Antonio Mcgowan
When making candles, the ratio of fragrance to wax is crucial. Adding too much fragrance can cause issues with the wax and even affect the candle's ability to burn. The amount of fragrance used is referred to as the fragrance load and is expressed as a percentage. The fragrance load typically falls between 5-10%, but the specific percentage depends on the type of wax and the desired strength of the scent. To calculate the fragrance load, one must determine the volume of the candle jar and the desired fragrance percentage, then multiply these values to find the required amount of fragrance in millilitres or grams.
Characteristics and Values Table for Fragrance to Wax Ratio
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Load | 5-10% |
| Unit of Measurement | Millilitres or Grams |
| Wax Temperature | Below the Flash Point of the Fragrance (Generally between 50-55°C) |
| Flash Point | Temperature at which the fragrance becomes volatile |
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What You'll Learn
- The fragrance load is usually between 5-10% but depends on the type of candle wax
- Beeswax has its own scent, so some don't add fragrance
- Candle sweating can be caused by adding too much fragrance
- Only add fragrance when the wax temperature is below the flashpoint of the fragrance
- To calculate fragrance load: (weight of wax x % of fragrance oil) = weight of fragrance oil
The fragrance load is usually between 5-10% but depends on the type of candle wax
The fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance added to candle wax. It is usually between 5% and 10%, but the specific percentage depends on the type of candle wax and the desired strength of the scent. For example, a 10% fragrance load may be too strong for beeswax candles, as beeswax has its own sweet honey scent. However, the majority of paraffin wax has a maximum fragrance load of 10%.
The fragrance load can be calculated by multiplying the weight of the wax by the desired percentage of fragrance load, expressed as a decimal. For instance, if you are using two pounds (32 oz/908 grams) of wax and want to use a 6% fragrance load, you would multiply 908 by 0.06 to get 54.48 grams of fragrance oil needed.
It is important to use the correct unit of measurement when measuring wax and fragrance, as using both grams and millilitres can result in an incorrect percentage. Sticking to one unit of measurement ensures the added percentage is correct. Additionally, the fragrance load can impact the quality of the candle. Using too much fragrance can result in candles with dry or lumpy wax or even produce candles that do not hold a flame.
The type of wax used also affects the fragrance load. For example, candles with a high soy content are prone to sweating, which can be caused by excess oil released during temperature changes or when the candles get too warm. Therefore, it is recommended to lower the fragrance load slightly in warmer months. Additionally, the temperature of the wax when adding the fragrance is important. Generally, the wax temperature should be below the flashpoint of the fragrance, which is typically between 50-55 degrees Celsius, to prevent the fragrance from becoming volatile and catching alight.
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Beeswax has its own scent, so some don't add fragrance
Beeswax has a naturally sweet, honey-like scent, so some candle makers prefer to leave it as it is without adding any fragrance. The natural fragrance of beeswax is also one of the reasons why it is considered a tricky wax to work with.
Firstly, beeswax is temperature-sensitive. It melts at 144 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be heated higher than 185 degrees Fahrenheit, as high temperatures can cause unsightly discolouration. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance to beeswax is 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The fragrance should be added after the wax has cooled, and the candle should be allowed to cool again before being burned.
Secondly, the fragrance load, or the percentage of fragrance in the wax, is also important. Wax can only hold a small percentage of fragrance—generally between 6% and 12%. If more fragrance is added, it can lead to issues such as an overpowering scent, sweat droplets on the candles, and uneven burning. The percentage of fragrance used also depends on the fragrance oil and the size of the room the candle will be used in.
Finally, the type of fragrance used is important. Fragrance oils with a high flashpoint should be avoided as beeswax is naturally fragrant. Essential oils and macerated herbs can also be used to scent beeswax candles.
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Candle sweating can be caused by adding too much fragrance
Candle sweating is a common issue that occurs when there are little beads of oily residue or "sweat" left on the surface of the candle. This can be caused by adding too much fragrance oil. While soy wax is known for providing consistent results for candle makers, 100% soy candles are also known for sweating.
The maximum amount of fragrance oil that can be added to soy wax is between 6% and 10%. If more than this amount is added, it will cause sweating. For example, if you are using a 12 oz vessel, the recommended amount of fragrance oil is 1.2 oz.
To avoid this issue, it is important to double-check what type of fragrance oil you are using and whether it is suitable for your wax. Some fragrance oils are specifically made for soy wax, so it is important to look out for this when purchasing. It is also recommended to get in touch with your wax supplier, as they should be able to tell you how much fragrance oil to use.
Additionally, it is common for your sense of smell to become accustomed to the fragrance scent, which can cloud your judgment on how much oil to add. Taking a break and smelling some coffee beans can help cleanse your nasal palate and provide a better sense of how much fragrance oil to add.
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Only add fragrance when the wax temperature is below the flashpoint of the fragrance
The flashpoint of a fragrance is the temperature at which it can combust when exposed to an open flame. It is important to note that the flashpoint is not the temperature at which the fragrance will "burn off" or begin to dissipate. When adding fragrance to wax, it is crucial to ensure that the wax temperature is below the flashpoint of the fragrance to prevent the fragrance from igniting.
For candle-making, the general rule of thumb for fragrance load is between 6% and 10%. This means that for every 2 ounces of wax, you would use 0.02 ounces of fragrance oil for a 10% load, or 0.012 ounces for a 6% load. However, it's important to note that each wax has a different maximum capacity for fragrance load, so it's best to check the specific recommendations for the type of wax you are using. For example, the maximum fragrance load for paraffin wax is typically 10%.
When working with fragrance oils, it is important to be mindful of safety precautions, especially when ordering fragrance oils online. Fragrance oils with a flashpoint of 141°F (60.5°C) or lower are considered flammable liquids and cannot be transported by air due to their potential to ignite. Therefore, it is crucial to check the flashpoint of the fragrance oil before purchasing to ensure it can be safely shipped to your location.
Additionally, when creating scented gel candles, manufacturers recommend using fragrance oils with a flashpoint of 170°F (76.6°C) or higher. This is due to the unique properties of gel wax, which differ from those of coconut wax, soy wax, paraffin, or beeswax. Always refer to the manufacturer's safety recommendations when working with gel waxes to ensure the appropriate flashpoint range for fragrance oils is utilized.
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To calculate fragrance load: (weight of wax x % of fragrance oil) = weight of fragrance oil
The fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil mixed into a candle alongside the candle wax. It is important to calculate the fragrance load to produce good-quality candles. Using too much fragrance oil can result in candles with dry or lumpy wax or even those that do not hold a flame.
To calculate the fragrance load, you need to first decide on the volume of your candle vessel. This can be done by filling the vessel with water up to the point where you would fill it with wax and measuring the amount of water used. This will tell you how much wax and fragrance oil you will need to use.
Once you know the volume of your vessel, you can calculate the fragrance load using the formula: weight of wax x % of fragrance oil = weight of fragrance oil. For example, if you are using 32 oz of wax and want to use 6% fragrance oil, you would calculate 32 x 0.06 = 1.92 oz of fragrance oil.
The fragrance load can vary depending on the type of wax and fragrance oil used. It is generally recommended to use a fragrance load of between 5% and 10%. However, it is important to test and find the right balance for the particular fragrance you are using.
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Frequently asked questions
The ratio of fragrance to wax depends on the type of wax and fragrance being used. The fragrance load is usually between 5-10% but can vary. It is important to calculate this correctly to avoid candles with dry or lumpy wax or those that do not hold a flame.
First, you need to know how much wax your candle vessel holds. Then, multiply your jar volume by the percentage of fragrance load you wish to use. For example, if you are using 32 oz/908 grams of wax and want to use 6% fragrance oil, you multiply 908 by 0.06 to get 54.48 grams of fragrance oil.
Some candle makers prefer measuring wax and fragrance in millilitres, while others use grams. As long as you stick to one unit of measurement, the percentage added will be correct. Do not mix grams and millilitres.
Yes, it is important to only add your fragrance when your wax temperature is below the flash point of the fragrance. The flash point is the temperature at which the fragrance becomes volatile and may catch alight. Generally, this is between 50-55 degrees Celsius, but this will vary based on the wax.
