What Can I Use To Melt Paraffin Wax?

ByAbigail Mitchell

Paraffin wax is a soft, colorless, tasteless, and odorless material derived from petroleum, coal or oil shale. It consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing between twenty and forty carbon atoms. Paraffin wax has a melting point between 115-147°F (46-64°C) and a density of around 0.9 g/cm3 (1).

Paraffin wax has a wide variety of uses. It is commonly used to make candles, as a lubricant, in cosmetics, for waxing skis and snowboards, and in art for making wax paintings or wax sculptures. Medical grade paraffin wax is also used in thermotherapy treatments to help alleviate arthritis and joint pain (2).

Melting Points

The melting point of paraffin wax depends on the type of paraffin used. According to Thomasnet.com, paraffin wax melting points range from about 120°F to 160°F (https://www.thomasnet.com/products/wax-slabs-75750323-1.html). Reliance Inc. produces paraffin wax with melting points ranging from 48°C/118°F to 74°C/165°F(http://reliancewax.com/).

Some common paraffin wax melting point ranges include:

  • 48°C/118°F to 50°C/122°F
  • 52°C/126°F to 54°C/129°F
  • 54°C/129°F to 56°C/133°F
  • 56°C/133°F to 58°C/136°F
  • 58°C/136°F to 60°C/140°F
  • 60°C/140°F to 62°C/144°F
  • 62°C/144°F to 64°C/147°F
  • 64°C/147°F to 66°C/151°F
  • 70°C/158°F to 72°C/162°F
  • 72°C/162°F to 74°C/165°F

Higher melting point waxes are harder and require more heat to melt. Lower melting point waxes melt at lower temperatures. Knowing the melting point range helps determine the appropriate heat source and temperature for melting paraffin wax.

Stovetop

One of the most common methods for melting paraffin wax is by using a double boiler on the stovetop. This involves placing wax in the top pot of a double boiler and then putting water in the bottom pot. The bottom pot is placed on the stove over low to medium heat, which gently heats the water and causes the steam to melt the wax in the top pot [1]. Using a double boiler allows the wax to melt slowly and evenly without scorching.

When using a stovetop double boiler, it’s important to never place wax directly into a pot over direct heat, as this can scorch the wax. The double boiler setup provides indirect gentle heating. You’ll want to monitor the wax as it melts, stirring occasionally, and removing it from the heat as soon as it is fully melted and liquid. Take care not to overheat the wax. Melting wax on the stove with a double boiler is generally very safe if you don’t leave it unattended and keep close watch as it melts.

Microwave

Using a microwave to melt paraffin wax is a fast and convenient option. Be sure to use a microwave-safe container, as regular plastic or glass could melt or explode. Glass measuring cups, ceramic bowls, and stainless steel containers work well.

Cut paraffin wax into small chunks and place in your container. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Continue microwaving and stirring until fully melted. Be very careful when removing the container, as melted wax can get extremely hot.

Microwaves vary in wattage, so melting times can range from 1-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent overheating. Let the wax cool slightly before pouring into molds or dipping objects. With the right container, the microwave makes quick work of melting paraffin wax safely.

Crock Pot

Crock pots can be an effective tool for melting paraffin wax. The key is to use a low to medium temperature setting and stir occasionally. According to this source, heat the crock pot to a medium setting and stir the wax periodically with skewers until fully melted. It’s important not to overheat the wax, so keep a close eye on it and adjust the temperature as needed. You’ll also want to prep the crock pot properly – this source recommends lining it with foil for easy cleanup. Overall, a crock pot provides a simple, hands-off way to safely melt paraffin wax.

Electric Wax Melter

Electric wax melters are specialized appliances designed specifically for melting paraffin wax. They consist of a metal pot or basin that holds the wax and an electric heating element underneath to provide consistent heat. Many models have adjustable temperature controls and auto shut-off features for safety.

Electric wax melters allow you to easily melt wax without needing a stovetop or microwave. The heating element melts wax gently and evenly, reducing the risk of overheating. Popular brands such as Wax Welder and GiGi offer large capacity melters that can hold multiple pounds of wax at a time.

Electric wax melters are convenient, safe, and provide optimal temperature control for melting paraffin wax. They are an ideal option for those who regularly melt wax for candle making, wax treatments, or other craft projects.

Solar Melter

A solar melter is a passive, outdoor way to melt paraffin wax using the power of the sun. Solar melters utilize a concave reflector dish to focus the sun’s rays on a small, centralized melting pot or jar 1. As the sun moves across the sky, the reflector concentrates the changing angle of sunlight on the pot, generating enough heat to melt wax even on partly cloudy days. The concave shape ensures the sun’s energy is focused into a small area rather than being diffused. Dark pots or jars absorb more heat energy than light colors. Elevating the pot on a stand above the reflector dish allows air circulation to prevent overheating. Solar melters provide a renewable, environmentally-friendly way to melt wax with free solar energy. They can melt 4 to 6 pounds of wax at a time, taking 2 to 6 hours on a sunny day. Their passive operation means after initial setup, no further effort is required beyond refilling the pot with wax as needed.

solar melters use reflected sunlight to passively melt wax in an outdoor pot or jar.

Candle Warmer

A candle warmer is another safe and effective way to melt paraffin wax. Candle warmers are small electric devices that gently heat wax in a controlled environment. The wax sits in a metal dish above a low-wattage lightbulb. As the bulb warms up, it slowly melts the wax in the dish. Candle warmers only reach temperatures of 120-140°F, so there’s little risk of scorching or burning the wax. They also automatically turn off if tipped over, for added safety.

When using a candle warmer, be aware of the following safety tips:

  • Place the warmer on a stable, level surface.
  • Don’t overfill the wax dish. Leave some headspace for the wax to melt without overflowing.
  • Keep away from flammable materials like curtains or paper.
  • Don’t leave unattended for more than 2-3 hours.
  • Unplug when not in use.
  • Supervise use around children.

With proper care, a candle warmer allows melting wax safely on a countertop or work table. It’s an inexpensive option for any home crafter working with paraffin.

Oven

Using an oven to melt paraffin wax can be an effective method, but requires caution. According to the Innovative Agriculture website (https://innovativeagriculture.in/can-you-melt-paraffin-wax-in-the-oven/), ovens should be set to the lowest possible temperature, around 170°F to melt paraffin wax to avoid overheating. The wax should also be placed in a metal container or baking sheet and monitored closely. Once melted, the source recommends removing the wax immediately to prevent scorching inside the oven. Care should be taken to avoid burns when handling the hot liquid wax. With the proper precautions, using a low oven setting can melt paraffin wax evenly without the direct contact heat of the stovetop.

Safety

When melting paraffin wax, proper ventilation is crucial to avoid inhaling any fumes. Make sure to melt wax in a well-ventilated area, or use a fan to direct fumes away from you. Some people choose to melt wax outdoors to allow maximum airflow. According to the CDC, paraffin wax fumes can be dangerous if inhaled, so ventilation is key.

Avoid leaving melting wax unattended, as this creates a fire hazard. Set a timer when melting wax to remind yourself to check on it. Melting wax can reach high temperatures quickly, so use a thermometer and remove from heat as soon as the desired temperature is reached. Make sure anything flammable is kept far away from the melting wax.

Take care not to spill or splash melted wax, as it can burn skin. Allow melted wax to fully cool and harden before handling. Make sure any electric wax warmer or candle warmer you use is on a protected, stable surface in case of spills. Follow all manufacturer safety instructions.

Store solid paraffin wax blocks away from heat sources or open flames. Keep wax sealed tightly and away from children and pets.

Similar Posts