Crafting candles is an age-old pastime, experiencing a surge in popularity in the early 20th century. Today, candles serve diverse purposes, including illumination, decoration, and even culinary applications. They’re now a favored present for birthdays, anniversaries, and festive celebrations. Their appealing fragrances and relaxing qualities make them particularly well-liked.
Candle waxes have varying melting points based on their ingredients. Paraffin wax, as an example, melts around 50°C (122°F). Beeswax melts at approximately 65°C (140°F). Waxes that melt at higher temperatures are typically harder and less flexible.This makes them prone to cracking. Conversely, waxes with lower melting points are softer and more flexible. They are easier to mold and manipulate.
Different Types Of Wax And It’s Melting Point
Paraffin, soy, and beeswax are the most popular candle waxes. Paraffin wax is the most economical option. It’s frequently blended with cheaper oils, such as palm oil, to lower candle costs. Soy wax is a bit pricier than paraffin, but it usually has a stronger scent throw. Beeswax is the most premium wax.Its production is more time-consuming and requires greater attention.
Paraffin
Paraffin wax production involves heating petroleum-based materials. These materials encompass crude oil, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and asphalt. Refinement into paraffin wax occurs via fractional distillation. this method isolates lighter fuel components, leaving the heavier elements behind.
Paraffin waxes typically melt between 50-60°C (122-140°F), varying with purity.They are notably hard and brittle. High heat won’t soften them. Electric stovetop burners are commonly used for melting. Molten paraffin wax is a clear, easily pourable liquid. It solidifies rapidly after pouring, becoming challenging to reshape.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is created by transforming soybeans into a wax-like material. This transformation involves extracting the wax from the beans using a method known as solvent extraction. Following extraction, the wax undergoes purification and bleaching to eliminate any remaining impurities. Soy waxes have a melting point between 45-53°C (113-127°F).Similar to paraffin wax, they possess a hard and brittle texture that cannot be softened through heating. They also maintain their solid state even when molten. Therefore, they require a gradual melting process with constant stirring. Due to these characteristics, soy waxes are commonly melted using a double boiler setup.
Beeswax
honeybees create beeswax by gathering nectar from blossoms. They store this nectar in their bodies. After a few days, they release the nectar.It then falls onto the honeycomb, where it gathers and forms crystals. The bees gather these crystals and press them together, making a wax block.Beeswax is a very hard wax. It softens only after being heated for a long time. It melts slowly. Once melted,it stays liquid for a while. Beeswax melts at 80-90°C (176-195°F).
Coconut Blend Wax
Coconut blend wax is crafted by mixing coconut oil with natural components. these often include shea butter, jojoba oil, and candelilla wax. This wax blend melts at temperatures between 51-53°C (124-127°F).It’s softer compared to paraffin and beeswax, yet firmer than soy wax. Its workability makes it ideal for creating diverse candle types.
Rapeseed Wax
Rapeseed wax comes from pressing rapeseeds or canola seeds.It typically melts between 55-65°C (131-145°F). similar to soy wax, it’s hard and brittle, needing a slow melting process. It’s often used in soap making.
Blended Paraffin
Paraffin wax blends combine various paraffin wax types. They’re frequently used for budget-friendly candle production. These blends typically melt around 40°C (104°F). They offer greater adaptability compared to pure paraffin wax. Plus, they are a more economical choice.
Methods You Can Melt Candle Wax
You ignite the candle, extinguish it, and all appears well.However, you observe that the wax hasn’t fully liquefied. Perhaps you’re attempting to melt wax for presents, but it’s proving tough. Regardless, numerous techniques exist for effectively melting wax. Here are three methods to consider:
double Boiler
A double boiler is a two-piece pot. The bottom section holds water,and the top holds wax. Heat is applied to the bottom pot, melting the wax in the top. The top pot sits on the bottom, and the water is reheated. This gentle method melts wax slowly,preventing burning.
Choose a container large enough to hold the melting wax. Ensure it doesn’t touch the pot’s bottom to avoid scorching. A double boiler works best: a large pan with boiling water and a smaller pan inside. The smaller pan holds the wax, while the larger one maintains a consistent water temperature.
How to Make a Candle Safely
be Careful of The Flash Point
A substance’s flash point is the minimum temperature needed for it to ignite automatically upon air exposure. Before using an unlit candle, verify its flash point. Some materials can be flammable without burning. Gasoline, for instance, is flammable despite not burning directly.
Don’t worry if you accidentally touch an unlit candle! Quickly pull your hand away and wash the area well using soap and lukewarm water. Avoid rubbing the spot where you made contact.
Do Not Use an Open Flame Near Your candles
Candle wax softens when it gets hotter than 100°F. Lighting a candle can make the wax burn if it’s too close to the flame. keep the wick trimmed to prevent this. Never leave a burning candle by itself.
keep Away From Children
Candles pose a burn risk to children. Ensure candles are out of reach of kids and animals for their safety.
Never Leave a Burning Candle Alone
Always supervise lit candles. Unattended candles can remain lit longer than expected. Extinguish candles promptly for safety.