How to Make Paraffin Candles

The origin of candle making can be traced to the times of ancient Greeks and Egyptians. But, before that, man used candles made of tallow, which is the solid fat extracted from animals, like, sheep. It is believed that, around 3000 B.C, the ancient Egyptians started using beeswax for making candles. All these candles did not have wicks, which was later introduced by the Romans. It was during the 1850s, that paraffin wax was introduced in the process of candle making. It is a by-product of the crude-oil refining process, through which petroleum is also produced. Raw paraffin wax is white in color, without any taste or odor and it has a melting point that ranges between 110 °F to 150 °F. Soon, it became one of the popular materials for candle making, followed by stearin and beeswax.

Tips to Make Paraffin Candles

Paraffin wax is one of the most preferred materials for making candles, as it is inexpensive and burns well. It can mix well with other additives like color and scent. Paraffin wax for candle making is available in both powder form and as chunks. You may purchase either the pre-colored paraffin wax or the plain one, which can be dyed. Another option is fragrance, for which, you have to add scents or essential oils. Paraffin wax is perfect for making any type of candle. While paraffin wax with high melting point (above 150 °F) is used for making special candles like hurricane candle shells, wax with a melting point that ranges between 130 °F - 150 °F is used for making molded candles, votives and pillars (candles that stand on their own). Paraffin wax with a low melting point (below 130 °F) is perfect for container candles.

• In order to make paraffin candles, you need raw materials like paraffin wax, molds, wicks, scents and dyes. Instead of molds, you can also use glass containers or jars.
• Before melting the wax, you have to keep the containers/molds ready. The wick should be placed inside the mold or container.
• Now melt the paraffin wax in a metal pot. You can also use a double boiler, which is set around 200 °F. If you have big pieces of paraffin wax, then make it small with a serrated knife.
• Once the wax melts, you may directly pour it into the molds (after mixing color and dye) or transfer it to a crockpot with thermostat (set at 200 °F).
• Add the color wax dye and let it melt for another five minutes. You may also use liquid candle color, which has to be added in a ratio of ½ to one ounce for one pound of paraffin wax.
• Once the dye is mixed with the wax in an even manner, add the scent or essential oil. The amount of scent to be added is same as the amount of color.
• Stir the wax for some more minutes. You may check the temperature with a candy thermometer, so that the temperature does not go above 390 °F.
• Pour the melted wax into the molds or containers with wick. Allow the wax to cool for around 24 hours. Once the wax hardens, you can remove it from the molds.

If you want a plain one, you can avoid using colors and scents. Making paraffin candles is very easy, if you know the right method. You may also purchase candle making kits, which contain all the materials needed for this task. Make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer. It will be better to use heat-resistant apron, gloves and safety glasses, while handling molten wax.