What Are the Melting Points of Different Types of Wax?
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For any candle maker, from beginner to pro, understanding wax melting points is fundamental to creating perfect, high-quality candles. Pouring at the wrong temperature can lead to a host of issues like sinkholes, frosting, and poor scent throw.
So, what is the ideal temperature to melt your wax? The answer depends entirely on the type of wax you're using. In this guide, we'll break down the melting points for the most popular candle waxes and explain how to use this knowledge with your wax melter.
Why Melting Point Matters
The melting point is the temperature at which a solid wax turns into a liquid. However, the pour point—the temperature at which you add fragrance and pour into containers—is often different and equally crucial.
Prevents Damage: Heating wax beyond its recommended range can scorch it, discoloring it and breaking down the fragrance oils.
Ensures Smoothness: Pouring at the correct temperature helps achieve a smooth, even top and prevents common imperfections.
Optimizes Scent: Fragrance oils bind to wax best at specific temperatures, maximizing the scent throw of your finished candle.
Melting Points of Common Candle Waxes
Here is a detailed look at the melting points for the waxes compatible with ToAuto melters.
| Wax Type | Melting Point Range | Pour Temperature Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soy Wax | 115°F - 125°F (46°C - 52°C) | 135°F - 145°F (57°C - 63°C) | Natural, renewable, excellent scent throw. Requires a lower pour temperature to prevent frosting. |
| Paraffin Wax | 130°F - 150°F (54°C - 66°C) | 175°F - 185°F (79°C - 85°C) | Holds color and scent well, creates a classic, glossy finish. Often blended with other waxes. |
| Coconut Wax | 100°F - 115°F (38°C - 46°C) | 120°F - 140°F (49°C - 60°C) | Soft, natural wax with a brilliant white color and excellent scent throw. Often blended with soy. |
| Beeswax | 144°F - 147°F (62°C - 64°C) | 165°F - 175°F (74°C - 79°C) | All-natural, with a lovely honey aroma and a long, clean burn. Has a high melting point. |
| IGI 6006 (Para-Soy Blend) | 127°F - 133°F (53°C - 56°C) | 155°F - 165°F (68°C - 74°C) | A popular blend offering the scent throw of paraffin with the cleaner burn of soy. |
Important Note: Always refer to the specific guidelines from your wax manufacturer, as blends and different grades can have slightly varying properties.
How to Use This Information with Your ToAuto Wax Melter
Your ToAuto wax melter, with its temperature range of 122°F – 212°F (50°C – 100°C), is perfectly capable of handling all these waxes. Here's how to apply the knowledge:
Melting: Set your melter to a temperature comfortably above your wax's melting point to melt it efficiently. For example, set it to 170°F (77°C) to melt soy wax. This ensures a complete and even melt.
Adding Fragrance: Once the wax is fully melted, turn off the melter or lower the temperature. Let the wax cool down to its ideal pour temperature (see chart above) before stirring in your fragrance oils. This is when the wax is cool enough not to burn off the scent but still liquid enough to bind properly.
Pouring: Pour your wax into the containers at the recommended pour temperature.
Pro Tip: If you have a digital model (like the ToAuto 6L, 10L, 15L, or 30L), hitting and maintaining these precise temperatures is much easier, leading to more consistent and professional results.