Safety First
Before you begin to work with wax, it must be heated to its particular melting point. Take care not to overheat your wax. The “burning point” of wax is that temperature at which the properties of the particular wax have been stretched beyond the safety mark. For example, paraffin should not usually be heated hotter than 200° Fahrenheit. Never leave melting wax on the heat source unattended — it is as volatile as cooking oil and can catch fire if overheated.
Remember that waxes, including beeswax, are highly flammable (that's why candles burn!) and can catch fire. The temperature at which they will combust is the “flash point.” This is approximately 440° Fahrenheit, depending on the type of wax you use. NEVER heat wax to the flash point. Watch your thermometer carefully.
Although candlemaking is rewarding, like any other craft it must be done with care. Remember that you are working with a flammable substance and a heat source. Don't use an open heat source if you can avoid it. For safety's sake, follow these precautions at all times:
Always heat (melt) your wax in either a double-boiler or a concealed element heat device (both discussed above).
Keep a careful watch on the water level in your outer pot.
Make sure you have the following fire-extinguishing items and are familiar with how to use them:
A fire extinguisher of the ABC type (available at hardware stores).
A large metal pan lid to clap on your melting pot should it catch fire. The lid will smother the flame by depriving it of oxygen.
Several large cloths — old terry towels are best — to cover and smother a fire.
Lots and lots of baking soda (I buy it in 2-pound boxes at the supermarket) to dump onto a fire. It will smother flames immediately.
Baking soda's use is not only limited to smothering a fire; it can also soothe a burn on your skin, and works almost instantly. To use, make a smooth paste with water and baking soda and spread on your burn. Let it dry thoroughly before rinsing off. Repeat if necessary.
Hot paraffin, if not heated beyond its melting point, probably won't cause a severe burn, but caution is the rule. Keep a bucket of cold water handy in case you should splatter hot wax on your skin. If you spill a lot of hot wax on yourself, don't panic. Run cool — not cold or iced — water on your skin, or get in the bathtub or shower. If the burn is severe, call 9ll and continue to keep the skin cool to avoid shock. If you get hot wax on your hand, plunge it immediately into the water until the wax cools.
Cooled paraffin will chip off, but sticky beeswax won't. If you get hot beeswax on your skin, cool it in the water thoroughly; then apply baking soda paste. If the burn is severe, consult your doctor.
Pour with CareAlways remember that the wax you are pouring is hot, and that it can burn you if spilled on your skin. Don't pour when you are feeling jittery or are distracted. Teach yourself to pour in a smooth steady stream by practicing with water, using the vessel in which you plan to melt the wax.
If the candle isn't taking proper shape, don't shift to an odd angle to correct the problem. It's best to start over. Never risk dropping the wax container or a spill for the sake of a perfect candle. And always keep plenty of pot holders and cloths accessible for grasping hot handles, and for cleaning up any spills.
