The Art Of Scented Candles: Mastering Fragrance Quantity

The amount of fragrance oil added to a candle is called the fragrance load, which determines the scent throw of the candle. The fragrance load is calculated as a percentage of the weight of the wax used. The maximum fragrance load depends on the type of wax used, with most sources recommending a load of 6% or 1oz per pound of wax, though this can be adjusted to suit personal preference. Soy wax, for example, has a maximum fragrance load of 10%, while paraffin wax IGI 4627 can go up to 12%. It's important to note that using too much fragrance oil can cause issues with the candle's burning characteristics and may not enhance the smell.

Common fragrance load is 6% or 1oz per pound of wax

Adding fragrance to a candle is a crucial step in the candle-making process, as it gives the candle its unique scent. The amount of fragrance added to a candle is known as the fragrance load, which is typically around 6% or 1oz per pound of wax. This can, however, be adjusted to suit personal preference and the type of wax being used.

The fragrance load of a candle is the percentage of fragrance used in the candle-making process. It determines the scent throw of the candle, which is how strong the scent is, as well as the maximum amount of fragrance the candle can hold without causing issues. Store-bought candles typically have a fragrance load of 6%, while handcrafted candles can have a fragrance load of up to 12%, depending on the wax blend.

When adding fragrance to a candle, it is important to measure the fragrance oil by weight, rather than volume. This is because fragrances have a variety of densities, and measuring by weight is simpler and more accurate. The maximum fragrance load depends on the type of wax being used, and it is usually safe to assume a fragrance load of 5%–6% if the exact amount is not specified by the manufacturer.

To calculate the amount of fragrance oil needed, first, measure the weight of the wax in ounces or grams. Then, decide on the desired fragrance load, taking into account the maximum fragrance load of the wax. Finally, calculate the weight of the fragrance oil by multiplying the weight of the wax by the fragrance load. For example, if you have 16oz of wax and want a fragrance load of 6%, you would multiply 16 by 0.06 to get 0.96oz of fragrance oil.

It is important to note that using too much fragrance oil can impair the burning characteristics of the candle and does not necessarily enhance the smell. Additionally, adding fragrance oil at too high a temperature may cause it to dissipate or burn off in the melted wax, while adding it at too low a temperature may prevent it from dispersing and binding uniformly. The recommended temperature for adding fragrance oil is around 180°–185°F.

Adjust fragrance load up or down depending on wax type

The fragrance load percentage is the amount of fragrance expressed as a percentage. The fragrance load is typically between 5-6% but depends on the type of candle wax. For example, paraffin wax has a lower scent capacity, usually around 3%, while pre-blended waxes or those with additives can hold up to 12%. Soy wax candles generally have a fragrance load between 5% and 10%, while coconut soy wax can hold up to 12%.

When determining the fragrance load, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific wax you are using. The wax manufacturer will provide a maximum fragrance oil load percentage, which is typically based on weight. This number tells you the maximum amount of fragrance oil that the wax can hold successfully, and it is important not to exceed this amount as it can negatively impact your candle structure.

The fragrance load can be adjusted up or down depending on the type of wax you are using and your personal preference. For example, if you are using Golden Brands 464 Soy Wax, the maximum fragrance load is 10% or 1.6 ounces per pound of wax. However, if you are using a different type of wax, such as paraffin wax, you may need to adjust the fragrance load down to around 3%.

It is also important to consider the density of the fragrance oil when determining the fragrance load. Fragrance oils are made up of various ingredients, including carrier oils, essential oils, and synthetic components, each of which can have a different effect on the hot throw of your candle. In general, it is recommended to use a scale to measure the weight of the fragrance oil rather than measuring by volume, as this will ensure a more precise candle recipe.

Maximum fragrance load varies with wax type

The maximum fragrance load varies with the type of wax used. The most common amount of fragrance oil used is 6% or 1 oz per pound of wax. This can be adjusted depending on the type of wax and personal preference. For example, Golden Brands 464 Soy Wax has a maximum fragrance load of 10% or 1.6 ounces per pound of wax. Soy waxes, in general, can hold fragrance better than paraffin.

The maximum fragrance load entirely depends on the wax. It is usually safe to assume 5%–6% if it is not listed by the manufacturer. The fragrance oil weight to add to your wax is the chosen fragrance load (the percentage) multiplied by the weight of the wax.

To calculate the weight of fragrance oil, you need to first measure the weight of the wax in ounces or grams. Then, determine the desired fragrance load. Finally, calculate the weight of the fragrance oil by dividing the fragrance load by 100 to make it a decimal and multiplying it by the weight of the wax.

It is important to note that using too much fragrance oil can impair the burning characteristics of the candle and does not necessarily enhance the smell. Additionally, the type of fragrance oil used can also affect the scent throw. Some fragrance oils may not blend with certain types of waxes, and the quality and ingredients of the oil can impact the fragrance strength.

Too much fragrance oil can cause candles to self-extinguish

When making candles, it's important to consider how much fragrance oil to use. The amount of fragrance oil you add will impact the scent throw of the candle and can even affect its ability to burn properly. While you might think that adding more fragrance oil will result in a stronger scent, this is not always the case. In fact, using too much fragrance oil can lead to several issues, including self-extinguishing.

Self-extinguishing is when a candle burns away and the flame goes out on its own without reaching the bottom of the container. This can occur when the balance of the fire triangle—fuel, oxygen, and heat—is disrupted. One reason this might happen is if your fragrance oil contains non-combustible ingredients. As the candle burns, these non-combustible ingredients can accumulate in the melt pool, eventually causing the candle to go out as there is not enough fuel to feed the flame.

Another issue that can arise from using too much fragrance oil is wick clogging. If the wick becomes clogged, it can starve the flame of fuel, leading to self-extinguishing. This can happen when the fragrance oil separates from the wax, creating "ugly" gooey spots, or when the wick becomes saturated with oil, preventing it from drawing up the wax properly.

To avoid these issues, it's important to use the correct amount of fragrance oil for your specific wax. The common rule of thumb is to use 1 oz of fragrance oil per 1 lb of wax, which equates to a 6.25% fragrance load. However, this can be adjusted depending on the type of wax and your personal preference, with some waxes having a maximum fragrance load of up to 10%. It's also crucial to add your fragrance oil at the right temperature, as this will help it bind to the wax and create a stronger scent throw. For soy and paraffin wax, the recommended temperature is 180-185°F, while for palm wax, it's 200-205°F.

By following these guidelines and using the correct amount of fragrance oil, you can help ensure that your candles burn properly and have a pleasant scent throw, without the risk of self-extinguishing.

Temperature when adding fragrance oil is important

Adding fragrance to your candles is an excellent way to make them stand out. However, the temperature at which you add fragrance oil to your wax blend is crucial to the result of the candle and its performance. Adding fragrance oil to your wax when it is too hot or too cold can negatively impact the potency of the fragrance. In some cases, the wax may have little to no scent while burning.

The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance oil is between 180°F and 205°F (85°C – 93°C). This range ensures that the fragrance oil blends safely and appropriately with the wax, creating a consistent and stable candle. Adding the fragrance oil within this temperature range helps it bind to the wax, resulting in a stronger scent throw.

The specific temperature within this range depends on the type of wax you are using. For soy and paraffin wax, the recommended temperature is 180°F to 185°F. In contrast, palm wax requires a higher temperature of 200°F to 205°F. It is important to note that the wax should be fully melted before adding the fragrance oil. Most waxes fully melt at around 175°F to 185°F.

Additionally, the flash point of the fragrance oil is an important consideration. The flash point refers to the temperature at which the fragrance oil becomes combustible. To ensure safety, always add the fragrance oil at or below the flash point. For flash points under 130°F, add the fragrance oil at or below 130°F. If the flash point is between 130°F and 180°F, add the oil at or slightly below the designated flash point. For flash points above 180°F, never add the fragrance oil above that temperature.

By adding the fragrance oil at the appropriate temperature, you can create candles with a strong and consistent scent throw while also ensuring the safety of your creation.

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