Paraffin Wax...

Decorating By Jescar Updated 25 Feb 2014 , 7:49am by maybenot

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Jescar Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 4:42pm
post #1 of 34

Does anyone know where I can get Paraffin Wax....
I've looked in my local Supermarkets....
Baking areas and the canning areas....
I can't find it any where...
Can anyone Help????

33 replies
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RisqueBusiness Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 4:50pm
post #2 of 34

candle making shops?

or are you looking for PARAMOUNT CRYSTALS?

what are you using it for? Chocolates or canning?

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Marissaisabel Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 4:53pm
post #3 of 34

I have seen it at the beauty supply store but I don't this is the one you want? unless it's food safe. Have you checked online. Perhaps they can tell you where to buy or even walmart they have a pretty big canning selection.

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Cookie4 Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 4:59pm
post #4 of 34

Parafin Wax is also called Gulf Wax and is available at WalMart and other markets. Good Luck!

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cakemommy Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:00pm
post #5 of 34

I'm going to say the same thing...PARAMOUNT CRYSTALS!!! Is that what you are looking for? Other than that, I have no idea what you would use parafin wax for in cake decorating.

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patticakesnc Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:04pm
post #6 of 34

I purchased mine at the grocery store. It is called Gulf Wax.

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Jescar Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:11pm
post #7 of 34

The Buckeye Recipe that I have calls for Paraffin wax....
Gulf Wax....
Hummm I'll Have to give that a shot....
Where would it be located at in the grocery store??

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patticakesnc Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:14pm
post #8 of 34

It should be over in the baking area. That is where I found mine.

If you haven't used it before here is a tip. Melt it seperate from your chocolate. (melt it first)

Then measure the amount you need and put it in your hot melted chocolate. You will need to stir it a lot to get it all smoothed out and don't worry about the small film that will develope around the edges just push it down in the bowl and keep stirring. I did mine the other day when I did my peanut butter balls. It really does make for beautiful chocolate.

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Jescar Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:16pm
post #9 of 34

Thanks for the tip!!!
When I find the wax I'll have to try that!!!

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cakemommy Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:20pm
post #10 of 34

Okay, so I've seen Gulf Wax before and you're telling me that you can use it with food products? HMMM! Does it have the same use as Paramount Crystals?


Amy

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patticakesnc Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:23pm
post #11 of 34

I don't know what paramount crystals are LOL.

The gulf wax is a food safe parafin wax that is used in candy. You add just a small amount to melted chocolate and it gives it that beautiful shine that you see in store bought or high end candies. Just be sure to use a small amount so you don't get a mouth full of wax! For 12 oz of chocolate I use about 1 1/2 tbsp of melted wax.

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cakemommy Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:25pm
post #12 of 34

Okay, well I guess so! I just looked up the wax and found a recipe that used Gulf Wax but it also added shortening right along with it.

I guess that's the next best thing if you don't have Paramount Crystals! No shortening needed with those crystals!


Amy

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patticakesnc Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:26pm
post #13 of 34

You don't have to use shortening with the wax. I have but you don't have to. I just generally do when melting chocolate to make it smoother and a little thinner for dipping.

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cakemommy Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:30pm
post #14 of 34

Paramount Crystals
Paramount crystals are a must to help prevent icing break down due to humidity and helps restore coating to a useable condition when it has been damaged by such things as too high heat or moisture.


I have so far only used the crystals for dipping strawberries. It helps the chocolate stay on the strawberry after a bite. Nothing more dissappointing than having all the chocolate come off in one bite!!!!

I just may have to give the Gulf Wax a try when I start experimenting with chocolate more!


Amy

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cakemommy Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:31pm
post #15 of 34

Cocoa butter can also be used to add a shine to chocolate and candies. It looks great on marzipan!


Amy

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ShirleyW Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:51pm
post #16 of 34

Do you really want to add wax to any of your food products? Yuck. Chocolate when tempered properly will set on it's own, adding Parrafin just sounds so unappetizing.

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cncgirl00 Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 6:01pm
post #17 of 34

You don't taste the wax at all. Most of my family use this wax when they make peanut butter balls. And they are eaten faster than we can make them!

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cakesbyjess Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 6:38am
post #18 of 34

I know it may sound unappetizing to add wax, but you really add such a small amount that you'd never know it's there. It doesn't leave a film in your mouth or anything like that. FYI ... anytime you eat ice cream with chocolate chips or chocolate chunks in it, there's wax in that chocolate!! icon_lol.gif

I always mix a little bit of gulf wax with my chocolate (and I totally agree with a previous poster who said to melt the wax before adding the chocolate ... it makes the whole process much easier) when I make buckeyes, and it really helps the chocolate firm up and gives it a great sheen.

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patticakesnc Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 1:11pm
post #19 of 34

I agree it sounds horrible, but it isn't. There really isn't enough in there to even know it is there other than the shine. Most candies you get that are shiney have it in them. People just don't realize it.

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Zmama Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 1:25pm
post #20 of 34

There are warnings about using wax in chocolate for dipping. It is recommended to substitute Crisco for the wax, or you could also use the paramount crystals or cocoa butter.

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patticakesnc Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 1:28pm
post #21 of 34

Interesting. I have never heard any warnings. Do you have any that I could read? I certainly wouldn't want to do anything to hurt anyone but we have used it all my life without any problems.

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Zmama Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 1:54pm
post #22 of 34

http://www.ochef.com/674.htm

"The US Food and Drug Administration has never approved of paraffin as a food or food additive, and guess why? Paraffin is a derivative of the production of crude oil. It is thought to irritate the skin and the lining of the intestines, and to cause physical discomfort."

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patticakesnc Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 1:57pm
post #23 of 34

Thanks!! Very interesting.

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patticakesnc Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 2:04pm
post #24 of 34

Ok now I have to do some digging. My Gulf Wax box says FDA approved.

I think I will contact the FDA directly. I like using it but would never want to harm anyone.

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indydebi Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 2:05pm
post #25 of 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zmama

http://www.ochef.com/674.htm

"The US Food and Drug Administration has never approved of paraffin as a food or food additive, and guess why? Paraffin is a derivative of the production of crude oil. It is thought to irritate the skin and the lining of the intestines, and to cause physical discomfort."




Well, so much for those candy wax-lips we used to chew on as kids! icon_lol.gif

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patticakesnc Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 2:09pm
post #26 of 34

Well see that is my point. They still sell those wax lips. How can they sell them as candy if they are not fda approved.

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Brendansmum Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 2:24pm
post #27 of 34

My family has also been using the paraffin for buckeyes since I was a kid{and it hasn't killed me yet, as my Mom would say} It makes the chocolate set up and look so much better. I bought the paramount crystals and it just made my candy papers really greasy! Blah!! It said 1T per pound of chocolate but I think I needed a lot less!! I usually add shortening and it doesn't leave the candy papers greasy at all.

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Zmama Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 8:59pm
post #28 of 34

If it says FDA approved, I'd use it. It's more the wax not intended for foods, which are usually sold for candles, etc. Just check the box!

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RisqueBusiness Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 9:06pm
post #29 of 34

summer coating and couvetures have a h igh content of wax anyways..that's why cheap chocolate "snaps" when you bit into it!

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sun33082 Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 9:36pm
post #30 of 34

Wax is used in all chocolate candy sold. Snickers, hershey's etc. It helps the chocolate to not melt so quickly and stand up to heat...therefore it sets faster as well. How do you think they get the chocolate bunnies to stay in their shape? And why do you think they taste so funky? lol Lots and lots of wax.

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