Antonio Mcgowan
Scented candles are a common household item, with an estimated 75 to 80 percent of candles sold in the U.S. being scented. The aroma from a scented candle is released through the evaporation of the fragrance from the hot wax pool and the solid candle itself. The thickness of the wick determines how fast the wax burns, which in turn affects how the fragrance is released. Heavier fragrances or those containing vanillin often need a larger wick to draw the fragrance up. Some fragrances can even clog the wick if too much is used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How does fragrance spread | Through the evaporation of the fragrance from the hot wax pool and from the solid candle itself |
| Wick thickness | Determines how fast the wax burns |
| Burn speed | Some recipes need a slower burn to get the best impact, some need to burn faster to diffuse optimally |
| Heavier fragrances | Often need a larger wick to draw the fragrance up |
What You'll Learn
The thickness of the wick
A thicker wick is also necessary for heavier fragrances, which have a high flashpoint, or those containing vanillin. These fragrances need a larger wick to draw the fragrance up. Soy wax candles also need a thicker wick.
The quality of the fragrance is also important, and its ability to remain true. Woody notes, for example, need heat to release them, whereas tuberose or gardenia candles are more diffusive even without a flame, because white florals are so heady and intense.
The key is to find a wick that reaches a full melt pool within four hours on the first burn, but doesn't burn too quickly.
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The type of fragrance
Some fragrances, such as woody notes, tend to need heat to release their scent, while others like tuberose or gardenia are more diffusive even without a flame due to their intense and heady nature. Resinous and smoky candles are also known to have a strong scent that can be detected without burning.
The quality of the fragrance is crucial, as it should remain true whether the candle is lit or not. A well-crafted candle will have a unique recipe of essential oils and a specific wick designed to optimise the fragrance's impact. The burn rate of the wick plays a significant role in this, as some fragrances require a slower burn, while others need to burn faster for optimal diffusion.
It's important to note that more fragrance doesn't always mean a stronger scent. In fact, using too much fragrance can clog the wick. A properly formulated scented candle will primarily produce water vapour and carbon dioxide when burned, with the added benefit of releasing a pleasant fragrance.
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The temperature of the wax pool
It's important to find the right balance between the temperature of the wax pool and the thickness of the wick to ensure the candle fragrance spreads effectively. Burning candles with different wick thicknesses at the same time can be a good way to test and compare the fragrance throw. Spacing the candles at least 3 inches apart and away from any windows or drafts will help to ensure consistent results.
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The distance the scent is thrown
The distance a candle's scent is thrown depends on a few factors. Firstly, the type of fragrance used will determine how far the scent will travel. For example, woody notes tend to need heat to be released, whereas tuberose or gardenia candles are more diffusive without a flame due to their heady and intense nature. The quality of the fragrance is also important, as a higher-quality scent will be able to spread further while remaining true to its original smell.
Another factor that affects the distance a candle's scent is thrown is the thickness of the wick. A thicker wick will cause the wax to burn faster, which can help to diffuse the scent more effectively. However, a thinner wick may be necessary for fragrances that require a slower burn to achieve the best impact. The size of the wick also needs to be considered in relation to the type of wax used, as some waxes, such as soy wax, may require a larger wick to draw the fragrance up effectively.
Additionally, the way a candle is burned can impact the distance its scent is thrown. It is recommended that candles are burned on a level surface, away from any windows or drafts, to ensure the fragrance is distributed evenly. Spacing candles at least 3 inches apart when burning multiple at once can also help to prevent the scents from mixing and ensure each candle's fragrance is able to spread effectively.
Overall, while the distance a candle's scent is thrown can vary depending on a number of factors, by considering the type of fragrance, wick thickness, and burning conditions, it is possible to optimise the spread of the fragrance and achieve a pleasant and effective scent throw.
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The quality of the fragrance
When testing fragrances, it's important to conduct a baseline test to ensure the fragrance produces a good hot throw at 6-8%. More is not always better, and using too much fragrance can impact the performance of the candle. The goal is to find a wick that reaches a full melt pool within 4 hours on the first burn, without becoming too intense. Spacing the candles at least 3 inches apart and away from windows or drafts is also recommended to ensure optimal fragrance diffusion.
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Frequently asked questions
The fragrance is released through the evaporation of the hot wax pool and the solid candle itself.
A properly scented candle will burn safely and produce water vapour and carbon dioxide.
A good hot throw is produced at 6-8% fragrance. More is not always better, and some fragrances can clog the wick if too much is used.
The thickness of the wick determines how fast the wax burns. Some recipes need a slower burn, while others need to burn faster to diffuse optimally.
