AromaMax 850 Premium Paraffin Pillar Wax

AromaMax 850 Premium Paraffin Pillar, Votive and Wax Melt Wax

AromaMax 850 is a premium paraffin wax designed for candle makers who want excellent fragrance performance, smooth finishes, and reliable mold release. Made with fully refined paraffin and a specialized additive blend, this pre-blended wax delivers strong scent throw and beautifully finished molded candles.

Ideal for both beginners and experienced candle makers, AromaMax 850 is formulated for pillar candles, votives, and wax melts. Its convenient pastille form makes measuring and melting easy, without the need to cut or break apart wax slabs.

Why Candle Makers Love AromaMax 850

• Excellent fragrance throw: Designed to deliver strong scent performance in wax melts and both cold and hot throw in candles.
• Smooth, professional appearance: Creates an attractive, opaque finish for molded candles and wax melts.
• Easy mold release: Formulated with controlled shrinkage to help candles release cleanly from molds.
• Strong fragrance capacity: Supports up to 7% fragrance oil, depending on the formulation.
• No additional additives required: Pre-blended and ready for fragrance and candle dye.
• Easy-to-handle pastille form: Convenient for measuring and melting without cutting slabs.
• Versatile applications: Ideal for wax melts, votive candles, and freestanding pillars.

AromaMax 850 - At a Glance

• Best use: Pillar candles, votive candles, and wax melts
• Wax type: Fully refined paraffin with performance additives
• Appearance: Smooth, opaque white
• Form: Pastilles
• Melt point: Approximately 130°F
• Recommended fragrance starting range: 5 - 6%
• Maximum fragrance capacity: Up to 7%
• Melting temperature: 180 - 185°F
• Fragrance addition: Approximately 180 - 185°F
• Pouring temperature: 170 - 175°F
• Initial cooling/cure: 24 - 48 hours before testing
• Wick series to consider: CD

Temperatures and fragrance loads are starting recommendations. Results can vary with your fragrance oil, mold, wick, dye, and working environment.

How to Use AromaMax 850

1. Prepare your molds

Use clean, dry, heat-safe candle or wax melt molds. For votive and pillar candles, select and secure the appropriate wick, keeping it centered and straight. Wax melts do not require a wick.

2. Melt the wax

Using a double boiler or temperature-controlled wax melter, heat AromaMax 850 to approximately 180 - 185°F. Stir occasionally to ensure the wax melts evenly. Add candle dye, if desired, and mix until fully incorporated.

3. Add fragrance oil

Add your measured fragrance oil while the wax is approximately 180 - 185°F. Stir slowly and thoroughly for about 2 minutes to help distribute the fragrance evenly.

We recommend beginning your testing at a 5 - 6% fragrance load. While AromaMax 850 can hold up to 7%, adding more fragrance does not necessarily result in stronger scent performance. Always check the fragrance oil's applicable usage limit.

4. Pour your candles or wax melts

Allow the wax to cool to approximately 170 - 175°F before pouring slowly into your prepared molds. A starting temperature of 175°F works well for initial testing.

For the best appearance, let your candles or wax melts cool naturally at room temperature, away from drafts and rapid temperature changes.

For votive and pillar candles, some shrinkage is normal as paraffin wax cools. A second pour is typically needed to fill sinkholes or surface depressions. If necessary, reheat the reserved wax to approximately 10°F warmer than the initial pouring temperature before completing the second pour.

For wax melts, use molds or clamshells rated for your pouring temperature. Some plastic clamshells may require a lower pouring temperature to prevent warping or damage.

5. Allow to cool and cure

Allow candles and wax melts to cool completely before removing them from their molds. Handle carefully to avoid damaging edges or detailed shapes.

For votive and pillar candles, allow at least 24 - 48 hours before initial burn testing. For a more consistent evaluation of fragrance performance, you may also compare results after approximately 3 - 5 days.

For wax melts, allow the wax to fully harden before packaging or testing in a suitable wax warmer.

6. Perform a complete test

Before selling or gifting your finished products, test the complete combination of wax, fragrance, dye, wick, and mold.

For votive and pillar candles, evaluate flame behavior, melt pool development, soot, and overall burn performance throughout the candle's usable life. Pillar candles should maintain a stable outer wax wall without excessive dripping or leaking.

Always burn votive candles in suitable holders and pillar candles on heat-resistant, nonflammable candle plates.

For wax melts, test fragrance performance in an appropriate warmer and evaluate how well the finished melts maintain their shape during handling and packaging.

Recommended Wicks for AromaMax 850

CD wicks are our recommended first series to explore for AromaMax 850.

Use the diameter of your finished pillar or votive candle to select an initial wick size. For molded candles, this is generally determined by the inside diameter of your mold.

Suggested CD Wick Sizes to Begin Testing

Finished candle diameter	CD wick sizes to test
1.75 - 2.0 inches	CD 4-6
2.5 inches	CD 7-8
3.0 inches	CD 8-10
3.5 inches	CD 12-14
4.0 inches	CD 14-16

These wick sizes are suggested starting points for testing, not guaranteed recommendations. Fragrance load, dye, candle shape, and other variables may require a smaller or larger wick.

For best results, test neighboring sizes and evaluate the full burn life of each candle. Unlike container candles, freestanding pillars should maintain a stable outer wax wall rather than developing an uncontrolled melt pool that spills over the sides.

Votive candles should always be burned in suitable votive holders. Wax melts do not require wicks.

Need help finding the right wick? Read our Guide to Candle Wicks for wick selection, sizing, and troubleshooting advice.

Candle Maker's Tips

Getting smooth finishes: Pour within the suggested temperature range and allow your wax to cool slowly and evenly. For pillars and votives, a second pour can help correct sinkholes caused by cooling and contraction.

Improving mold release: Make sure molds are clean and dry. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely before unmolding. Avoid forcing candles or wax melts out of the mold before they are ready.

Improving fragrance throw: Review your fragrance load, mixing procedure, wick size, and curing time. For wax melts, warmer temperature and design can also affect scent performance. More fragrance oil is not always the solution.

Making detailed wax melts: Pour slowly into your molds and allow the wax to harden completely before removing delicate shapes. Consistent cooling can help minimize breakage.

Achieving vibrant colors: Fully refined paraffin accepts candle dyes well. Add dye while the wax is completely melted, mix thoroughly, and test the finished color after cooling.

Reducing soot or mushrooming: Trim the wick before burning, avoid drafts, and test a smaller or different wick if the flame is too large or produces excess soot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AromaMax 850 a soy wax?

No. AromaMax 850 is a fully refined paraffin wax with a specialized additive blend designed to improve mold release, surface finish, and fragrance retention. It is formulated specifically for molded candles and wax melts.

How much fragrance oil should I use?

We suggest starting at 5 - 6% fragrance oil by weight of wax. For example, a 6% load equals 0.96 oz of fragrance oil per 16 oz of wax. AromaMax 850 can hold up to 7%, but the ideal amount depends on your fragrance and the performance of your finished product.

Can I use AromaMax 850 to make wax melts?

Yes. AromaMax 850 is a great choice for wax melts and tarts. Its firm consistency helps finished melts hold their shape, while its fragrance retention supports strong scent performance when used in a wax warmer.

Does AromaMax 850 require a second pour?

For votive and pillar candles, a second pour is typically needed. Paraffin wax naturally contracts as it cools, which can create sinkholes or surface depressions. A second pour helps create a smoother, more finished appearance. Wax melts generally do not require a second pour.

How long should I let my candles cure?

Allow at least 24 - 48 hours before initial burn testing. Testing fragrance performance again after approximately 3 - 5 days can help you determine the best curing schedule for your formulation. Wax melts should be completely hardened before unmolding or packaging.

Which wick works best with AromaMax 850?

CD wicks are a good starting series, with ECO wicks also worth evaluating. The correct size depends primarily on the diameter of your finished candle, along with fragrance load and other formulation variables. Consult our Wick Guide for more information.

Can I use AromaMax 850 to make container candles?

AromaMax 850 is formulated primarily for wax melts, votives, and freestanding pillar candles. For candles poured directly into jars or other containers, we recommend a container wax such as AromaMax 700 or AromaMax 800.

What is the difference between AromaMax 750 and AromaMax 850?

Both waxes are designed for wax melts, votives, and pillar candles, but their formulations are different. AromaMax 750 is a para-soy blend containing over 50% soy wax. AromaMax 850 is a fully refined paraffin wax with performance additives, offering a firm finish, excellent mold release, and strong fragrance performance.

Does this wax need additional additives?

No. AromaMax 850 is pre-blended with the additives needed for its intended applications and is ready to use with compatible fragrance oils and candle dyes. Additional wax additives are generally unnecessary.

Choosing the Right Wax for Your Project

AromaMax 850 is an excellent option for makers who prefer a fully refined paraffin wax for pillars, votives, and wax melts. If you're comparing para-soy blends, natural waxes, or different waxes for molded and container candles, our Guide to Candle Wax can help you choose the right formula.

Available Sizes: 5 lb bag or 45 lb case.

Case Shipping: Flat-rate shipping of $20 per case to the contiguous United States. Case purchases are excluded from the complimentary fragrance sample offer.