Candle Double Pour Temperature Calculator
Calculate optimal first and second pour temperatures for double-pour candle making to prevent sinkholes and ensure smooth tops.
Why double-pour candles:
When candle wax cools, it contracts and pulls away from the wick, forming sinkholes and cavities beneath the surface. A double pour fills these voids with a second layer of wax, producing a smooth, professional-looking candle with consistent burn performance.
Temperature guidelines by wax type:
The key principle: the first pour is at the standard pour temperature for adhesion and scent throw. The second pour is done at a lower temperature to avoid melting through the first layer while still bonding properly.
| Wax Type | Melt Point | First Pour | Second Pour | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soy (464) | 51°C (124°F) | 57–63°C (135–145°F) | 54–57°C (130–135°F) | 2–4 hours |
| Soy (444) | 56°C (133°F) | 63–68°C (145–155°F) | 57–60°C (135–140°F) | 2–4 hours |
| Paraffin (IGI 4630) | 57°C (135°F) | 77–82°C (170–180°F) | 71–74°C (160–165°F) | 3–5 hours |
| Parasoy blend | 54°C (130°F) | 66–71°C (150–160°F) | 60–63°C (140–145°F) | 2–4 hours |
| Beeswax | 62°C (144°F) | 71–77°C (160–170°F) | 66–68°C (150–155°F) | 3–5 hours |
| Coconut wax | 38°C (100°F) | 49–54°C (120–130°F) | 43–46°C (110–115°F) | 1–3 hours |
Second pour temperature formula:
Second pour temp = Wax melt point + (3 to 6°C)
This is just above the melt point — warm enough to bond but cool enough not to re-melt the first pour deeply.
Example calculation (Soy 464):
- Melt point: 51°C
- First pour: 60°C (good adhesion, optimal fragrance binding)
- Wait until surface is solid and slightly concave (about 2–3 hours)
- Poke relief holes around the wick with a chopstick
- Second pour: 54°C (fills voids without disturbing first layer)
Important timing rules:
The first pour must cool until a solid skin forms on top (at least 5 mm thick). If you pour too early, the second pour melts through and creates new sinkholes. If you wait too long, the bond between layers weakens and may delaminate.
Room temperature matters:
Pour in a room at 20–24°C (68–75°F). Cold rooms cause rapid cooling and worse sinkholes. Hot rooms slow curing but give smoother surfaces. Never pour near drafts or air conditioning vents.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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