How to Melt Candle Wax in a Pot

Melting candle wax for craft projects is a simple process when you use a double-boiler (a small pot within a larger pot of boiling water). A double-boiler melts the wax slowly and prevents burning or scorching. You can melt store-bought wax chips or shavings or even scraps of wax left over from past projects and candle stumps.

Step 1

Fill a 2-quart sauce pan half full with tap water. Place the pot on a burner and turn the burner on medium-high. Set the ramekin or bowl in the bottom of the pot (this will keep the metal carafe's base from directly contacting the bottom of the pot). Bring the water in the 2-quart sauce pan to a boil.

Step 2

Place the wax shavings or chips into a metal carafe. Wearing oven mitts, gently lower the metal carafe into the pot and rest it evenly on the ramekin. Be sure that the metal carafe does not rest directly on the bottom of the pot, and ensure that it is taller than the surface of the water so that no water flows into it.

Step 3

Keeping the water at a simmer, let the wax begin to soften. Once the wax begins to melt, stir it slowly with the wooden craft stick.

Step 4

Let the wax melt completely. Once it's fully melted and smooth, use it immediately. If the wax begins to harden, you can re-melt it in the double boiler as needed.