Enhancing Candle Fragrance: Adding Scents To Your Candles

Adding fragrance to a candle is a fun and simple process, but it can be tricky to get right. The type of wax you use will determine the temperature at which you should add fragrance, with most waxes fully melting at around 175°-185° F. The fragrance should be added when the wax is in a fully melted state, at around 155°-165° F, and then poured when the two have combined. The amount of fragrance you add is also important, with most waxes unable to hold more than 12 percent fragrance. It is recommended to use between 6 and 10 percent of fragrance in your candle mixture.

The best wax temperature to add fragrance oil

Adding fragrance oil to your wax at the right temperature is crucial to ensure that your candle burns with a strong and consistent scent. If the wax is too hot or too cold, the fragrance may not bind properly, resulting in a weak scent or no scent at all.

The optimal temperature range to add fragrance oil to your wax is 180°F to 200°F (85°C – 93°C). This temperature range allows the fragrance oil to blend and bind effectively with the wax, ensuring a safer and more stable candle. If you are using soy wax, it is recommended to add the fragrance oil when the wax is between 155°F and 165°F. For palm wax, the recommended temperature is 200°F to 205°F.

The flashpoint of the fragrance oil, or the temperature at which it becomes combustible, is an important factor to consider. Fragrance oils with a flashpoint under 130°F should be added to the wax at or below 130°F. For flashpoints between 130°F and 180°F, add the oil at or slightly below the flashpoint. If the flashpoint is above 180°F, do not add the oil above this temperature.

It is also important to note that the type of wax used can impact the temperature at which you add the fragrance oil. Different waxes have varying melting points, so it is crucial to know the specific melting point of the wax you are using. Generally, waxes begin to melt around 130°F, but the point at which they are ready to mix with fragrance oil differs.

By adding the fragrance oil at the recommended temperature, you can create a candle with a strong and consistent scent, ensuring a pleasant and safe burning experience.

How much fragrance oil to add

The amount of fragrance oil you should add to your candle depends on the type of wax, the type of fragrance oil, and your personal preference of optimal scent throw. The general rule of thumb is to use between 5% to 10% of the weight of the wax used in the candle. However, it's important to note that not all waxes are created equal; some can only hold a maximum of 6% fragrance, while others can go up to 12%. For example, paraffin wax usually holds a maximum of 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax, while soy wax can vary between 1 to 2 ounces.

When adding fragrance oil to your candle, it's crucial to consider the temperature of the wax. The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance oil is between 175°F to 185°F, depending on the type of wax. For soy wax, the recommended temperature range is slightly lower, between 155°F to 165°F.

It's also important to note that using too little fragrance oil may result in a weak scent throw, while using too much can overload the wax and cause issues like candle sweating or curdling. Therefore, it's recommended to start with a lower fragrance load and gradually increase it until you find the right balance.

Additionally, the quality of the fragrance oil is an important factor. High-quality fragrance oils will have a stronger scent throw, so you may need to use less to achieve the desired scent.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the amount of fragrance oil needed:

• Figure out the capacity of your candle vessel, which is based on the size of the candle container and the amount of wax it can hold.
• Decide on the fragrance oil load percentage. A good starting point is 6%, but you can adjust this based on your preferences.
• Calculate the amount of candle wax needed using the formula: Wax amount (grams or ounces) = Container capacity (grams or ounces) / (1 + Fragrance oil percentage)
• Calculate the fragrance oil weight by subtracting the wax amount from the container capacity.

Remember to always test and experiment with different amounts of fragrance oil to find the perfect balance for your candles.

The type of wax used matters when adding fragrance oil

The flash point of the fragrance oil also affects the timing of when it should be added to the wax. The flash point is the temperature at which the oil becomes combustible. For flash points under 130° F, the fragrance oil should be added at or below 130° F. For flash points between 130° F and 180° F, the oil should be added at or slightly below the designated flash point. For flash points above 180° F, the oil should never be added above that temperature.

It is important to note that the fragrance oil and wax do not chemically bond. They form a solution or homogeneous mixture. This means that you can always add more oil or wax without any issues, as long as you mix well. However, it is crucial not to exceed the saturation point of the wax, as this can result in syneresis or bleed.

Additionally, the type of wick used also matters when adding fragrance oil. For example, zinc core wicks may not perform well in natural waxes like soy because they do not get hot enough to burn the wax properly.

The flashpoint of fragrance oil

The flashpoint of a fragrance oil is the temperature at which the oil becomes combustible when exposed to an open flame or ignition source. It is an important safety consideration, especially when handling, storing, manufacturing, and applying the oil. Understanding the flashpoint helps prevent fire hazards and accidents. For example, if a fragrance oil has a flashpoint of 155°F, it can be added to wax at 140°-150°F or exactly at 150°F.

The flashpoint is determined by laboratory testing using methods like the Pensky-Martens Closed Cup (PMCC) and the Tagliabue Open Cup. These methods involve heating a small sample of the oil and then introducing an open flame or spark to determine the temperature at which it ignites.

The lower the flashpoint of a fragrance oil, the more volatile it is. This means it will turn into vapour quicker and evaporate faster. This is an important consideration for candle-making, as a low flashpoint oil might evaporate before the candle has completely burned down. Therefore, when choosing a fragrance oil for candles, it is essential to consider not only the flashpoint but also the longevity of the fragrance.

Overall, understanding the flashpoint of fragrance oils is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. It helps users handle, store, and apply these oils safely while also aiding in determining their suitability for specific applications, such as candle-making.

Common mistakes to avoid when adding fragrance oil

Adding fragrance to candles is a fun and simple process, but there are some common mistakes to avoid when adding fragrance oil to ensure the best results. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Adding Too Much Fragrance Oil:

Don't assume that adding more fragrance oil will result in a stronger scent. Each type of wax has a maximum fragrance oil load, and exceeding this limit can lead to separation, creating an unsafe, gooey mixture that can be a fire hazard. It can also clog the wick, resulting in a weak scent throw. The recommended fragrance load for most waxes is between 6% and 12%, with premium candles typically using up to 10%. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific wax you are using.

Adding Fragrance Oil at the Wrong Temperature:

Adding fragrance oil at the right temperature is crucial. If the wax is too hot or too cold, it can negatively affect the potency of the fragrance. The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance oil is when the wax is fully melted, typically between 175°F and 185°F for soy and paraffin wax, and 200°F-205°F for palm wax. Adding fragrance oil before the wax reaches its maximum melting point can result in uneven distribution. For soy wax, it is recommended to mix once the wax temperature is between 155°F and 165°F.

Not Stirring Thoroughly or Stirring Too Vigorously:

Insufficient stirring can cause the fragrance oil to settle at the bottom of the wax, resulting in a weak scent throw. However, stirring too vigorously can introduce air bubbles into the mixture, creating problems after pouring as the wax cools. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure the oil and wax are fully combined without creating air bubbles.

Using Low-Quality or Incompatible Fragrance Oil:

Always source your fragrance oil from a reputable supplier. Low-quality oils, blends, or oils that are past their prime may not mix well with the wax and can cause performance issues. Additionally, some fragrance oils may simply be incompatible with certain types of wax, so it's important to test different combinations to find the right match.

Not Testing Before Mass Producing:

A common mistake is rushing into mass production without testing your candles first. Candle-making involves many variables, and it's essential to test your creation to ensure it burns properly, has the desired scent throw, and meets your expectations.

Frequently asked questions