Paraffin dipping wax for dinner candles and over-dipped candles

Paraffin Dipping Wax is a pure, white paraffin for dipping candles. Paraffin is a saturated hydrocarbon based on petroleum. You melt the dipping wax to 68 to 73 °C and build the candle up layer by layer around the wick. A standard dinner candle 28 cm long and 2.3 cm thick takes about 30 dips. The result is an opaque candle with a glossy finish. You can also use the dipping wax to give candles a coloured outer layer.

Key benefits

• Made for dipping: builds up layer by layer on the wick at 68 to 73 °C.
• White appearance: opaque with a glossy surface.
• Easy to colour: with candle dye you colour the wax all the way through or just the outer layer.
• Also for casting: suitable for both cast and dipped candles.
• Combines with stearin: add stearin for better burning properties.

Typical applications

• ✓ Dipping dinner candles, with a loose wick or a dipping frame
• ✓ Giving candles a coloured outer layer by over-dipping
• ✓ Cast candles

Processing

1. Work in a draught-free room, ideally at around 18 °C. Draughts can cause wrinkles in the candle.
2. Melt the dipping wax indirectly in a bain-marie with a controllable heat source to 68 to 73 °C. Paraffin is a poor conductor of heat, so take your time. If the wax is too hot, it sets too slowly and will not adhere to the wick.
3. Stretch the wick straight and taut on a dipping frame. For standard dinner candles, use wick 3x6. A loose wick also works; with a dipping frame you make several candles at once.
4. First dip the wick for about 30 seconds so it soaks up the wax.
5. Then dip in one smooth movement and wait about 1 minute between dips so the wax can set. A dinner candle of 28 cm and ø 2.3 cm needs about 30 dips.
6. Melt the candles down to the required length by hanging the dipping frame partly back in the wax or by using a melting tray. While the candles are still warm, you can shape them.
7. For a coloured outer layer, dip the candles in coloured wax at about 80 °C. Use about 1.5 % dye (15 g per kg of wax) for a single dip and about 1.0 % (10 g per kg) for a double dip.

Points to note

• ✓ Molten paraffin is hot and can cause burns. Never heat it directly over a flame, do not leave the wax unattended and take fire safety into account.
• ✓ Paraffin expands by up to 20 % when it melts and shrinks again as it solidifies. Bear this in mind when you pour into a mould.
• ✓ To colour all the way through, use about 0.1 to 0.2 % dye (1 to 2 g per kg of wax). First dissolve the dye in 10 parts of molten paraffin at about 90 °C, then mix this concentrate into the rest of the wax.
• ✓ Dyes and fragrances change the burning properties, and fragrance oils can attack moulds. Always test one candle first and match the wick to the shape, diameter and recipe.
• ✓ If the candle smokes, choose a smaller wick. If it drips, choose a thicker wick, make sure the candle is straight and avoid draughts.
• ✓ Store the wax dry, cool and sealed.

Professional support

Not sure about the right wick, temperature or dye dosage? Email us at info@siliconesandmore.com and we will be happy to help.