do not set the temperature above the manufacturer's recommended level. Turn off the power and unplug the appliance before cleaning. Do not clean the appliance when it is hot and do not use household cleaning products. Remove excess wax and use a lightly damp, soft cloth with rubbing alcohol to clean residue.
Wax melters come in different sizes, such as 9-liter and 27-liter options. The size you choose will depend on how much wax you want to melt at once.
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$45.89 $55.89
Heat gun or hair dryer method
If you're looking to melt candle wax without a candle warmer, one method you can try is the heat gun or hair dryer method. This technique involves using a heat gun or hair dryer to melt and smooth out the top layer of the candle. The heat from the device softens the wax, making it easy to manipulate into a smooth surface. It is important to note that a heat gun is preferable to a hair dryer as it provides more precise temperature control and reduces the risk of blowing hot wax onto yourself or your work area.
When using a heat gun, the air temperature can be adjusted to suit your needs, with most candle-making tasks requiring temperatures no higher than 150 °F. It is important to exercise caution when using a heat gun, as the air temperature can exceed 1,000 °F. Always keep safety in mind and be sure to work away from any flammable materials.
To use the heat gun or hair dryer method, start by covering the top of your candle with aluminium foil. This will help to contain the heat and catch any wax that may melt and drip. Then, simply aim the heat gun or hair dryer at the foil-covered area and turn it on. Hold it at a safe distance from the candle and slowly move it back and forth to evenly distribute the heat.
Keep a close eye on the candle as the wax begins to melt. You may need to adjust the distance or angle of the heat gun or hair dryer to ensure even melting. If you're using a heat gun, you can adjust the temperature to control the melting process. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as this can cause scorching or other damage.
Once the wax has melted to your desired level, turn off the heat gun or hair dryer and allow the wax to cool and harden. You can then remove the aluminium foil and enjoy your smoothly-topped candle. This method is particularly useful for mitigating the cosmetic shortcomings of soy wax, which is prone to developing irregular crystals on the top and sides, resulting in an undesirable appearance called "frosting".
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular way to melt candle wax is by using a double boiler. This method uses steam as a heat source to melt the wax. It is also one of the safest ways to melt wax as it does not involve direct contact with the heat source, reducing the risk of overheating or fire hazards.
The fastest way to melt candle wax is by using a microwave. However, it is important to note that not all candle containers are microwave-safe, so it is crucial to use a microwave-safe container and monitor the temperature to ensure it does not exceed 80°C.
To prevent a hole from forming, ensure that during the first burn, the candle is lit long enough for the wax to melt all the way to the edges. The general rule is to burn for one hour per inch of the candle's diameter.
