Anisha Riggs
Soy wax is a popular choice for candle makers due to its natural, eco-friendly, and renewable qualities. It is derived from soybeans and is known for its extended burn time and lack of unsightly black soot. While soy wax is a great option, it can be tricky to get a strong fragrance throw, and some fragrance oils may not blend well with it. The type of wax you choose will impact the strength of your candle's scent, and how well it fills a space. This is what is known as 'fragrance throw'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scent throw | Soy wax has a more subtle scent throw than paraffin wax |
| Burn time | Soy wax has a longer burn time than paraffin wax |
| Environmental impact | Soy wax is eco-friendly and renewable, with fewer environmental drawbacks than paraffin wax |
| Cleaner burn | Soy wax produces 90% less soot than paraffin wax, resulting in cleaner air quality and a tidier candle jar |
| Appearance | Soy wax has a semi-matte finish and is known for its natural "frosting," a white coating that forms on the surface |
| Glass adhesion | Soy wax adheres well to glass, ceramic, and metal containers |
| Fragrance load | Soy wax has a high fragrance load capacity (10%+) |
| Wick size | A larger wick size can improve scent throw, but too large of a wick may burn off the fragrance |
| Curing time | Soy wax requires a longer curing time than paraffin wax (1-2 weeks) |
| Temperature | The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil to soy wax is between 180°-185°F |
| Flash point | The flash point of fragrance oil is generally between 50°-55°C; adding fragrance above the flash point may cause it to catch alight |
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What You'll Learn
The right temperature for adding fragrance oil
The temperature of the wax is an important factor in ensuring that your candle has a strong and evenly distributed scent. While there isn't a specific temperature that your wax needs to be heated to, you should ensure that it is fully melted and that the fragrance oil is mixed in thoroughly. This will ensure that the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the candle.
For soy wax, it is generally recommended to add fragrance oil at a temperature of around 180°-185°F. This temperature range allows the fragrance to mix well with the wax, ensuring a consistent scent throughout your candle. It is important to note that heating soy wax above 190°F for an extended period can compromise its integrity, leading to a less effective candle.
If you are using a soy wax blend, such as soy votive, soy pillar, or soy tart wax, you will need to melt your wax to a higher temperature of 195°-200°F before allowing it to cool down to 180°-185°F to add your fragrance oil. These waxes have natural additives that make them harder, so they need to be melted at a higher temperature.
The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil will also depend on the flash point of the oil. The flash point is the temperature at which the fragrance becomes volatile and may catch alight. It is important to add your fragrance when the wax temperature is below the flash point of the fragrance oil, generally between 50°-55°C, but this will vary based on the wax and fragrance oil being used.
It is always a good idea to test your candles to find out which fragrance oils work best and to ensure that you are adding them at the right temperature.
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How much fragrance oil to add
When making a single candle, it is important to know how much wax your candle vessel holds and how much fragrance to use. The first step is to measure how much liquid your jar can hold by filling it with water up to the point where you would fill it with wax. This will allow you to calculate the percentage of fragrance to add to your wax.
The fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance you'll mix into your jar along with your candle wax. When using All Seasons Wax, a fragrance load of 6% to 8% is recommended 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. However, the percentage may vary depending on the type of wax and fragrance used. For example, Golden Brands 464 Soy Wax has a maximum fragrance load of 10% or 1.6 ounces per pound of wax. It is important to test different percentages to achieve the optimal fragrance load for your specific fragrance and wax combination.
Additionally, the pouring temperature of the wax is crucial. Soy wax has a higher melting point, which means it takes more heat and energy to burn and release its fragrance. The industry standard for pouring temperature is around 135° F, but it can go as high as 160-175° F. However, the pouring temperature also depends on the overall temperature of your workspace, as you may need to increase the pouring temperature on a cold day.
Furthermore, it is important to only add your fragrance when your wax temperature is below the flash point of the fragrance, which is generally between 50-55° C. The flash point is the temperature at which the fragrance becomes volatile and may catch fire. Make sure to mix the fragrance thoroughly to ensure an even fragrance load throughout your candle.
Finally, it is worth noting that soy wax is known to encapsulate fragrance oil molecules during the bonding process, which can affect the strength of the scent. Allowing your candle to cure for several days before its first burn will enable the soy wax and fragrance molecules to fully bind together. The recommended cure time is a minimum of 3-4 days and a maximum of 2 weeks.
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The type of fragrance oil
When choosing a fragrance oil, it is important to consider the quality and ingredients of the oil. Some fragrance oils are manufactured with stronger scents using more natural ingredients and lower amounts of solvents. The density of the oil is also a key factor, as oils with lighter densities, such as citrus and some herbal oils, may burn off too quickly or smell "off". In contrast, oils with stronger scents, such as vanilla, can be added at a lower temperature to extend their fragrance.
The amount of fragrance oil added to the soy wax is crucial and can make or break your candle. Most wax manufacturers recommend a fragrance load of 6-8% with a maximum of 10-12%. Adding too much fragrance oil can cause candle sweating, which appears as little beads of oily residue on the candle's surface. To avoid this, it is recommended to create a test candle with the same fragrance but a lower fragrance load to observe any differences.
Additionally, the temperature at which the fragrance oil is added to the wax is critical. Fragrance oil should be added when the wax temperature is below its flashpoint, generally between 50-55 degrees Celsius, to prevent it from becoming volatile and catching fire. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil is between 180-185 degrees Celsius to ensure a strong scent without burning off the fragrance.
Overall, when choosing a fragrance oil for soy wax candles, consider the quality, ingredients, and density of the oil, as well as the desired scent throw and candle appearance. Experimentation with different oils and wax blends is encouraged to find the perfect combination for your candle-making goals.
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The type of wick
When it comes to the type of wick to use with soy wax, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to select the right wick size to achieve the proper burn pool, which will impact the scent throw of your candle. A small wick will create a small burn pool, resulting in poor scent throw, while a wick that is too large may burn too hot and burn off the fragrance, also leading to poor scent dispersion. Therefore, choosing a wick that has a steady flame and creates a full burn pool of approximately 1/4" to 1/2" deep is ideal for achieving good fragrance dispersal.
Another factor to consider is the type of candle you are making. Soy wax is best suited for container candles and tealights, as well as wax melts and tarts. For container candles, the type of container itself is important. Glass, ceramic, and metal are suitable materials for candle-making, as they can withstand high temperatures and have good heat retention properties. Glass containers with heavier bottoms and even walls are ideal, as they will cool evenly and likely provide better adhesion. On the other hand, plastic should be avoided, as it can melt and release chemicals, potentially causing a fire hazard. Wood and raw clay containers, such as terra cotta, are also not recommended due to their porosity.
Additionally, the curing time for soy wax is longer than for other types of wax. Soy wax typically requires curing for at least 1 to 2 weeks, compared to the 24 to 48 hours needed for paraffin wax. This longer curing time is an important consideration when choosing a wick, as it can impact the performance of your candle.
Lastly, the type of fragrance oil you use will also influence the choice of wick. Soy waxes are known to be more selective about the fragrance oils that work well with them. Some fragrance oils may not blend well with soy wax, regardless of the amount of trial and error. Therefore, it is crucial to choose high-quality fragrance oils that are designed for use with soy wax to ensure a strong and pleasant scent throw.
In summary, when selecting a wick for soy wax candles, consider the size of the wick to achieve the proper burn pool, the type of candle and container, the curing time, and the compatibility of the fragrance oil with soy wax. By taking these factors into account, you can create a candle with optimal fragrance dispersal and performance.
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How to avoid candle sweating
Soy wax candles have many advantages, including an extended burn time, no unsightly black soot, and a reputation as a desirable, naturally-derived product. Soy candles make up more than half of the candles on the market today.
However, soy wax candles are prone to sweating, which can be caused by several factors. Firstly, candles with a very high soy content are prone to sweating due to excess oil release during temperature changes or when exposed to warm environments. To avoid this, keep soy candles away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators. Additionally, ensure that your candle is not exposed to humidity, as hotter and damper conditions increase the likelihood of sweating.
Another cause of candle sweating is adding too much fragrance. To prevent this, only add your fragrance when the wax temperature is below the flashpoint of the fragrance, generally between 50-55 degrees Celsius. The flashpoint is the temperature at which the fragrance becomes volatile and may catch alight. It is important to mix the fragrance thoroughly to ensure an even fragrance load.
To achieve a strong fragrance throw with soy wax, consider using AAK Golden Brands 464, which is known for producing the strongest scent while burning. Alternatively, AAK Golden Brands 444 has a slightly higher melting point, making it ideal for shipping or selling in outdoor markets in hot weather.
Finally, to ensure a pleasant candle-burning experience, remember to trim the wick to 3/8" before burning for a smaller, safer flame and a longer burn time. Additionally, during the first burn, ensure the candle burns for 2-3 hours to maximize the fragrance throw and avoid "tunneling," where the candle burns down the middle, leaving wax around the edges.
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Frequently asked questions
Fragrance oils work well with soy wax. Citrus and herbal oils, particularly essential oils, may burn off too quickly, so try adding these at a lower temperature and/or blending with a higher-density oil. Vanilla oils are stronger than most.
The fragrance load depends on the type of fragrance you are using. Most wax manufacturers have a recommended fragrance load of 6-8% with a max of 10-12%.
Add fragrance when the wax temperature is below the flash point of the fragrance, generally between 50-55°C, but this will vary based on the wax. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil is between 180-185°C.
