Adding Fragrance Oil To 8 Oz Candles: How Much Is Enough?

When making an 8 oz candle, it's important to get the right amount of fragrance oil. Too much and it could be a fire hazard, too little and your candle won't have a scent. The recommended fragrance load typically falls between 5% to 10% of the weight of the wax used in the candle. For an 8 oz candle, this would be between 0.5 oz and 0.73 oz of fragrance oil. However, the amount can vary depending on the type of wax and the potency of the fragrance oil. For example, soy wax candles generally have a lower fragrance load compared to blended waxes like coconut soy wax, which can often handle up to 12% fragrance load.

How much fragrance oil to use in an 8 oz candle

When making an 8 oz candle, the recommended fragrance load typically falls between 5% and 10% of the weight of the wax used in the candle. This range ensures a pleasant, balanced scent throw without overwhelming the candle. For example, if you are using 7.27 oz of wax, you will need 0.73 oz of fragrance oil to reach a 10% fragrance load.

The recommended fragrance load can vary depending on factors such as the type of wax and the potency of the fragrance oil. For instance, soy wax candles generally have a lower fragrance load compared to blended waxes like coconut soy wax, which can often handle up to 12% fragrance load for a very strong scent throw.

It's important to note that a unit of weight doesn't change whether the candle is melted or unmelted. However, some people recommend using 0.8 oz of fragrance oil for an 8 oz candle, which would result in an 8.8 oz candle once it's done.

To avoid wasting fragrance oil, it's essential to calculate the desired fragrance load accurately. You can use tools like the Candle Calc app or websites with charts, such as www.scandinaviancandle.com, to help you determine the right amount of fragrance oil for your candle.

The importance of fragrance load

For an 8 oz candle, the recommended fragrance load typically falls between 5% to 10% of the weight of the wax used in the candle. This equates to 0.5 oz of fragrance oil for 8 oz of wax. However, it's important to note that the recommended fragrance load can vary depending on factors such as the type of wax and the potency of the fragrance oil. For example, soy wax candles generally have a lower fragrance load compared to blended waxes like coconut soy wax, which can often handle up to 12% fragrance load for a very strong scent throw.

To calculate the exact amount of fragrance oil needed, a little bit of math is required. For instance, to achieve a 10% fragrance load for an 8 oz candle, you would need 7.27 oz of wax and 0.73 oz of fragrance oil. This calculation ensures that the final weight of your candle, including the fragrance oil, remains 8 oz.

It's worth mentioning that some candle-makers prefer to use fragrance load percentages as a guide rather than a strict rule. They may opt for a lower fragrance load to create a more subtle scent or increase the load for a stronger fragrance. Ultimately, the desired fragrance load depends on personal preference and the intended use of the candle.

Additionally, it's essential to consider the type of wax used in candle-making. Different types of wax have varying abilities to hold fragrance oil. For example, soy wax, a popular choice for candle-makers, typically has a lower fragrance load capacity compared to blended waxes. Therefore, when choosing the fragrance load, it's crucial to consider the type of wax and its compatibility with the fragrance oil to ensure the best results.

How to calculate 10% FO load

To make an 8 oz candle, you need 7.27 oz of wax and 0.73 oz of fragrance oil. This is because the recommended fragrance load for an 8 oz candle is 5% to 10% of the weight of the wax used in the candle.

To calculate the fragrance load, you need to divide the weight of the wax by the percentage of fragrance oil you want to use. For example, if you want to use 10% fragrance oil, you would divide the weight of the wax by 10.

Let's say you want to make a candle with 100 g of wax and a 10% fragrance load. You would divide 100 g by 10, which equals 10 g of fragrance oil. So, for this candle, you would need 100 g of wax and 10 g of fragrance oil.

Another example is if you want to make a candle with 200 g of wax and a 10% fragrance load. You would divide 200 g by 10, which equals 20 g of fragrance oil. So, for this candle, you would need 200 g of wax and 20 g of fragrance oil.

You can also use online calculators to help you determine the right scent load for your candle. These calculators will ask for the desired candle weight and the percentage of fragrance oil you want to use. Then, they will calculate the amount of fragrance oil and wax needed for your candle.

The type of wax and potency of fragrance oil

The amount of fragrance oil you add to an 8 oz candle depends on the type of wax and the potency of the fragrance oil.

For an 8 oz candle, the recommended fragrance load typically falls between 5% to 10% of the weight of the wax used in the candle. This range ensures a pleasant, balanced scent throw without overwhelming the candle. For example, if you are using 7.27 oz of wax, you would need 0.73 oz of fragrance oil to reach 10% fragrance load.

However, it's important to note that the recommended fragrance load can vary depending on the type of wax and the potency of the fragrance oil. Soy wax candles, for instance, generally have a lower fragrance load compared to blended waxes like coconut soy wax. Soy wax candles typically have a fragrance load of up to 10%, while coconut soy wax can often handle up to 12% for a very strong scent throw.

The type of wax you choose will also impact the amount of fragrance oil you can add. Some waxes, like soy wax, have a lower fragrance load capacity, while others, like coconut soy wax, can handle a higher percentage of fragrance oil. It's important to check the recommended fragrance load for the specific type of wax you are using, as adding too much fragrance oil can be a fire hazard.

Additionally, the potency of the fragrance oil will also play a role in determining the amount you should add. A more potent fragrance oil will require less oil to achieve the desired scent throw, while a less potent oil may need a higher percentage to be effective. It's important to consider the strength of the fragrance oil you are using and adjust the amount accordingly.

Overall, when determining the amount of fragrance oil to add to an 8 oz candle, it's crucial to consider both the type of wax and the potency of the fragrance oil. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your candle has a pleasant and balanced scent without wasting fragrance oil or creating a fire hazard.

How much fragrance oil to use in a 16 oz candle

When making a candle, the amount of fragrance oil you use depends on the desired strength of the scent. For an 8 oz candle, the recommended fragrance load typically falls between 5% and 10% of the weight of the wax used in the candle. This means that for an 8 oz candle, you would use between 0.4 oz and 0.8 oz of fragrance oil.

For a 16 oz candle, the fragrance load would be double that of an 8 oz candle. Therefore, for a 16 oz candle, you would use between 0.8 oz and 1.6 oz of fragrance oil.

It's important to note that the recommended fragrance load can vary depending on factors such as the type of wax and the potency of the fragrance oil. For example, soy wax candles generally have a lower fragrance load compared to blended waxes like coconut soy wax, which can often handle up to 12% fragrance load for a very strong scent throw.

Additionally, the consistency of the candle can be affected by the amount of fragrance oil added. Too much fragrance oil can make the candle too soft or greasy, while too little can result in a weak scent.

Frequently asked questions