Beeswax

[hempsju]

Wondering if anyone has any tips.tricks in using beeswax. I am finding it so difficult to use. So messy … blah, blah, blah. I love using it in a product and a local beekeeper gives it to me. It’s as hard as a rock, but smells amazing. So I guess , wondering best ways to melt it, etc.
Thanks All,
Julia

 

[lsg]

I always use a clean can to melt my beeswax in a hot water bath. That way I can keep the can and not worry about having to clean the wax from my regular container. You can also melt the wax in your other oils. The recommended usage rate is 1-2%.

http://www.soap-making-resource.com/beeswax-in-soap-making.html

 

[Andf]

I use a stiff silicone spatula for scraping soap batter, lotion bars, wax, etc. If the spatula has a thin edge (blade?) and has a good corner that makes a big difference. A lot less to clean up when you’re done. Like a spatula meant for getting every last bit of peanut butter out of the jar.

 

[Zing]

What do you use beeswax for? I use it in lotion bars. My silicone measuring cups were a gamechanger. I make a double-boiler using the measuring cup in a pan of hot water. After pouring, I just wait for the wax to harden and scrape it out with a spoon or finger. There are other tips here: How to cut a brick o' beeswax?

I much prefer purchasing the beeswax pastilles.

 

[Nona'sFarm]

I have a metal candle-wax pitcher that I melt the beeswax in, using a sort-of double boiler method by sitting the pitcher in a larger pan with a couple inches of water. After it melts I pour it into individual metal wax tart containers so that I can have smaller pieces. Once it's solidified, I put these in the freezer to make it easy to pop them out of the container. If the wax is darker than I want, I just stack these on the window sill so the sun can bleach them. Sounds like a lot of work, but it is really nice having it in these smaller chunks when making balms. I also make beeswax candles. I don't use beeswax in soap, I tried it, but feel it doesn't really add anything.