All About Paraffin
Since pure beeswax is a rare commodity and pure beeswax candles are so expensive, most beeswax candles available on the market today are mixed with paraffin, a byproduct of the refining process that turns crude oil into motor oil on the way to becoming gasoline.
In the oil-refining process in which paraffin is produced, crude oil is heated from the bottom of a pipe still (a tall pipe), and as it heats, it separates according to the temperature it reaches: heavy oil at the bottom; then light lubricating oil; next, fuel oil; and, lastly, gasoline. At the top, it becomes hydrocarbon gas. Waxes produced from the light lubricating oil are further processed by chilling, sweating, and additional distillation, based on the various melting points. Afterward, the waxes are refined further through hydrogenation, which allows them to end up with quite specific chemical properties.
Paraffin WaxParaffin waxes used for candlemaking are classified by their melting points: low, medium, and high. In general, most homemade candles need to be melted to l25–l50° Fahrenheit.
Never buy grocery-store paraffin to use in candlemaking — it is not the same as paraffin wax used to make candles. It has a lower melting point and does not harden sufficiently to make a candle stand up straight.
Some paraffin wax comes with stearin already mixed in, usually l0 percent. Alternatively, you can buy stearin separately and mix it into the paraffin to suit your needs. Stearin, or stearic acid, is added to paraffin to make it harder and to increase opacity.
Paraffin waxes can be used without additives, but they burn much faster and are less opaque. However, paraffin wax used alone gives a lovely translucent quality to the candle, an advantage that can make up for the shorter burning time of the wax.
Choose Your ParaffinParaffin is normally sold by suppliers and craft shops in 11-pound slabs; the next standard size up is a 55-pound case. Depending on your needs — that is, how many candles you want to make — you may want to bypass your local craft shop and go to a wholesaler for your paraffin wax, thus saving money and having more options available. Don't hesitate to contact your supplier for additional information. (See “Suppliers” below.)
You can buy paraffin wax in pellets or powered form, which is easier to measure or weigh, and easier to handle. However, bulk is cheaper. The best way to break up the 11-pound slabs is to put one into a heavy-duty disposable trash bag and drop it from shoulder height to the floor.
Wax purchased from candlemaking suppliers, or from craft stores, are labeled with the melting point range and the use for which they are intended. Do not use paraffin waxes in any way contrary to the label instructions and guidelines.
