Paraffin Wax
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin Wax (Fully Refined Paraffin for Pillars, Moulded Candles and Melts)
Paraffin Wax is a white, odourless, fully refined paraffin wax for pillar candles, moulded candles, votives and wax melts. It is an affordable, easy-to-work wax that melts at about 56-60 °C and sets firm, so it holds its shape out of the mould. You add your own fragrance oil, dye and wick.
Paraffin is a petroleum-derived wax. It is well known for a strong hot scent throw and for taking colour evenly, and many makers also blend it with soy wax. We supply it from Kaiapoi, Christchurch, in sizes from 1 kg up to 10 kg. Every order is backed by a Specifications sheet, Safety Data Sheet, Ingredient Statement and Candle Making Quick Guide, all linked in the Product Documents section below.
|
Fully refined paraffin Pillars, moulds and melts |
Melts at about 56-60 °C Firm, holds its shape |
Fragrance 3-6% Of wax weight |
Pour 70-75 °C Melt to about 80-85 °C |
Safety information: for full hazard, handling and safety information, please see the Safety Data Sheet in the Product Documents section below.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Paraffin Wax |
| Type | Fully refined paraffin wax for pillar, moulded and free-standing candles and wax melts |
| Composition | Paraffin wax, fully refined, 100%. Petroleum-derived. CAS 8002-74-2 |
| Appearance | White waxy solid, odourless |
| Melt Point | About 56-60 °C (133-140 °F) |
| Typical Quality (fully refined grade) | Oil content 0.75% or less. Colour +27 Saybolt or better. Odourless. Contains no added fragrance or dye |
| Melting and Fragrance Step | Melt slowly to about 80-85 °C (176-185 °F), no higher than 90 °C. Add fragrance at about 75-80 °C and stir gently for about 1 to 2 minutes |
| Recommended Fragrance Load | 3-6% of wax weight. Many makers start at about 5%. Always test |
| Pour Temperature | 70-75 °C (158-167 °F). Pour a cooler top-up at 65-70 °C if a dip forms |
| Best Suited For | Pillar candles, moulded candles, votives and wax melts. For jars, see our soy container waxes |
| Wick Guidance | ECO wicks, sized to the pillar diameter. Always test (see the wick guide below) |
| Blending | Blends with other waxes, such as soy wax, to change hardness and burn. Test first |
| Pack Sizes | 1 kg, 2 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg |
| Storage | Cool, dry place, sealed, away from heat and sunlight |
| Shelf Life | No fixed expiry. Stable when stored as directed |
| Use | Candle and wax melt making only. Not for food, cosmetic or topical use |
How to Make a Paraffin Pillar Candle
- Prepare the mould. Use a clean, dry mould at room temperature or slightly warmed. Thread the wick through, seal the wick hole, and pull the wick taut and centred with a metal wick holder or bar across the top.
- Weigh. Weigh the wax, then weigh fragrance oil at 3-6% of the wax weight. Many makers start at about 5% and adjust.
- Melt. Melt slowly in a double boiler or other controlled heat to about 80-85 °C. Do not go above 90 °C. Add candle dye now if you are using it and stir until dissolved. Never heat wax directly over a flame or leave it unattended.
- Add fragrance. Take the wax off the heat. At about 75-80 °C, add the fragrance and stir gently for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cool to pouring temperature. Let the wax cool to 70-75 °C before pouring.
- Pour. Pour slowly and at an angle, near the wick, to limit air bubbles. Keep the mould still while it sets.
- Top up. Wax shrinks as it cools. If a dip forms, pour a small top-up at 65-70 °C before the candle is fully cool. Large pillars may need two top-ups.
- Cool and release. Let the candle cool completely, often 12 to 24 hours. Release it gently from the mould, trim the wick to about 5 mm and wait 48 hours before a test burn.
Tip: always make a small test candle first. Every combination of mould, wick, fragrance and dye burns a little differently.
What Is Paraffin Wax? ▼
Paraffin wax is a refined wax made from petroleum. Fully refined grades have had almost all of the oil removed, which leaves a white, odourless, firm wax that is easy to melt, colour and scent. This is why it has been a standard candle wax for many years.
Grades are described by melt point. This wax melts at about 56-60 °C, which is firm enough for pillars and moulded candles. The typical quality limits are listed in the specifications above.
Good to know: paraffin is not a plant-based or natural wax. If you need a plant-based wax, see our soy waxes. Paraffin shrinks as it cools, so large pillars may need a top-up pour.
Choosing the Right Wax ▼
| Candle type | Wax to use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pillar and free-standing candles | Paraffin Wax (this wax) or Soy Wax (Pillar Blend) 58° | Paraffin is firm, white and takes dye well. The soy pillar blend is a plant-based alternative. |
| Moulded, shaped candles and votives | Paraffin Wax (this wax) | Use a clean, dry mould. See our candle moulds. |
| Wax melts | Paraffin Wax (this wax) or Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C | Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs. No wick is needed. |
| Container candles in jars and tins | Golden Brands 464, Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C or Coco Soy Blended Wax | Softer container waxes that grip the glass. Firm paraffin can pull away from glass. |
| Clear gel candles | Jelly Candle Wax (Gel) | A different wax for a different look. |
Uses & Project Ideas ▼
Pillar candles
The classic use. Pour into a round or square mould for a free-standing candle that sits on a plate.
Moulded and shaped candles
Cast shapes and decorative candles in silicone or rigid moulds. Browse our candle moulds.
Layered and coloured candles
Paraffin takes dye evenly. Pour layers in different colours, letting each layer cool before the next so they bond without blending.
Votives
Small moulded candles for holders and events.
Wax melts
Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs for wax melts. Use the same melting and fragrance steps as for candles and test a small batch first.
Gifts, markets and workshops
An easy way to make personalised candles for weddings, birthdays, markets or craft sessions.
Fragrance, Colour & Additive Guide ▼
These are starting points, not fixed rules. Always test a small batch, and follow the safety information for each fragrance oil and dye you use.
| Add-in | Starting point | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrance oil | 3-6% of wax weight. Many makers start at about 5% | Use fragrance oil made for candles. Add it off the heat at about 75-80 °C and stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Too much fragrance can sweat out of the candle. |
| Liquid candle dye | A few drops at a time | Add to the melted wax and stir until dissolved. Wax looks darker when liquid than when set. Browse our liquid candle dyes. |
| Dye chips | Follow the chip supplier's guidance | Add to the melted wax and stir until fully dissolved. Browse our candle dye chips. |
| Stearic acid (optional) | Test first | Some makers add stearic acid to paraffin for a more opaque, whiter and firmer candle. We do not stock it. Test any amount you try. |
| Other additives | Test first | Anything not made for candles can affect the burn, so test a small candle before using it. |
Blending Ideas ▼
Paraffin can be blended with other waxes to change how hard the candle is and how it burns. These are starting points only and have not been tested by PureFX, so test a small batch first.
| Paraffin | Other wax | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15% | Soy Wax (Pillar Blend) 58° 85% | A mostly soy pillar with a little paraffin for flexibility. The blend is not 100% soy. |
| Small amounts | Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C | Some makers blend paraffin with soy wax. Start small and test the burn. |
Blend ratios change the melt point, pour temperature and wicking, so always burn test a blend before selling candles made with it.
Wick Guide ▼
Wick size is the most important choice in a candle. These are starting points only, as the right wick depends on your pillar diameter, fragrance and dye. Always burn test, then adjust one size at a time.
| Item | Where to start | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ECO wicks | Match the wick to the pillar diameter: 45-70 mm, 75-90 mm or 90-105 mm | Woven from cotton and paper threads, which gives a stiff, easy-to-handle wick. Go up a size if the flame is small or the candle tunnels, down if the flame is large or sooty. |
| Wick holders and wick stickers | One per wick | Keeps the wick taut and centred while the wax sets. A centred wick burns evenly. |
| Wick trimmer | Before every burn | Trim to about 5 mm for a steady flame. |
Troubleshooting ▼
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Dip or sunken top | Wax shrinks as it sets | Pour a small top-up at 65-70 °C before the candle is fully cool. Large pillars may need two top-ups. |
| Cracks | Wax cooling too fast | Cool slowly, away from draughts and cold surfaces. |
| Candle sticks in the mould | Mould dirty or cold, or wax poured too hot | Use a clean mould at room temperature or slightly warmed, and pour within 70-75 °C. |
| Air bubbles or pitting | Stirring hard or pouring too fast | Stir gently with a narrow spoon and pour slowly at an angle. |
| Frosted or mottled surface | Cooling too fast or unevenly | Warm the mould slightly and avoid draughts. |
| Yellowing or discolouring | Wax overheated | Keep the wax at or below 90 °C and avoid copper or zinc pots. Stainless steel is best. |
| Fragrance sweats out of the candle | Too much fragrance | Reduce the fragrance load. |
| Small flame or tunnelling | Wick too small | Try the next wick size up. |
| Large flame or soot | Wick too large or fragrance load too high | Try the next wick size down and trim to 5 mm. |
Pack Sizes
Paraffin Wax is available in 1 kg, 2 kg, 5 kg and 10 kg. Larger packs have a lower price per kg. Current prices are shown in the size options on this page.
Burn Safety & Selling Your Candles ▼
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Burn pillars on a heat-resistant plate, away from children, pets, draughts and anything flammable. Trim the wick to about 5 mm before each burn.
Molten wax and the pots it is heated in can burn. Keep melting wax away from children and pets, never heat it over a direct flame, and do not heat it above 90 °C. Have a lid or damp cloth nearby for emergencies, and do not use water on a wax fire.
Selling your candles? Your labels should include safe-burning warnings and any hazard or allergen information required for the fragrance oil you use. Use the Ingredient Statement and Safety Data Sheet below together with the safety data for everything you add.
Frequently Asked Questions ▼
Is it suitable for pillar candles?
Yes. This wax is firm enough for pillar, moulded and free-standing candles.
Can I make wax melts with it?
Yes. Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs for wax melts. Use the same melting and fragrance steps as for candles and test a small batch first.
Can I make container candles with it?
It can be done with care, but a firm paraffin shrinks and tends to pull away from the glass. For jars and tins, see Golden Brands 464, Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C or Coco Soy Blended Wax.
How much fragrance can I add?
3-6% of the wax weight. Many makers start at about 5%. Always test your own fragrance.
What temperature should I melt and pour at?
Melt slowly to about 80-85 °C and keep it below 90 °C. Add fragrance at about 75-80 °C, then pour at 70-75 °C.
Which wick should I use?
It depends on your pillar diameter. See the Wick Guide above for ECO wick starting points, and always burn test.
What is the melting point?
About 56-60 °C.
Is it natural, vegan or plant-based?
No. Paraffin is made from petroleum. For a plant-based wax, see our soy waxes.
Does it contain soy?
No. It is 100% paraffin wax.
How should I store it?
Keep it sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.
Where is it made?
Ask us if you need origin information.
Pairs Well With
Pair this wax with fragrance oils for scent and a wick from our ECO wicks. Cast it in our candle moulds, hold the wick with wick holders or wick stickers, and add colour with liquid candle dyes or dye chips. It blends with Soy Wax (Pillar Blend) 58°. For melts, see our wax melt clamshells, and finish candles with a wick trimmer. See all candle making accessories. |
Product Documents
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Paraffin Wax (Fully Refined Paraffin for Pillars, Moulded Candles and Melts)
Paraffin Wax is a white, odourless, fully refined paraffin wax for pillar candles, moulded candles, votives and wax melts. It is an affordable, easy-to-work wax that melts at about 56-60 °C and sets firm, so it holds its shape out of the mould. You add your own fragrance oil, dye and wick.
Paraffin is a petroleum-derived wax. It is well known for a strong hot scent throw and for taking colour evenly, and many makers also blend it with soy wax. We supply it from Kaiapoi, Christchurch, in sizes from 1 kg up to 10 kg. Every order is backed by a Specifications sheet, Safety Data Sheet, Ingredient Statement and Candle Making Quick Guide, all linked in the Product Documents section below.
|
Fully refined paraffin Pillars, moulds and melts |
Melts at about 56-60 °C Firm, holds its shape |
Fragrance 3-6% Of wax weight |
Pour 70-75 °C Melt to about 80-85 °C |
Safety information: for full hazard, handling and safety information, please see the Safety Data Sheet in the Product Documents section below.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Paraffin Wax |
| Type | Fully refined paraffin wax for pillar, moulded and free-standing candles and wax melts |
| Composition | Paraffin wax, fully refined, 100%. Petroleum-derived. CAS 8002-74-2 |
| Appearance | White waxy solid, odourless |
| Melt Point | About 56-60 °C (133-140 °F) |
| Typical Quality (fully refined grade) | Oil content 0.75% or less. Colour +27 Saybolt or better. Odourless. Contains no added fragrance or dye |
| Melting and Fragrance Step | Melt slowly to about 80-85 °C (176-185 °F), no higher than 90 °C. Add fragrance at about 75-80 °C and stir gently for about 1 to 2 minutes |
| Recommended Fragrance Load | 3-6% of wax weight. Many makers start at about 5%. Always test |
| Pour Temperature | 70-75 °C (158-167 °F). Pour a cooler top-up at 65-70 °C if a dip forms |
| Best Suited For | Pillar candles, moulded candles, votives and wax melts. For jars, see our soy container waxes |
| Wick Guidance | ECO wicks, sized to the pillar diameter. Always test (see the wick guide below) |
| Blending | Blends with other waxes, such as soy wax, to change hardness and burn. Test first |
| Pack Sizes | 1 kg, 2 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg |
| Storage | Cool, dry place, sealed, away from heat and sunlight |
| Shelf Life | No fixed expiry. Stable when stored as directed |
| Use | Candle and wax melt making only. Not for food, cosmetic or topical use |
How to Make a Paraffin Pillar Candle
- Prepare the mould. Use a clean, dry mould at room temperature or slightly warmed. Thread the wick through, seal the wick hole, and pull the wick taut and centred with a metal wick holder or bar across the top.
- Weigh. Weigh the wax, then weigh fragrance oil at 3-6% of the wax weight. Many makers start at about 5% and adjust.
- Melt. Melt slowly in a double boiler or other controlled heat to about 80-85 °C. Do not go above 90 °C. Add candle dye now if you are using it and stir until dissolved. Never heat wax directly over a flame or leave it unattended.
- Add fragrance. Take the wax off the heat. At about 75-80 °C, add the fragrance and stir gently for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cool to pouring temperature. Let the wax cool to 70-75 °C before pouring.
- Pour. Pour slowly and at an angle, near the wick, to limit air bubbles. Keep the mould still while it sets.
- Top up. Wax shrinks as it cools. If a dip forms, pour a small top-up at 65-70 °C before the candle is fully cool. Large pillars may need two top-ups.
- Cool and release. Let the candle cool completely, often 12 to 24 hours. Release it gently from the mould, trim the wick to about 5 mm and wait 48 hours before a test burn.
Tip: always make a small test candle first. Every combination of mould, wick, fragrance and dye burns a little differently.
What Is Paraffin Wax? ▼
Paraffin wax is a refined wax made from petroleum. Fully refined grades have had almost all of the oil removed, which leaves a white, odourless, firm wax that is easy to melt, colour and scent. This is why it has been a standard candle wax for many years.
Grades are described by melt point. This wax melts at about 56-60 °C, which is firm enough for pillars and moulded candles. The typical quality limits are listed in the specifications above.
Good to know: paraffin is not a plant-based or natural wax. If you need a plant-based wax, see our soy waxes. Paraffin shrinks as it cools, so large pillars may need a top-up pour.
Choosing the Right Wax ▼
| Candle type | Wax to use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pillar and free-standing candles | Paraffin Wax (this wax) or Soy Wax (Pillar Blend) 58° | Paraffin is firm, white and takes dye well. The soy pillar blend is a plant-based alternative. |
| Moulded, shaped candles and votives | Paraffin Wax (this wax) | Use a clean, dry mould. See our candle moulds. |
| Wax melts | Paraffin Wax (this wax) or Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C | Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs. No wick is needed. |
| Container candles in jars and tins | Golden Brands 464, Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C or Coco Soy Blended Wax | Softer container waxes that grip the glass. Firm paraffin can pull away from glass. |
| Clear gel candles | Jelly Candle Wax (Gel) | A different wax for a different look. |
Uses & Project Ideas ▼
Pillar candles
The classic use. Pour into a round or square mould for a free-standing candle that sits on a plate.
Moulded and shaped candles
Cast shapes and decorative candles in silicone or rigid moulds. Browse our candle moulds.
Layered and coloured candles
Paraffin takes dye evenly. Pour layers in different colours, letting each layer cool before the next so they bond without blending.
Votives
Small moulded candles for holders and events.
Wax melts
Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs for wax melts. Use the same melting and fragrance steps as for candles and test a small batch first.
Gifts, markets and workshops
An easy way to make personalised candles for weddings, birthdays, markets or craft sessions.
Fragrance, Colour & Additive Guide ▼
These are starting points, not fixed rules. Always test a small batch, and follow the safety information for each fragrance oil and dye you use.
| Add-in | Starting point | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrance oil | 3-6% of wax weight. Many makers start at about 5% | Use fragrance oil made for candles. Add it off the heat at about 75-80 °C and stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Too much fragrance can sweat out of the candle. |
| Liquid candle dye | A few drops at a time | Add to the melted wax and stir until dissolved. Wax looks darker when liquid than when set. Browse our liquid candle dyes. |
| Dye chips | Follow the chip supplier's guidance | Add to the melted wax and stir until fully dissolved. Browse our candle dye chips. |
| Stearic acid (optional) | Test first | Some makers add stearic acid to paraffin for a more opaque, whiter and firmer candle. We do not stock it. Test any amount you try. |
| Other additives | Test first | Anything not made for candles can affect the burn, so test a small candle before using it. |
Blending Ideas ▼
Paraffin can be blended with other waxes to change how hard the candle is and how it burns. These are starting points only and have not been tested by PureFX, so test a small batch first.
| Paraffin | Other wax | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15% | Soy Wax (Pillar Blend) 58° 85% | A mostly soy pillar with a little paraffin for flexibility. The blend is not 100% soy. |
| Small amounts | Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C | Some makers blend paraffin with soy wax. Start small and test the burn. |
Blend ratios change the melt point, pour temperature and wicking, so always burn test a blend before selling candles made with it.
Wick Guide ▼
Wick size is the most important choice in a candle. These are starting points only, as the right wick depends on your pillar diameter, fragrance and dye. Always burn test, then adjust one size at a time.
| Item | Where to start | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ECO wicks | Match the wick to the pillar diameter: 45-70 mm, 75-90 mm or 90-105 mm | Woven from cotton and paper threads, which gives a stiff, easy-to-handle wick. Go up a size if the flame is small or the candle tunnels, down if the flame is large or sooty. |
| Wick holders and wick stickers | One per wick | Keeps the wick taut and centred while the wax sets. A centred wick burns evenly. |
| Wick trimmer | Before every burn | Trim to about 5 mm for a steady flame. |
Troubleshooting ▼
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Dip or sunken top | Wax shrinks as it sets | Pour a small top-up at 65-70 °C before the candle is fully cool. Large pillars may need two top-ups. |
| Cracks | Wax cooling too fast | Cool slowly, away from draughts and cold surfaces. |
| Candle sticks in the mould | Mould dirty or cold, or wax poured too hot | Use a clean mould at room temperature or slightly warmed, and pour within 70-75 °C. |
| Air bubbles or pitting | Stirring hard or pouring too fast | Stir gently with a narrow spoon and pour slowly at an angle. |
| Frosted or mottled surface | Cooling too fast or unevenly | Warm the mould slightly and avoid draughts. |
| Yellowing or discolouring | Wax overheated | Keep the wax at or below 90 °C and avoid copper or zinc pots. Stainless steel is best. |
| Fragrance sweats out of the candle | Too much fragrance | Reduce the fragrance load. |
| Small flame or tunnelling | Wick too small | Try the next wick size up. |
| Large flame or soot | Wick too large or fragrance load too high | Try the next wick size down and trim to 5 mm. |
Pack Sizes
Paraffin Wax is available in 1 kg, 2 kg, 5 kg and 10 kg. Larger packs have a lower price per kg. Current prices are shown in the size options on this page.
Burn Safety & Selling Your Candles ▼
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Burn pillars on a heat-resistant plate, away from children, pets, draughts and anything flammable. Trim the wick to about 5 mm before each burn.
Molten wax and the pots it is heated in can burn. Keep melting wax away from children and pets, never heat it over a direct flame, and do not heat it above 90 °C. Have a lid or damp cloth nearby for emergencies, and do not use water on a wax fire.
Selling your candles? Your labels should include safe-burning warnings and any hazard or allergen information required for the fragrance oil you use. Use the Ingredient Statement and Safety Data Sheet below together with the safety data for everything you add.
Frequently Asked Questions ▼
Is it suitable for pillar candles?
Yes. This wax is firm enough for pillar, moulded and free-standing candles.
Can I make wax melts with it?
Yes. Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs for wax melts. Use the same melting and fragrance steps as for candles and test a small batch first.
Can I make container candles with it?
It can be done with care, but a firm paraffin shrinks and tends to pull away from the glass. For jars and tins, see Golden Brands 464, Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C or Coco Soy Blended Wax.
How much fragrance can I add?
3-6% of the wax weight. Many makers start at about 5%. Always test your own fragrance.
What temperature should I melt and pour at?
Melt slowly to about 80-85 °C and keep it below 90 °C. Add fragrance at about 75-80 °C, then pour at 70-75 °C.
Which wick should I use?
It depends on your pillar diameter. See the Wick Guide above for ECO wick starting points, and always burn test.
What is the melting point?
About 56-60 °C.
Is it natural, vegan or plant-based?
No. Paraffin is made from petroleum. For a plant-based wax, see our soy waxes.
Does it contain soy?
No. It is 100% paraffin wax.
How should I store it?
Keep it sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.
Where is it made?
Ask us if you need origin information.
Pairs Well With
Pair this wax with fragrance oils for scent and a wick from our ECO wicks. Cast it in our candle moulds, hold the wick with wick holders or wick stickers, and add colour with liquid candle dyes or dye chips. It blends with Soy Wax (Pillar Blend) 58°. For melts, see our wax melt clamshells, and finish candles with a wick trimmer. See all candle making accessories. |
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Product Documents
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