What Temperature Do You Burn Wax At?

ByElijah Reed

Wax refers to a group of substances that are typically solid at room temperature, made of organic compounds, and become soft and melt at higher temperatures (Wax Definition & Meaning). Wax has a wide range of uses, from candle making to cosmetics, due to its unique properties. Burning wax is common in candle making, where the melted wax is soaked into a wick and then lit on fire to produce light.

Candles allow us to safely produce flames for light and ambiance. The wax melts into a liquid that is drawn up the wick via capillary action. The wick then vaporizes the liquid wax, which combusts with the oxygen in the air to produce a flame (WAX | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary). This controlled burning of wax has been used for centuries to provide lighting when other sources were unavailable.

Today, burning wax remains popular for candles, due to wax’s ability to melt at relatively low temperatures. This allows candles to be safely lit without requiring high heat. The variety of waxes and wick types also allows for some customization of the candle burning experience (WAX Definition & Usage Examples).

Melting Points of Different Waxes

The melting point of a wax refers to the temperature range at which it transitions from a solid to a liquid state. This is an important factor when selecting waxes for candle making, as it determines the ideal burning temperature.

Some common waxes and their melting point ranges are:

Paraffin wax has the widest melting point range, while beeswax has a higher and narrower melting point compared to soy and paraffin. The differences in melting points impact the ideal burning temperature for candles made from each wax.

Ideal Wax Burning Temperatures

The ideal temperature range for burning wax depends on the type of wax being used. Most candle waxes, like paraffin and soy, have a melting point between 120-170°F. Beeswax melts at temperatures ranging from 144-147°F. For an even melt, it’s best to burn candles within 20°F of the wax’s melting point. Burning the candle too hot can cause the wax to tunnel or form a hollow cavity around the wick as the wax melts faster than it can pool. Burning too low may create a cold pool of unmelted wax.

ideal temperature to burn wax candles is 120-150f

According to candle experts, the optimal temperature range for burning soy wax is between 135-145°F. Paraffin wax candles burn best around 150°F. For beeswax, aim for 140-150°F for ideal melt and fragrance release. Wax poured candles often specify the ideal burn range right on the label. Always trim wicks to 1⁄4” before lighting to avoid excessive sooting from a large flame. Monitor the melt pool and adjust burner height or flame size to achieve the target temp. With the right wick and ideal burn temperature, wax will melt evenly down the full diameter of the jar or pillar.

Sources:

https://thehigherpath.com/the-perfect-dab-temperature-so-you-dont-burn-your-lungs/

https://yodabbadabba.com/dabbing-resources/dabbing-temperatures/

Wick Effect on Burn Temperature

The wick is a crucial factor that impacts the flame temperature and melt pool of a candle. Thicker wicks tend to burn hotter and create a larger melt pool compared to thinner wicks. This is because thicker wicks are able to draw more wax up through the wick to fuel the flame. On the other hand, thinner wicks constrain the amount of liquid wax that can travel up the wick, resulting in a lower temperature flame and melt pool.

Wick sizing charts provided by suppliers recommend ideal wick widths based on the diameter of the candle and the type of wax used. For example, a large 3-4 inch diameter pillar candle made from soy wax would require a thicker wick between CD-10 to CD-12, while a smaller 1-2 inch diameter soy pillar may only need a CD-8 (https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/guide-to-wicking/). The guidelines help ensure the wick is large enough to reach the edges of the candle for an even melt pool, but not overly large as to create excessive sooting or a recessed melt pool.

Testing different wick sizes during the development process is recommended to find the optimal wick for stable burning, wax pool diameter, and scent throw. A wick that is too small can lead to tunneling, while one too large can cause issues like dripping, guttering, or smoking (https://northwoodcandlesupply.com/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-right-candle-wick-for-your-wax). Finding the right balance for each candle design is key.

Jar Candle vs Pillar Candle Temperatures

When it comes to wax pool temperatures, there are some key differences between jar candles and pillar candles. Jar candles tend to burn at lower temperatures compared to pillars. The wax pool temperature for a typical jar candle ranges from 120-140°F. Pillar candles on the other hand burn hotter, with wax pool temps from 140-160°F (source).

There are a few reasons for this variance in burning temperature:

  • Jar candles have a wider wax pool surface area which dissipates heat more efficiently.
  • Pillar candles are exposed on all sides allowing more oxygen to fuel the flame resulting in higher temps.
  • The condensed shape of pillars causes heat to build up in one concentrated area.

The lower burn temperature of jars means you can safely burn them for longer without risk of overheating. Pillar candles should be limited to 4 hour burn times to prevent tunneling. Knowing the ideal temperature range for each candle style allows you to monitor wax pool temps and adjust burn times accordingly.

Safety Considerations

When burning candles, it’s important to take proper safety precautions to prevent fires and injuries. According to candles.org, you should burn candles in a well-ventilated room and avoid drafts, vents, or air currents, as these can cause uneven burning and excessive dripping. Candles should be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from anything flammable. Keep candles away from things that can catch fire like curtains, furniture, bedding and decorations.

Never leave burning candles unattended. According to TODAY Health, most home candle fires occur because a burning candle was left unattended or placed near something combustible. It’s recommended to blow out candles before leaving a room or going to sleep. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid high flames. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which provide ambiance without an open flame.

Have working smoke detectors and an emergency plan in case a fire starts. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand. If a candle fire occurs, do not try to blow it out or use water, which can cause wax to splatter. Carefully suffocate the flame with a tight-fitting lid or cookie sheet.

Achieving an Even Burn

To achieve an even burn when lighting your candle, you want the wax to melt from the outside edge to the center of the candle. This allows maximum fragrance throw and ensures all the wax gets used up.

Here are some tips for getting your candle wax to melt evenly:

  • Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. Long wicks create uneven melting and sooting issues.
  • Always burn the candle on a stable, level surface. Tilting can cause the wax to pool unevenly.
  • Use a candle lighter or wooden match to melt the wax across the entire top before blowing it out and allowing the wax to pool.
  • Avoid drafts which can cause the flame to tunnel down the sides instead of melting evenly.
  • For large pillar candles, use foil extensions to help melt wax at the outer edges. [1]

Melting the wax fully on the initial burn helps prevent tunneling issues. Then allow the wax pool to reach the container edges before blowing out and re-lighting the candle. This provides an even melt for maximum fragrance diffusion and full usage of the wax.

Troubleshooting

If your candle wax isn’t burning properly, there are a few key things to check and troubleshoot:

First, make sure the wick is centered properly in the wax. An off-center wick can cause uneven burning and tunneling down the side of the candle. Use wick bars or other equipment when pouring candles to keep the wick centered (source).

Next, check that the candle isn’t near any drafts while burning. Air currents can cause the flame to flicker and melt the wax unevenly. Move the candle away from windows, vents, fans, etc. for an even burn (source).

It’s also important to use the proper wick size for your wax and candle diameter. A wick that is too large will burn too hot and create issues like sinking or a hollow wax pool. Consult a wick guide and test different wick types to find the optimal size.

Finally, improper curing and pouring temperatures can also lead to poor wax adhesion and burning. Make sure to heat and cool wax at the temperatures recommended for that specific wax variety. Test pour a sample candle before making a whole batch.

Following wick size guidelines, using proper pouring techniques, keeping the wick centered, and eliminating drafts will help ensure your finished candles burn evenly from top to bottom.

Storing Leftover Wax

When a candle finishes burning, there is often leftover melted wax remaining at the bottom of the jar or candle holder. Instead of throwing this wax away, you can save and reuse it for other candle-making projects. Here are some tips for storing leftover candle wax:

Allow the melted wax to fully harden and cool before attempting to remove it from the glass. Once hardened, the wax should pop out easily. Break up or scrape off any wax stuck to the sides.

Find an airtight container such as a glass jar or metal tin to store the wax in. Plastic containers may warp or melt when hot wax is poured in. Make sure the container is clean and completely dry. This tip from Harlem Candle Company recommends freezing the wax for a few hours before storing to help it hold its shape better.

Store in a cool, dry location away from direct light or heat. Wax can melt in warmer environments. As recommended by 96 North, an airtight container will prevent outside moisture and dust from contaminating the wax.

Keep wax from different candle scents and brands separate. Mixing wax from multiple candles can lead to an unfavorable scent combination.

Label the container with the type of wax and any scents. This will make it easier to identify the right wax for future projects.

Use the leftover wax within 1-2 years before it loses its scent and performance. Stored properly, wax can be saved for use in wax melts, new candles, fire starters, and more.

Conclusion

In summary, the ideal wax burning temperature can vary based on the type of wax, the wick being used, and the candle design. Paraffin wax, a common candlemaking wax, burns best between 120-150°F. Beeswax and soy wax burn at slightly lower temperatures, usually between 115-135°F. To achieve proper wax pooling and an even burn, the wax immediately surrounding the wick needs to liquefy quickly. This depends on both the wax melting point and using the proper wick size. Thicker pillar candles require larger wicks to reach ideal temperature compared to thinner jar candles.

Regardless of wax type, it’s important to follow safety precautions like keeping candles away from drafts and flammable materials. Test-burning new candles and trimming wicks as needed helps prevent issues like tunneling and sooting. Storing leftover melted wax in an airtight container allows reuse in future candlemaking projects. By understanding the optimal wax burning range and making adjustments based on performance, it’s possible to achieve clean, long-lasting candle burns.

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