How to Melt Wax for Candle Making

Melt candle wax to create your own candles.

If you enjoy creating crafts for yourself or friends, candle-making is a project that allows you to use your creativity. Some candles found in stores may be pricy, Making your own with custom scents or colors gives you a hands-on activity and also allows you to make thoughtful, inexpensive gifts. A part of the candle-making process includes melting the wax, which is also the most important step to observe; hot wax can be flammable. With a few materials found in the home, you can melt wax for your own candles any time you want.

Things You'll Need

• Large pot
• Pouring pot
• Water
• Candle wax
• Cooking thermometer

Instructions

1. Find a large boiling pot and a pouring pot that will fit within the larger pot. This will create a double-boiler. A double-boiler will allow you to heat the wax to the appropriate temperature neatly and efficiently.

2. Fill the boiling pot with about 2 inches of water. Turn the stove on to bring the water to a boil. Once the water begins to boil, place the pouring pot within the larger pot.

3. Turn down the heat under the boiling pot so the boiling water begins to simmer. Add water to the boiling pot periodically when needed to replace any water lost through steam. Always have about 2 inches of water in the pot.

4. Place the candle wax of your choice into the pouring pot. Set up the thermometer within the pot to monitor the temperature of the wax as it begins to liquefy.

5. Pour the melted wax into the jar of your choice, once it reaches the manufacturer's suggested temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep a fire extinguisher close to your workspace.

• Use an electric stove if possible to heat the wax. Open flames, like those on a gas stove, are more likely to ignite into fire if the wax gets too hot.

• Since each wax has a different melting temperature, it is important to observe the temperature frequently to avoid any chances of fire.

• Never leave wax to burn alone. Wax that reaches flash point (usually above 300-degrees) creates flammable vapors which may cause fire.

References

• Candletech.com: Wax Melting Instructions - Focus on Safety