The Art Of Fragrancing Soy Wax: Perfect Timing

Adding fragrance to your candle at the right time is crucial to achieving the desired scent and performance. The optimal time to add fragrance oil to soy wax is when the wax has fully melted and is at a temperature between 155°F and 185°F. This allows the fragrance to bind effectively with the wax, resulting in a stronger scent throw. Adding the fragrance oil too early, while the wax is too hot, or too late, when it has cooled down too much, can lead to a reduction in the potency of the fragrance, causing the candle to have little to no scent when burning. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature of the wax and add the fragrance oil within the recommended temperature range.

The optimal temperature for adding fragrance oil to soy wax

Achieving the perfect soy candle requires striking a delicate balance between art and science. Adding fragrance oil at the optimal temperature is crucial for creating a beautifully scented candle. Here are some detailed guidelines and insights to help you master this process:

Understanding the Science of Soy Wax and Fragrance Oil

The optimal temperature range for adding fragrance oil to soy wax is between 155°F and 185°F (68°C and 85°C). This temperature range ensures that the soy wax is fluid enough to thoroughly mix with the fragrance oil without overheating. It is important to note that the melting point of soy wax varies, typically falling between 118°F and 125°F (48°C and 52°C). Therefore, you should heat the soy wax to a higher temperature than its melting point before adding the fragrance oil.

The Art of Blending Fragrance Oil and Soy Wax

When adding fragrance oil to soy wax, aim for a temperature between 160°F and 185°F (71°C and 85°C). This temperature range allows for optimal binding between the fragrance oil and soy wax, resulting in a strong and consistent scent. If the wax is too cool, it may not bind properly with the fragrance oil, leading to a poor scent throw or, in worse cases, fragrance seepage where the oil leaks out.

The Role of Flashpoint

The flashpoint is a critical concept to understand when adding fragrance oil to soy wax. The flashpoint refers to the temperature at which a liquid evaporates or, in the case of fragrance oil, becomes combustible. Common flashpoint ranges for fragrance oils are between 131°F and 175°F (55°C and 80°C). It is recommended to add your fragrance oil when the soy wax cools to just below the oil's flashpoint. This approach ensures that the fragrance remains intact and doesn't dissipate during the mixing process.

Tips for Achieving the Optimal Temperature

• Always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of your soy wax throughout the candle-making process.
• Heat your soy wax to a higher temperature than its melting point before adding the fragrance oil.
• Stir the fragrance oil thoroughly into the melted soy wax to ensure an even fragrance distribution.
• Allow the mixture to cool to the optimal pouring temperature, typically between 120°F and 140°F (49°C and 60°C), before transferring it into your chosen container.
• Experiment with different fragrance oils, as each fragrance will affect your soy wax differently. Adjust the temperature and fragrance load accordingly until you achieve the desired balance.

The flash point of fragrance oil

The flash point of a fragrance oil is the temperature at which the oil becomes combustible if exposed to a spark or flame. This is important to know for those making gel candles and for determining shipping methods. For example, certain gel waxes require fragrance oils with a flashpoint of 170°F or higher.

The flashpoint of a fragrance oil can also determine whether it can be delivered via airmail or must be shipped via ground. Fragrances with a flashpoint of 141°F or less cannot be shipped via USPS or UPS 2nd Day Air.

When making candles, it is recommended to add fragrance oils when the wax is between 180-185°F for soy and paraffin wax, and 200-205°F for palm wax. It is important to note that the flashpoint of a fragrance oil is usually higher than the temperature at which it is added to the wax during candle-making. For example, one fragrance oil with a flashpoint of 200°F can be added to wax at 185°F without causing the oil to ignite.

It is also important to stir the oil into the wax thoroughly to ensure an even fragrance load throughout the candle. Additionally, the type of fragrance can impact the amount of fragrance needed. For example, fragrances with vanilla, sandalwood, oudh, or caramel may only need a 6% fragrance load to achieve the desired scent throw.

When making candles, it is important to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax throughout the process. This will ensure that the fragrance oil is added at the correct temperature and help prevent scorching the wax.

How to measure fragrance oil

When making a candle, the first step is to measure how much liquid your jar can hold. Place your jar on a digital scale and tare it to 0. Then, use a measuring jug to pour water into the jar until you reach the point where you would like to fill it with wax. Record the amount and dry the jar.

Next, calculate the fragrance load, which is the percentage of fragrance you'll mix into your jar along with your candle wax. The recommended fragrance load is 6-8% for a good scent throw without impacting the flame's ability to burn through the viscous fragrance oil. Multiply your jar volume by the percentage you would like to use. For example, if you want to use 7% fragrance oil in 390ml of water, you would calculate 390ml x 7% = 27.3ml of fragrance oil.

You can measure fragrance oil in millilitres or grams, but it is important to stick to one unit of measurement to ensure accuracy. Do not mix grams and millilitres when measuring wax and fragrance.

When making a large batch of candles, base all your measurements on the total amount of wax you have by weight, and add the fragrance by weight.

Only add your fragrance when your wax temperature is below the flashpoint of the fragrance, which is generally between 50-55 degrees Celsius. The flashpoint is the temperature at which the fragrance becomes volatile and may catch alight. Stir the fragrance thoroughly to ensure an even fragrance load.

Some scents are heavier than others and require less fragrance. Fragrances with vanilla, sandalwood, oudh, or caramel can be dropped back to a 6% fragrance load without impacting the scent throw.

A good rule of thumb for fragrance oil is one ounce of fragrance to every pound of wax, but this can vary depending on the type of wax.

How to avoid candle sweating

When making candles, it is important to add your fragrance oil at the right temperature to help it bind to the wax and give your candle a stronger scent throw. For soy wax, the ideal temperature is 180-185°F (82-85°C). However, candle sweating can still occur even when the fragrance oil is added at the correct temperature. Here are some tips to help you avoid candle sweating:

Choose the Right Type of Wax

Some types of wax are more prone to sweating than others. Candles with a very high soy content, for example, are notorious for sweating due to their natural oil content. If sweating is a concern, consider using a different type of wax with a lower oil content, such as paraffin wax, which has a higher melting point.

Control the Environment

Exposure to heat or humidity is the most common cause of candle sweating. Keep your candles away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators or ovens. Store them in a cool, dry place and avoid placing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause the wax to shrink and create wet spots.

Preheat Your Containers

If you are making candles in containers, preheating them can help slow down the cooling process and prevent the wax from shrinking and pulling away from the container, which can lead to the formation of wet spots.

Monitor Your Fragrance Load

Adding too much fragrance oil can cause your candles to sweat. Start with a lower fragrance load, especially in warmer months, and gradually increase until you find the right balance for your particular fragrance. Remember, less is sometimes more!

Test, Test, Test!

Every fragrance will affect your soy wax differently. The same fragrance load that works for one scent may cause sweating or curdling with another. The only way to know for sure is to test each fragrance by making a small batch of candles and adjusting the fragrance load as needed.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the likelihood of candle sweating and create a high-quality product that your customers will love. Remember, if you do find your candles are sweating, it doesn't necessarily affect the quality, burn, or scent throw. You can simply dab away the oil droplets with a tissue and use a heat gun to melt and reset the top surface of the candle.

How to cure a soy wax candle

Curing soy wax candles is an important step in the candle-making process, and it ensures that you get the best fragrance experience. The curing process allows the fragrance oils to bind to the soy wax, and this results in a stronger scent throw. The curing period can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the type of wax, fragrance oil concentration, and personal fragrance preference. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cure a soy wax candle:

Step 1: Melting the Soy Wax

Firstly, you need to melt your soy wax. Soy wax typically has a melting point between 118-125°F (47.7-51.6°C). However, some soy waxes may have higher melting points, reaching up to 185°F (85°C). It is important to refer to the instructions provided with your specific soy wax to determine the ideal melting temperature.

Step 2: Adding Fragrance Oil

Once your soy wax has melted and reached the desired temperature, it's time to add the fragrance oil. The general recommendation is to add fragrance oil when the wax temperature is between 180-185°F (82-85°C) for soy wax. However, it is suggested that adding the fragrance oil at a slightly lower temperature, around 160-165°F (71-74°C), can help improve the distribution of the fragrance in the wax. Additionally, make sure to stir the mixture thoroughly for at least two minutes to ensure even distribution of the fragrance oil.

It is important to note that the type of fragrance oil you use can impact the curing time. Heavier fragrance loads or more intense essential oils may require a longer curing period as the wax takes more time to absorb and lock in these stronger scents.

Step 3: Pouring the Wax

After adding the fragrance oil, allow the wax temperature to cool down slightly. The ideal pouring temperature for soy wax is typically around 135-140°F (57-60°C). However, some candle makers suggest that pouring at lower temperatures, closer to 100°F (37.7°C), can improve jar adhesion and result in a smoother surface.

Step 4: Preheating the Containers

Before pouring the wax, it is recommended to preheat your containers to slow down the cooling process and prevent the wax from shrinking and pulling away from the container, which can cause wet spots. You can preheat your jars by placing them in an oven set at a low temperature, such as 130°F (54°C).

Step 5: Cooling and Curing

After pouring the wax into the preheated containers, allow it to cool down and solidify. Soy wax typically hardens within 3-4 hours, making it safe to handle. However, for optimal fragrance performance, it is recommended to let the candles cure for at least 24-48 hours initially and then for a longer period, typically 7-14 days. During this curing process, the fragrance oils will continue to bind to the wax, enhancing the scent's strength and longevity.

The curing time can vary depending on the specific soy wax and fragrance oil used. Some fragrance oils, particularly heavier or more complex scents, may need more time to settle into the wax, while lighter scents might cure faster. Therefore, it is advisable to test your candles at different intervals (such as 48 hours, one week, and two weeks) to determine the ideal curing time for your specific combination of wax and fragrance oil.

Additionally, environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can impact the curing process. Warmer temperatures can accelerate curing, while high humidity may slow it down, causing the wax to retain moisture and take longer to harden.

Step 6: Storage

Proper storage of your soy wax candles during the curing process is crucial. It is recommended to store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Exposure to heat, light, and humidity can cause the fragrance oils to break down or evaporate, reducing the scent's strength and longevity.

Following these steps will ensure that your soy wax candles are properly cured, resulting in a stronger and longer-lasting fragrance, improved scent throw, and a more consistent fragrance release.

Frequently asked questions