Is Beeswax Flammable? Safety Tips for DIY Projects

Introduction: Understanding the Flammability of Beeswax

Beeswax is widely used in candle making, skincare, and household projects, but many people wonder whether it is flammable and how to handle it safely. While beeswax is combustible, it is not highly flammable under normal conditions. This guide explains the flammability of beeswax, how it compares to other waxes, and essential safety tips for using it in DIY projects.

Is Beeswax Flammable?

Beeswax is classified as a combustible material rather than an extremely flammable one. This means that while it can catch fire when exposed to high temperatures, it does not easily ignite at room temperature.

Key Flammability Properties of Beeswax:

·       Melting Point: 144–147°F (62–64°C)

·       Flash Point: Around 400°F (204°C)

·       Ignition Point: Above 490°F (254°C)

At normal working temperatures, beeswax remains stable and safe to use. However, when overheated or exposed to an open flame, it can become a fire hazard.

How Does Beeswax Compare to Other Waxes?

Wax Type	Melting Point	Flash Point	Flammability
Beeswax	144–147°F (62–64°C)	~400°F (204°C)	Low flammability, burns cleanly
Soy Wax	113–130°F (45–54°C)	~300°F (149°C)	Moderate flammability
Paraffin Wax	115–150°F (46–65°C)	~390°F (199°C)	Highly flammable, produces soot
Palm Wax	120–140°F (49–60°C)	~400°F (204°C)	Low flammability

Beeswax has a higher melting and flash point than soy or paraffin wax, making it one of the safest waxes for candles and DIY projects.

Safety Tips for Using Beeswax in DIY Projects

1. Never Overheat Beeswax

• Beeswax should be melted using indirect heat, such as a double boiler, to prevent it from reaching its flash point.
• Avoid using direct flames or high-heat sources like stovetops without temperature control.

2. Use a Double Boiler for Safe Melting

·       Fill a larger pot with a few inches of water and place a smaller pot or heat-safe container inside.

·       Melt beeswax slowly over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even melting.

3. Keep Beeswax Away from Open Flames

• Do not leave melting beeswax unattended, as prolonged heat exposure can lead to ignition.
• When making candles, always use a properly prepared wick to control the burn rate.

4. Use a Thermometer for Precision

• Monitor the temperature of melted beeswax to keep it below 180°F (82°C) to reduce fire risk.
• Never allow beeswax to reach temperatures close to 400°F (204°C), where it may emit flammable vapors.

5. Extinguish Fires Properly

• If beeswax catches fire, never use water to extinguish it, as this can cause the burning wax to splatter.
• Instead, smother the fire using a fire blanket, baking soda, or a dry chemical extinguisher (Class B fire extinguisher).

6. Store Beeswax in a Cool, Dry Place

• Keep beeswax away from direct sunlight, heaters, or open flames when not in use.
• Store in a sealed container to prevent dust and contaminants from accumulating.

What Happens If Beeswax Burns?

When burned properly in a candle, beeswax produces a steady flame with minimal smoke or soot. However, if overheated, beeswax can:

• Produce excessive smoke
• Release flammable vapours
• Ignite and sustain a fire

This is why controlled burning in candles is safe, but overheating in a pan or open environment can be hazardous.

Conclusion: Is Beeswax Safe for DIY Projects?

Yes, beeswax is safe to use in DIY projects as long as proper safety precautions are followed. While it is combustible, it has a high flash point and burns cleanly when used correctly. Always melt beeswax carefully, monitor its temperature, and store it properly to minimize fire risks.

Where to Buy High-Quality Beeswax for Safe DIY Projects

For those looking to use pure, safe beeswax for candles, skincare, or crafting, sourcing high-quality, unprocessed beeswax is key. Choose trusted suppliers that offer natural beeswax with no added chemicals or impurities.

Why Our Beeswax is Better

Looking for high-quality, 100% pure Canadian beeswax candles? All of our beeswax products are hand-poured and sold in wholesale and small quantities. We have perfect our wax filtering process over the past decade and now offer a consistent high-quality product.

Shop now and experience the difference.

About Prairie Sun Beeswax

Prairie Sun Beeswax is a family-owned business in the Canadian prairies, producing pure beeswax and honey for over three generations. We render Manitoba and Ontario beeswax and all of our beeswax products sold are 100% Canadian. What started as a small beekeeping operation in 1962 has grown into a thriving farm with 1,500 hives. Since launching our commercial beeswax rendering business in 2014, we’ve perfected our filtering process to deliver the highest quality wax to our customers. In addition, our commercial beeswax rendering process is powered by a large solar array that we installed behind the honey house in 2017.