How to Melt Wax

Instructions - Focus on Safety

Though the practice of melting candle wax may seem relatively straight-forward, it is perhaps one of the most dangerous aspects of candle making. By observing a few safety precautions, we can avoid many of the hazards that exist in candle making.

Safety Precautions:

  1. Always have a fire extinguisher within reach.

    Review the instructions on the fire extinguisher to familiarize yourself with proper operation.
    Hopefully you will never need to use it, but if you do need it, you will not have time to read the instructions.
    For small candle wax fires, you may use something such as a pot lid to smother the fire.
    Never use water to extinguish a candle wax fire.
    Liquefied candle wax behaves much the same way as oil, and therefore needs to be treated like an oil fire.

  2. NEVER LEAVE MELTING CANDLE WAX UNATTENDED.

    It may seem to take a long time to get the candle wax to go from solid to liquid. But once it has liquefied, the temperature will rise sharply.
    Make it a habit to constantly monitor the temperature of your wax.
    If your candle wax reaches the flash point, then the vapors produced are extremely flammable.
    The flash point of candle wax is typically above 300° F. Never let your candle wax exceed 250° F.

  3. Always use a double boiler.

    A double boiler helps distribute heat and prevents dangerous temperatures.
    Never melt candle wax directly on your stove.

  4. Use an electric heat source if possible.

    If, by accident, your candle wax reaches the flash point, it is less likely for the vapors to find a flame and become ignited on an electric heat source.
    Any open flame, such as that found on a gas stove, will ignite wax vapors.

  5. Always use a thermometer to monitor your candle wax temperatures.

    If you don't have a thermometer, put it on your list of things to get before you start making candles!