Soy Candles: Perfecting The Fragrance Oil Ratio

When making your own soy candles, it's important to know how much fragrance oil to add. The amount of fragrance oil you add is called the 'fragrance load' and is expressed as a percentage. As a rule of thumb, you need 1 oz of fragrance oil for every 1 pound of soy wax, which is technically 6.25% of the fragrance load. However, some sources recommend a fragrance load of 6-8% for optimum results. The wax can contain up to 10% of the fragrance load, but this may cause wicking issues.

The ratio of fragrance oil to soy wax

When using All Seasons Wax, a fragrance load of 6-8% is recommended to ensure a good scent throw without impacting the flame's ability to burn through the oil or causing disturbances to the top of the candle. Similarly, if using Luxury Candle Supplies fragrance oils, the suggested usage is between 6-8% due to the high quality and concentration of the oils.

To calculate the amount of fragrance oil needed, multiply the jar volume by the desired percentage of fragrance load. For example, if you have a 16 oz jar and want a 7% fragrance load, you would multiply 16 oz by 0.07, resulting in 1.12 oz of fragrance oil needed.

It is important to note that the type of wax and fragrance oil used can impact the recommended fragrance load, so testing is key to achieving optimum results.

How to calculate fragrance load

Calculating the fragrance load is a simple process. Fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance you'll mix into your jar along with your candle wax.

The most common rule of thumb is 1 oz of fragrance oil to 1 pound (16 oz) of wax, which is 6.25% fragrance load. This is calculated by dividing 1 by 16.

The wax can hold up to 10% fragrance load, but this may cause wicking issues. It's recommended to stick to 6-8% fragrance load to ensure a good scent throw without impacting the flame's ability to burn through the oil or causing disturbances to the top of the candle.

To calculate the fragrance load, simply multiply your jar volume by the percentage of fragrance you want to use. For example, if you have a 100ml jar and want to use 6% fragrance load, you would multiply 100 by 0.06 to get 6ml of fragrance oil.

The impact of fragrance load on the candle's burn

The amount of fragrance oil you add to your soy candles will have a direct impact on how they burn. The fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance you mix into your jar with the candle wax. The higher the fragrance load, the stronger the scent, but too much fragrance oil can cause wicking issues and disturbances to the top of the candle.

The general rule of thumb is to use 1 oz of fragrance oil for every 1 lb of soy wax. This equates to a fragrance load of 6.25%. However, some candle makers suggest that you can go up to 10% fragrance load, but this may be more difficult to handle and could cause wicking issues.

It is recommended to use a fragrance load of 6-8% to ensure a good scent throw without impacting the flame's ability to burn through the oil. If you are using high-quality, concentrated fragrance oils, such as those from Luxury Candle Supplies, it is suggested to use only 6-8%.

When making your own soy candles, it is important to test different fragrance loads to find the optimum level for your particular wax and oil combination.

The best temperature for pouring wax into jars

When making soy candles, the general rule of thumb is to use 1 oz of fragrance oil for every 1 pound of soy wax. This equates to a fragrance load of 6.25%%. While the wax can hold up to 10% fragrance load, this may cause wicking issues and impact the flame's ability to burn through the oil. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the fragrance load between 6% and 8% for optimal results.

Now that you know how much fragrance oil to use, it's time to talk about the best temperature for pouring wax into jars. The ideal temperature for pouring wax into jars is around 135°F (57.2°C). At this temperature, the wax is still liquid but has started to cool, which makes it easier to handle and pour. If the wax is too hot, it can be difficult to control the pour and you may end up with uneven candles.

Additionally, pouring the wax at the right temperature is crucial for ensuring a smooth and even finish on your candles. If the wax is too hot, it can cause air bubbles to form, resulting in an uneven surface. On the other hand, if the wax is too cold, it may start to solidify before you have a chance to pour it, leading to clumps and an uneven top.

To achieve the perfect temperature, it's important to monitor the wax carefully as it cools. Use a thermometer to check the temperature regularly, and once it reaches the ideal range of 135°F (57.2°C), you can start pouring. It's also a good idea to have your jars prepared and ready to go, so you can work quickly and efficiently.

Finally, remember to secure the wicks in place before pouring the wax. This will ensure that your wicks are centred and straight, giving your candles a professional look. Allow the wax to cool completely at room temperature before removing any supports and trimming the wicks to the desired length. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and fragrant soy candles.

How to customise your own scent and colour pairings

Soy candles can contain up to 10% fragrance load, but it is recommended that you use between 6% and 8% fragrance load to ensure a good scent throw without impacting the flame's ability to burn through the viscous fragrance oil or causing disturbances to the top of the candle. This is calculated by dividing 1 oz of scented oil by 16 oz (1 pound of soy wax), which gives you 6.25% fragrance load.

To customise your own scent and colour pairings, you can use different types of fragrance oils and dyes. For example, you could use a Caribbean Blue Dye Block and High Tide fragrance oil for a beach-themed candle. Alternatively, you could use a floral fragrance oil and a pink dye for a spring-themed candle. The options are endless!

When adding fragrance oil to your soy wax, it is important to bring the wax to the proper temperature first. The wax will hold 10% fragrance load at the correct temperature, but you will run into more wicking issues if you go over 7%. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to the 6-8% range.

To calculate how much fragrance oil you need, simply multiply your jar volume by the percentage you would like to use. For example, if you have a 16 oz jar and want to use 6% fragrance load, you would multiply 16 oz by 0.06, which gives you 0.96 oz of fragrance oil needed.

It is important to note that the usage may vary based on the type of wax and fragrance oil you are using, so testing is key for optimum results.

Frequently asked questions