Candle wax types – Which candle wax do I need?
Depending on what type of candle you are making, you will need a different type of candle wax. There are many waxes to choose from. This is a list of the most common waxes used in candle making and their melting points:
Soy wax 46 °C – 52 °C (115 °F – 125 °F)
Paraffin wax 54°C – 66°C ( 130°F – 150°F)
Beeswax 62°C – 64°C (144°F – 147°F)
Coconut wax 38°C – 46°C (100°F – 115°F)
Gel wax 93°C – 125°C (200°F – 257°F)
Palm wax 54-63°C (130-145°F)
Rapeseed wax 35°C – 50°C (95°F – 122°F)
Sunflower wax 74°C – 80°C (165°F – 176°F)
Wax blends such as a soy-paraffin blend.
A general guide for pouring temperature and when to add fragrance oil:
Soy wax
Add fragrance at 79-85°C (175-185°F)
pouring temperature: 57°C – 63°C (135°F – 145°F)
Paraffin
Add fragrance at 77-90°C (170-195°F)
pouring temperature: 79°C – 85°C (175°F – 185°F)
Beeswax
Add fragrance at 71-79°C (160-17°F)
pouring temperature: 74°C – 79°C (165°F – 175°F)
Coconut wax
Add fragrance at 54-82°C (130-180°F)
pouring temperature: 49°C – 60°C (120°F – 140°F)
Gel wax
Add fragrance at 71-76°C (160-170°F)
pouring temperature: 85-95°C (185-200°F)
Palm wax
Add fragrance at 82-93°C (180-200°F)
pouring temperature: 88-99°C (190-210°F)
Rapeseed wax
Add fragrance at 55-65°C (130-150°F)
pouring temperature: 45-60°C (113- 140°F)
Sunflower wax
Add fragrance at 77-85°C (170-185°F)
pouring temperature: 76-79°C (170-175°F)
Depending on what product you are making, you will need either:
Container wax
Pillar wax
Wax for melts/melt wax
Container wax
Container wax is used when your final product stays in a container. This is the most common type of candle. You would choose your candle vessel/container, such as a glass jar, tin, or ceramic cup, and pour wax into the container. Container wax has a lower melting point than pillar wax and melt wax. It is not suitable to be used with molds because it is too soft, and it would not hold shape or ensure a long burn in pillar candles. Container wax is also used to make whipped wax. Read more about how to whip wax here.
Pillar wax
Pillar wax is used for candles made with molds. It has a higher melting point than container or melt wax. It is used for free-standing candles.
This is an example of a combination of pillar wax used for flowers and container wax, used to fill the glass container.
Wax for melts
Melt wax is closer to pillar wax in terms of its melting point and consistency in the final product. Melt wax can be poured into wax melt clamshells or molds such as these clouds in the picture.
Some manufacturers sell the same wax for both pillar candles and wax melts. It is best to always check the manufacturer’s directions for intended usage.
