Paraffin Wax
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Paraffin wax is the most common wax available.

What is Paraffin used for?

Paraffin is used for a number of different types of candles. Some of those types are tapers, floating, moulded or sculpted (if using paraffin of a low melting point), sand or water candles.

Paraffin wax sold in pellet, bead or block form Sold in pellet, bead or block form it generally has a melting point between 40-70 degrees C (104-160 degrees F). It most likely will come with stearin added to it. However if it does not you can put this additive in it yourself.

Stearin comes from palm nuts and helps in the release of candles from their moulds, making the wax shrink as it cools. So it is a helpful, useful additive.

A point to consider, paraffin waxes do not need stearin. However the candles you will produce will burn faster and are less opaque. That said, paraffin candles without stearin do have a lovely translucent quality to them. So it is, whatever you are personally looking for in the outcome.

Colourless and odourless by nature paraffin is a by-product of oil refining.

Paraffin wax has different melting points. The following is a small chart of the types you will find on the market:

Low melting point: (126F - 132F) Used for container, carved or modeled candles.

Medium melting point: (135F - 145F) A good general purpose candle making wax. Most unmarked, that is temperature-wise, paraffin in craft stores is of this type. It can be used for most candles you may want to make.

High melting point: (145F - 150F) Used for specialty candles such as hurricane candles.

Beaded Paraffin Wax Wax purchased from candle suppliers or craft stores are labelled with the melting points and the suggested uses on the packages for your convenience. As well, it is best to stick with those guidelines.

Mixing Paraffin with Other Waxes

Mixing paraffin with other waxes like beeswax is a common procedure. This is done to conserve the costs of more expensive waxes. In general, beeswax is a more expensive wax and paraffin can be and is made cheaply. Therefore it is a great wax for mixing with other types of waxes.

However, a word of caution, never use grocery store paraffin in candles. It will not harden enough for you to create taper candles of a good quality. Grocery store paraffin is a much softer wax with a lower melting point.

You got it, it's the cheapest variety available. So always buy the best quality available for candle making purposes. You don't want your efforts all to be for nothing and be disappointed with your candle making results.