Why Does Fragrance Make Soy Wax Wet?

Soy wax candles are a popular choice for those who want to avoid using paraffin wax, which can produce more soot and emit chemicals. However, making soy wax candles can come with its own set of challenges, including issues with adding fragrance. While fragrance oils can enhance the appeal of soy wax candles, adding too much fragrance or adding it at the wrong temperature can lead to problems such as wet spots, fragrance seepage, and air bubbles.

To avoid these issues, it is important to add the fragrance oil at the right temperature and in the correct ratio to the wax. The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance oil to soy wax is between 160°F and 185°F, and the recommended ratio is 8-10% of the total wax weight for fragrance oils, or 5% for essential oils. Adding the fragrance oil at too low a temperature can cause it to separate from the wax, resulting in a wet, unusable candle. On the other hand, if the wax is too hot, the fragrance oil may evaporate, leading to a weaker scent.

The fragrance oil might have been added when the wax was too cool

If your fragrance oil was added to the soy wax when it was too cool, it may not have mixed properly. This can cause the fragrance oil to separate from the wax and rise to the top of the candle, resulting in what is known as "fragrance leaching", "seeping", or "bleeding". This can also make your candle look wet at the bottom.

To avoid this, it is recommended that you add your fragrance oil when your wax is a clear liquid. If your fragrance is very viscous, the wax may need to be hotter than 60°C, as viscosity decreases with increased temperatures. The wax temperature should then cool to about 50–55°C before pouring.

It is also important to note that the fragrance oil should be mixed in thoroughly to ensure that your candle has an even fragrance load. Stir continuously and gently to encourage the oil to incorporate fully.

There could have been too much fragrance oil added

Adding too much fragrance oil to your soy wax candle can cause the wax to become wet at the bottom. This is because wax can only hold a certain amount of fragrance oil, and if it becomes oversaturated, the excess oil will leak out. This is known as syneresis, or "bleeding".

To avoid this issue, it is important to add the correct amount of fragrance oil to your wax. The recommended amount varies depending on the source, but generally, it is suggested to add between 6% and 10% of fragrance oil per 16oz/1lb of wax. It is also important to mix the oil and wax thoroughly but gently, to avoid creating air bubbles.

Additionally, the temperature at which you add the fragrance oil to the wax is crucial. If the wax is too cool when you add the fragrance oil, they may not bind properly, leading to fragrance seepage. Aim to add your fragrance when the wax is between 160°F and 185°F. This temperature range allows for optimal binding and a strong, consistent scent.

If you are using essential oils instead of fragrance oils, you will need a smaller amount, as they are more concentrated. Start with 5% and adjust as needed.

Finally, make sure to stir your mixture for at least two minutes to ensure the oil and wax are thoroughly combined.

The fragrance oil may be low-quality

One of the reasons why your soy wax candles have wet spots is that the fragrance oil may be low-quality. Low-quality fragrance oil or a low-quality oil blend can cause problems when making candles. Essential oils and fragrance oils do not last forever, and at a certain point, they will begin to break down and not work as well as they should.

To avoid this, always make sure you are getting your fragrance oil from a reputable supplier. It is also important to note that not all oils are equal. There are people selling oil that is cheap and full of solvents or that has never been tested in candle waxes.

In addition, if you are experiencing mixing problems, you can try the following:

• Bring the temperature of the oil and candle wax back up to about 74ºC/75ºC in a double boiler and add a small amount of vybar, about 2 grams per kg of wax.
• Stir the mixture together for 3-5 minutes and then pour your candles.
• Keep in mind that too much vybar can also harden your wax and decrease your scent throw, so it is important to use a very small amount.

Furthermore, there are a few things you can do to help increase the success of a fragrance oil and wax mixture when making candles:

• Before you begin making candles, sit your fragrance oil bottle into a bowl of warm water. This will reduce the chances of oil and wax separation.
• Mix fragrance oils with candle wax once the wax has reached a temperature of at least 75°C. Stir the wax and oil combination thoroughly yet gently. You want to keep a constant swirl in the melting pot without being too rough and creating air bubbles.
• Stir fragrance oil and candle wax together for a minimum of two minutes. The goal is to stir thoroughly yet gently, without splashing the mixture around, as this can create air bubbles.

The fragrance oil and wax may not have been mixed thoroughly enough

When making candles, it's important to mix the fragrance oil and wax thoroughly but gently. If the mixture is not blended well enough, the fragrance oil may not bind with the wax and can cause a wet appearance on the bottom of your candle.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to stir the mixture for at least 2 minutes, ensuring that the fragrance oil is fully incorporated into the wax. It is important to stir gently and smoothly to avoid creating air bubbles in the mixture. Air bubbles can cause problems after pouring the candles and affect the final appearance.

In addition to proper stirring, temperature control is crucial when mixing fragrance oil and wax. If the wax is too cool when the fragrance oil is added, it may not mix properly. It is recommended to warm the fragrance oil by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water before mixing it with the wax. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil to soy wax is between 180-185°F.

By following these guidelines and ensuring thorough mixing, you can help prevent issues with fragrance oil and wax separation, resulting in a more successful candle-making experience.

The wax may have been overheated, causing the fragrance oil to evaporate

When making candles, overheating the wax can cause the fragrance oil to evaporate, resulting in a weaker scent throw. This is because fragrance oil does not mix properly with candle wax when the difference in temperature between the two is too extreme.

To avoid this, add the fragrance oil when the wax is between 160°F and 185°F, which allows for optimal binding and a strong, consistent scent. This is when the wax is between 50°F and 60°F above its melting point. If your soy wax melts at 125°F, heat it up to around 175°F to 185°F before adding your fragrance.

It is also important to note that the type of wax you use can influence when and how you add fragrance oil. Soy wax, for example, has an ideal temperature for blending in fragrance oil of between 155°F and 165°F. This range ensures that the wax is fluid enough to mix thoroughly without overheating.

Additionally, if you are using fragrance oils with a flash point below 80 degrees Celsius, make sure to stir the mixture for 2 minutes to thoroughly mix the wax and oils. The flashpoint refers to the point of temperature at which a liquid evaporates, and it can vary significantly between fragrance oils.

Finally, remember that adding fragrance at the right temperature and avoiding overheating are crucial for achieving the perfect scent throw and candle quality.

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