Can You Melt Candle Wax Directly On Stove?

Melting candle wax on the stove instead of using a double boiler or melting pot provides a quick and easy alternative for small-batch candle making. However, there are some risks and techniques to be aware of when taking this approach. The purpose of melting wax directly on the stove is to utilize readily available materials to make candles at home without specialized equipment. This method can work for making a few votive or container candles at a time. An overview of the process includes choosing an appropriate type of wax, preparing your workspace, melting the wax carefully on low heat, adding fragrance and dye, and pouring into containers for candles.

Is It Safe?

Melting candle wax directly on the stove can pose some safety hazards that are important to be aware of. The main risks are the potential for fire and wax staining or damaging the stove.

Candle wax is flammable, especially as it melts and becomes hot. According to The Wax Chandler, pouring hot wax into a hot container on the stove can potentially start a fire. They recommend avoiding this, and smothering any wax fires with a damp cloth rather than pouring water on it which can spread the flames. Little Bull Falls Soap Works also warns that wax melts can catch fire if not used correctly, so melting wax directly on the stove should be done carefully.

Additionally, spills and drips of wax that miss a melting container can stain or damage the stove surface. Once cooled and hardened, wax can be very difficult to remove from surfaces it adheres to. So monitoring the process closely is important to avoid messy clean-up.

Methods

There are a few common methods for melting candle wax directly on the stove without specialized equipment:

Double Boiler

A double boiler setup is one of the safest options for stove-top wax melting. Fill the bottom pot with a few inches of water and place your wax in a metal or glass container in the upper pot. Heat the water to a simmer, being careful not to let it boil. The steam will gently melt the wax in the top container. This prevents the wax from overheating while giving you more control over the temperature (Source: WaxMelters.com).

Old Pot

An old pot or pan dedicated just to candle making can work for melting wax on the stove. Choose a heavy-bottomed stainless steel or enameled pot and melt the wax over low heat. Stir frequently and keep a close eye to prevent burning. Make sure the pot is completely clean and dry before adding wax (Source: Wax Melter For Candle Making).

Crockpot

Using a slow cooker or crockpot is a hands-off approach for melting wax. Set the crockpot to low and add wax chunks in the ceramic insert. The low indirect heat will safely melt the wax. Just monitor occasionally and turn off once fully melted. Allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring to prevent spills (Source: WaxMelters PRIMO 100 candle wax melting tank).

Preparing Workspace

When melting candle wax directly on the stove, it’s important to prepare your workspace properly. This involves protecting surfaces, ensuring proper ventilation, and having all necessary materials at hand.

Cover all surfaces near the stove in aluminum foil, wax paper, or parchment paper in order to prevent wax splatters and drips from staining them (https://www.minimalecollective.com/blogs/candle-making-101/tips-for-setting-up-your-workspace-and-easy-clean-up). Tape down the edges of the paper so it stays firmly in place. You’ll also want to lay paper on the floor around the stove.

Make sure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows or doors. Melting wax produces fumes, so you’ll want fresh air flow. Consider setting up a small fan to improve air circulation if needed (https://www.howtomakecandles.info/article/2058/your_workplace).

Have all your candle making supplies nearby – wax, fragrance oils, thermometer, pouring pot, wicks, molds, etc. Being organized will make the process go smoothly.

Choosing Wax

When melting candle wax directly on the stove, it’s important to choose the right type of wax for this technique. The main options are paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax.

Paraffin wax has a relatively low melting point of 130-150°F, making it a good choice for stovetop melting. It can be purchased in slab form at most craft stores. Just break off a chunk of the amount you need. Paraffin melts cleanly and has a long burning time, though some find the petroleum-based wax less natural than soy or beeswax.

Soy wax and beeswax have higher melting points around 160-170°F. Though it takes more care when melting on the stove, they can work if you monitor the temperature and don’t overheat. Soy wax comes from soybean oil so it’s renewable and natural. Beeswax is all-natural from honeycombs but more expensive. Both provide excellent fragrance throw. Consider soy or beeswax if you want an eco-friendly, non-toxic candle.

No matter which wax you choose, avoid wax with added dyes or scents since customizing color and fragrance comes later. Get basic, unscented pillars or slabs from a supplier like CandleScience.

For stovetop melting, paraffin is the easiest while soy and beeswax take more care. But all can work with the right approach.

Melting Process

When melting wax directly on the stove, it’s important to use low, steady heat. Set the stove to a low temperature and place your wax in a heat-safe container. Stir the wax frequently as it melts to prevent burning on the bottom. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and keep it between 150-170°F. Higher temperatures can scorch the wax, so maintain a low heat and stir often for even melting. According to Harlem Candle Company, a double boiler method works well for melting on the stove by moderating the temperature.

Adding Fragrance

Once the wax has completely melted, it’s time to add fragrance oil. Fragrance oils are concentrated scents designed specifically for candle making. The amount of fragrance oil to add depends on the strength of the scent, but a good rule of thumb is 6-8% of your wax weight. For example, if you melted 1 pound of wax, you would add 1-1.5 ounces of fragrance oil.

Make sure the wax temperature is below 185°F before adding the fragrance oil. Higher temperatures can burn off some of the scent molecules. Thoroughly stir the fragrance into the melted wax to fully incorporate it. According to WikiHow, viscous oils may require extra stirring time to fully blend [1].

Allow the scented wax to sit for a few minutes, then give it a final stir before pouring into containers. This allows the scent to fully infuse the wax. Now your homemade candles will have a wonderful aroma when lit!

Coloring Wax

There are two main types of dyes that can be used to color candle wax – liquid dyes and block dyes. Liquid dyes, like standard food coloring, are best for use with paraffin wax. To use liquid dye, add a few drops at a time directly into melted wax, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Start with just a drop or two as the color will intensify as the candle hardens. Mix in more dye gradually until you achieve the desired shade. Be careful not to add too much liquid dye as this can impact the burn quality of the finished candle (source: https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Candles).

Block dyes are preferred for use with soy wax. To use block dye, shave off a small amount of the concentrated dye block and mix it into the melted wax. As with liquid dyes, start with just a little at first as a little goes a long way. Mix in more as needed to reach the preferred color intensity. When using block dyes, it’s best to avoid overheating the wax so the color remains stable (source: https://www.ronxs.com/3-best-ways-to-make-colored-candle-wax-using-food-coloring/).

Pouring into Containers

The right temperature is key for properly pouring melted wax into candle jars or other containers. According to lonestarcandlesupply.com, the wax should be between 120-165°F when pouring into containers. Double check the manufacturer’s guidelines, as the ideal temperature range can vary slightly by wax type. If the wax is too hot, it can scorch or become too thin. If it’s too cool, the wax may set up too quickly before filling the container.

It’s also essential to prepare the wick before pouring. The wick should be centered in the container so it remains straight when the wax hardens. An off-center wick can lead to an uneven burn. Secure the base of the wick with a special tab, adhesive or by laying a pencil/chopstick across the top of the container.

When ready to pour, carefully tip the wax container and let a thin stream fall steadily into the jar or vessel. Pour slowly and deliberately to prevent splashing or bubbles forming. Filling too quickly risks overflow. Top up the container just below the rim to allow the melted wax to shrink slightly as it cools.

Storing and Curing

After pouring your candles, it’s important to let them properly cure before using them. Proper storage conditions are crucial during the curing process. Store poured candles in a dry, room temperature area out of direct sunlight. Temperature fluctuations can cause issues like frosting or sweating on the candle surface.

Candle wax undergoes a curing process after being poured that allows the wax to fully harden and stabilize. During this process, any trapped air bubbles can rise to the surface. Curing also helps adhesion between layers of wax in layered candles. According to Armatage Candle Company, more stable waxes like paraffin don’t change much after 24-48 hours of curing. However, Blaze and Foam recommends curing soy or vegetable waxes for 1-2 weeks minimum. The longer the cure time, the harder the finished candle will be.