Candles melt at temperatures ranging from 115°F to 180°F, depending on the wax type; paraffin melts between 120°F-160°F, soy wax 120°F-180°F, and beeswax 144°F-147°F.
What Temp Do Candles Melt?
Candles bring a touch of warmth, ambiance, and even lovely scents to our lives. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens when a candle starts to melt? At what temperature does that beautiful pillar or votive turn into a puddle of colorful wax? Well, the answer isn’t exactly simple. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about candle wax and its melting point.
It All Depends on the Wax
Candles come in all kinds of wonderful shapes, sizes, and scents. Turns out, the type of wax used makes a huge difference in how quickly the candle will start to melt! Here’s a quick look at the most common candle waxes and their typical melting point ranges:
| Wax Type | Melting Point Range |
| Paraffin Wax | 120°F – 160°F (49°C – 71°C) |
| Soy Wax | 120°F – 180°F (49°C – 82°C) |
| Beeswax | 144°F – 147°F (62°C – 64°C) |
| Coconut Wax | 115°F – 127°F (46°C – 53°C) |
| Gel Wax | ~180°F (~82°C) |
Why Should You Care?
Okay, so different waxes melt at different temperatures. But why does that matter? Here’s why you should be aware of a candle’s melting point:
- Scent Throw: The melting point affects how efficiently a candle releases its fragrance into the air. Generally, a lower melting point means a stronger scent throw.
- Safety: It’s important to know when your favorite candle will become soft and malleable, especially if you have pets or little ones running around.
- Candle Care: Understanding melting points helps you make sure you aren’t overheating your candles or burning them in a way that will shorten their lifespan.
Beyond the Melting Point
Did you know there’s more to a candle than just its melting point? Here are some other factors that influence how a candle melts:
- Flash Point: This is the temperature at which the wax gives off flammable vapors. Each type of wax also has a specific flash point.
- Fragrance Oils: Added fragrances can affect how the wax melts slightly.
- Dyes: Believe it or not, even the color of your candle can sometimes impact its melting behavior.
- Wick Type: The size and type of wick influences the size of the melt pool, which in turn affects the temperature of the wax.
Table: Common Candle Fragrances and Potential Melting Point Impact
| Fragrance Type | Potential Melting Point Impact |
| Citrus | Can slightly lower melting point |
| Floral | Minimal impact |
| Woody/Earthy | Can slightly raise melting point |
| Spicy/Sweet | May vary depending on specific oils |
How Do You Find Out?
Let’s be honest, you’re probably never going to break out a thermometer to test the melting point of your favorite lavender candle. Luckily, you usually don’t have to! Here are some ways to figure out the specific melting point of a candle:
- Check the Label: Some candle makers, especially those focused on natural ingredients, might include the melting point on their product label or website.
- Look it Up: For general melting points, a reliable website dedicated to candle making or DIY projects will have a chart or guide breaking down common waxes.
- Ask the Seller: If you’re buying from a local artisan or a specialty candle store, chances are they will have the answer for you.
Melting in the Real World
You now know that wax type is the biggest factor when it comes to melting point, but how does this knowledge translate to your actual candle use? To be fair, most of us aren’t worrying about exact temperatures when we light a candle. However, keeping these things in mind will help you get the most out of your candle experience:
- Storage Matters: Even a ‘cool’ room can still be hot enough to start softening certain types of candles. So, try to store your candles in a spot that’s away from direct sunlight and major heat sources.
- Hot Weather Woes: If you live somewhere with sweltering summers, expect some changes in your candle’s behavior. It might melt more easily, the scent might not be as strong, or it could even become slightly deformed.
- The First Burn is Key: When you light a new candle for the first time, aim to let it burn long enough to create a full melt pool across the entire surface. This prevents tunneling and helps your candle burn evenly.
Troubleshooting Candle Melting Issues
Sometimes, things don’t quite go according to plan with your candles. Here are some common problems and potential fixes:
- My candle isn’t releasing much scent. The wax might not be warm enough. Try burning the candle for a longer period, or if it’s safe, consider using a candle warmer designed to melt wax at a lower temperature.
- The wick keeps getting buried in wax. This might be a sign the wax has a relatively low melting point, try trimming the wick shorter before lighting, or opt for a candle with a different type of wax.
- My candle seems to burn too quickly. It’s possible your candle wasn’t properly cured when it was made, which can affect burn time. If it’s a consistent problem with candles from a particular source, it might be time to find a new supplier.
DIY Candles: Controlling the Melt
Feeling inspired to make your own candles at home? Choosing the right wax is key! Here’s a quick guide to help you select:
- Low Melt Point Goal: If you want a candle with maximum scent throw or plan to use a candle warmer, consider soy wax, coconut wax, or a paraffin/soy blend for a balance of properties.
- Sturdy Pillars and Votives: Beeswax is a classic for pillars and votives due to its higher melting point. However, it can be trickier to get a strong fragrance release with beeswax.
- Special Effects: Want to try your hand at unique layered candles or embedded objects? Experimenting with different waxes that have varying melting points can give you excellent control over the results.
Table: Choosing the Right Wax for your DIY Candles
| Purpose | Recommended Wax Type(s) |
| Maximum scent throw | Soy wax, Coconut wax, Paraffin/Soy Blends |
| Container candles with strong scent | Soy wax, Coconut wax, Paraffin/Soy Blends |
| Pillar/Votive Candles | Beeswax, Paraffin, Blends with beeswax as a primary base |
| Layered candles | Mix of waxes with varying melting points for control |
| Candles with embedded objects | Waxes with a distinct difference in melting point |
What Temp Do Candles Melt – The Bottom Line
While the answer to “What temp do candles melt?” isn’t a single number, you now have a solid understanding of the factors at play. The type of wax used is the main determinant of when your candles will start to soften. Having this knowledge at hand will enrich your candle-burning experience!