Lance Carson
Creating a scented candle involves adding fragrance oil to wax. However, candle wax can only hold a certain amount of fragrance oil, and the two do not chemically bond. The maximum amount of fragrance oil that can be added to wax is called the load and is provided by suppliers and manufacturers for each type of wax. The type of wax and fragrance oil used, the temperature at which they are combined, and the quality of the oil can all impact the success of the mixture.
How to make candle wax hold fragrance
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of wax | Soy wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, coconut wax |
| Type of oil | Essential oil, Fragrance oil |
| Temperature | 175ºF - 185ºF, 80-82 ºC, 75 ºC |
| Amount of oil | 3-4 drops for a light scent, more for a richer scent |
| Mixing | Mix slowly and thoroughly with a toothpick |
| Additives | Vybar |
| Wick size | Achieving the right burn pool can help with scent throw |
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What You'll Learn
The type of wax and fragrance oil matters
The type of wax and fragrance oil you use is important when making scented candles. Soy waxes, for example, are known to be "pickier" about the fragrance oils that work well in them. Generally, paraffin waxes provide better scent throw than soy waxes. However, soy wax is still a good option as it holds scent well and produces less soot than other wax types. It is also affordable and beginner-friendly. If you are using a soy wax, you can add fragrance when the wax is between 175ºF to 185ºF (80-82 ºC).
The quality of the fragrance oil also matters. Some fragrance oils are manufactured stronger than others using more natural ingredients and lower amounts of solvent, which tones down the fragrance strength. Fragrance oils with vanillin content will generally discolour immediately, especially if exposed to UV light over time. Essential oils are more potent than fragrance oils, so a little goes a long way.
The amount of fragrance oil you use is also important. If you add too much fragrance oil, it will not mix properly with the wax. This is because wax can only hold so much fragrance oil, and when it becomes oversaturated, the oil will sink to the bottom of the container. This percentage is called the "load", and suppliers and manufacturers will provide a load % for each type of wax sold. Never exceed that limit.
Additionally, the temperature at which you add the fragrance oil matters. If you add it at too high a temperature, it may burn off in the melted wax. If you add it at too low a temperature, it may not disperse and bind uniformly in the wax. The ideal temperature to add fragrance oil is around 180° - 185°F (80-82 ºC), which is not too hot or too cool for making strong-scented candles.
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Temperature control is key
To ensure you are within the ideal temperature range, use a candle-making thermometer to constantly monitor the wax temperature. The recommended temperature range may vary slightly depending on the type of wax you are using. For example, when using 464 soy wax, add the fragrance oil when the wax reaches a temperature of 80-82 ºC. For C3 soy wax, the recommended temperature is at least 75 ºC.
It is also important to note that the fragrance load, or the maximum amount of fragrance the wax can hold, varies depending on the type of wax. Most waxes can hold up to 12% fragrance, with store-bought candles typically containing about 6% and premium candles containing up to 10%. Soy waxes, for example, are known to be more selective about the fragrance oils that work well in them and typically hold up to 10% fragrance. Therefore, it is crucial to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific type of wax you are using and not exceed the recommended load percentage.
In addition to temperature control, other factors that can affect scent throw include the type of wax, fragrance oil, and wick used, as well as the curing process. By carefully selecting these components and following the recommended steps for adding fragrance, you can create strong-scented candles that fill a room with delightful aromas.
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Avoid over-saturation
To avoid over-saturation when making scented candles, it is important to understand the "limit of solubility" or the "maximum load" of the wax. This refers to the amount of fragrance oil that the wax can hold, beyond which you will encounter problems with mixing and the oil may begin to separate.
Firstly, it is crucial to choose high-quality fragrance oil from a reputable supplier. Low-quality oils or blends may not mix properly with the wax. Additionally, essential oils and fragrance oils have a finite shelf life and will eventually break down, impacting their effectiveness.
Secondly, the temperature at which you add the fragrance oil is critical. If the wax is too hot, the oil may evaporate, reducing the scent's potency. Conversely, if the wax is too cool, the oil may not disperse and bind uniformly. The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance oil is generally considered to be around 175°F to 185°F. However, it is important to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for specific wax and oil combinations.
Thirdly, the type of wax and fragrance oil must be compatible. Some fragrance oils may not blend well with certain types of wax, regardless of your mixing technique or precautions. Soy waxes, for example, are known to be more selective about the fragrance oils they work well with. Therefore, it is essential to experiment and find combinations that complement each other.
Lastly, thorough mixing is crucial. While it is important to mix vigorously, over-mixing is not necessary. The key is to ensure that the fragrance oil is evenly distributed throughout the wax to create a homogeneous mixture. A helpful tip is to warm the fragrance oil container in a bowl of warm water before mixing if you are working with a lower-temperature wax.
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Mix the wax and oil thoroughly
Mixing fragrance oil with candle wax requires careful attention to the type of wax and oil used, the temperature of the wax, and the amount of oil added. The key to a successful mix is ensuring the oil and wax are compatible and that the oil is evenly distributed throughout the wax.
First, select a suitable wax and fragrance oil combination. Some fragrance oils are simply incompatible with certain waxes, and soy waxes, in particular, can be "picky" about the fragrance oils they work with. Paraffin waxes generally provide better scent throw than soy waxes. If you're using soy wax, ensure it has a high fragrance load capability (at least 10%).
Next, heat the wax to the appropriate temperature. The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance oil is between 175°F and 185°F (80°C to 85°C). If the wax is too hot, the fragrance may dissipate or burn off; if it's too cool, the oil may not disperse and bind uniformly. If you're using fragrance oil with soy wax, aim for the higher end of the temperature range, around 180°F to 185°F. Before adding the oil, remove the wax from the heat source.
Now you can add the fragrance oil. Use an eye-dropper to add 3-4 drops of oil for a light scent, or more drops for a richer scent. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific oil you're using, as each oil varies in concentration and recommended amount. Be mindful not to exceed the wax's maximum load of fragrance oil, as this can cause syneresis (bleeding) and result in liquid drops on top of your candle.
Finally, it's time to mix the wax and oil together. Use a toothpick or small instrument to slowly and thoroughly mix the two, starting with small circles close to the wick and working your way outwards. Ensure you mix gently but continuously for 1-2 minutes. Avoid furiously mixing, as this is unnecessary and may create a mess or cause hot wax to splatter.
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Use additives to enhance fragrance retention
To enhance fragrance retention in your candles, you can use additives. The use of additives, such as vybar, can enable wax to retain higher fragrance loads. However, many waxes on the market today come pre-blended and already contain additives. They can retain fragrance loads of 8% to 12%, and additional additives are generally not needed. For certain waxes, such as straight paraffin wax, additives can aid the wax in holding higher amounts of fragrance oil.
When adding fragrance to your wax, it is important to consider the type of wax and fragrance oil you are using. Some fragrance oils, no matter how much you try, will not blend with certain types of waxes. Soy waxes, for example, are known to be more 'picky' about the fragrance oils that work well in them. Generally, paraffin waxes still provide better scent throw than soy waxes.
The quality of the fragrance oil also matters. Some fragrance oils are manufactured stronger than others using more natural ingredients and lower amounts of solvent, which tones down the fragrance strength. Essential oils, for instance, are more potent than fragrance oils, so a little goes a long way. Also, fragrance oils are not meant to last forever. At a certain point, they will begin to break down and not work as they should. Therefore, always ensure you get your fragrance oil from a reputable supplier.
Temperature control is another critical factor when adding fragrance to your wax. Adding fragrance oil at too high a temperature may cause it to dissipate or burn off in the melted wax. On the other hand, adding fragrance oil at too low a temperature may prevent it from dispersing and binding uniformly in the melted wax. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil is around 180°-185°F, which is not too hot or too cool for making strong-scented candles.
Finally, it is important to note that wax and oil do not chemically bond. No chemical reaction occurs, and they are just a mixture. The maximum amount of fragrance oil wax can hold is called the "load" or "maximum load". Suppliers and manufacturers will provide a load % for each type of wax sold, and you should never exceed that limit. Adding too much fragrance oil can result in syneresis (bleed) as the wax cannot hold the excess oil, and you'll get liquid drops on top of your candle.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature to add fragrance oil to candle wax is between 175ºF to 185ºF. If the wax is too hot, the fragrance may dissipate or burn off. If the wax is too cool, the fragrance may not disperse and bind uniformly.
The maximum amount of fragrance oil that can be added to candle wax is called the "load" or "maximum load". Suppliers and manufacturers will provide a load % for each type of wax sold. Generally, most waxes will not hold more than 12% fragrance, and you should never exceed the recommended limit.
There are several reasons why fragrance oil and candle wax may not be mixing properly:
- Too much fragrance oil in the mixture.
- Low-quality fragrance oil or a low-quality oil blend.
- Fragrance oil and wax are not compatible.
- Fragrance oil and wax were not mixed thoroughly enough.
