Pure beeswax in a convenient pelleted form — easy to measure, easy to melt, and considerably more practical to work with than a solid block. The pellet format gives a larger surface area that melts quickly and evenly in a wax pot, double boiler, or tjanting tool without the wait and uneven melting of a large block, making it the most practical format for craft and textile work where controlled, consistent melting is important.
Beeswax has been used in batik textile work for centuries, and its particular quality — flexibility once cooled — is what distinguishes it from paraffin wax in this application. Where paraffin wax is brittle and cracks easily when the fabric is manipulated, beeswax remains supple and flexible, bonding more gently with the fabric fibres and resisting the characteristic crackling that paraffin produces. This makes pure beeswax the wax of choice when a clean, crackle-free resist is wanted — where the dye should be cleanly blocked by the wax with no penetration of colour through cracks. For a crackle effect, paraffin wax is the appropriate choice; for a clean resist without crackle, beeswax is preferred. Many batik artists mix beeswax and paraffin in varying proportions to control the degree of crackle in the finished piece.
Beyond batik, beeswax has a wide range of craft applications — candle making, encaustic painting, wood and leather conditioning, gilding polish when blended with turpentine and metallic powder, and wax resist techniques in watercolour and mixed media work. The melting point is approximately 62–65°C.
As with all products requiring heat, take care when melting wax — never melt directly over an open flame and always use appropriate heat-resistant equipment.
Weight: 150g
Form: Pellets
Melting point: Approximately 62–65°C
Primary use: Batik, candle making, encaustic painting, craft wax applications
What is the difference between beeswax and paraffin wax for batik?
Beeswax is flexible once cooled and bonds smoothly with fabric fibres, producing a clean resist without cracking — ideal when a crackle-free result is wanted. Paraffin wax is brittle and cracks when the fabric is handled, allowing dye to penetrate through the cracks to create the characteristic batik crackle effect. Many batik artists blend both waxes in different proportions to control the level of crackle in the finished piece.
Why use pelleted wax rather than a block?
Pellets melt faster and more evenly than a solid block because of the greater surface area, making temperature control easier and reducing the risk of overheating. They are also easier to measure by weight for consistent results.
What temperature does beeswax melt at?
Approximately 62–65°C. Never melt wax directly over an open flame — use a wax pot, double boiler, or purpose-made electric wax melter and monitor the temperature carefully.
Can beeswax be used for encaustic painting?
Yes — beeswax is the traditional base for encaustic paint. It can be used alone or combined with damar resin, which makes the wax harder, more translucent, and buffable to a satin sheen.
