Article: Fragrance essences for candles - how to get the most out of them?
Fragrance essences for candles - how to get the most out of them?
Candle Fragrance Oils - The Complete Guide to Maximum Scent Throw
Why are Candle Fragrance Oils So Important?
Candle fragrance oils are the primary factor for powerful and addictive scent throw. Ultimately, all we ask of our candle is that it fills the space with a pleasant and calming scent. If you also want to ensure your candles emit a powerful fragrance and remain high-quality over time, the following guide will provide you with all the most important tips.
Key Considerations for Working with Candle Fragrance Oils:
1. Wax Temperature When Adding Fragrance
There are different schools of thought regarding the wax temperature when adding fragrance oil, but after many experiments, we found that the optimal temperature for adding fragrance oils is 85 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the fragrance oil bonds best with the wax. Avoid heating the wax above 90 degrees, as a higher temperature can damage the wax quality and cause premature evaporation of the scent.
2. Mixing Fragrance Oil with Wax
Thorough mixing of the fragrance oil with the wax is a critical step in making scented candles. After adding the fragrance to the wax, stir gently for at least two minutes. Just before pouring into the jar, it is recommended to stir gently again to maintain consistency in the mixture and ensure an even distribution of scent.
3. Choosing the Right Wick
A suitable wick for the type of wax and size of the candle directly affects the quality of scent throw. We recommend using the TCR wick series, which are suitable for all our wax types. Choosing the wick thickness is a matter of trial and error, and it is advisable to read our guide on choosing the right wick.
4. Calculating the Correct Amount of Fragrance
One of the common mistakes in making scented candles is adding an inaccurate amount of fragrance oil. The recommended ratio is 8% fragrance oil relative to the amount of wax. That is, if we heated 500 grams of wax, we would add 40 grams of fragrance oil (500 * 0.08 = 40 grams). Using an accurate amount of fragrance ensures a high-quality candle with a powerful scent.
5. Candle Cure Time After Making
After making the candle, it should be allowed to cure for at least two weeks before use. It may be tempting to light it immediately, but it is important to understand that during the curing period, the scent deeply bonds with the wax, which significantly improves scent throw during burning.
6. Increasing Candle Size for Improved Scent Throw
The larger the candle, the more scent it will throw. This is due to the larger wax pool it creates and the thicker wick that allows for stable and strong burning. Therefore, if you want a candle that emits a particularly powerful scent, consider making larger candles.
7. Type of Wax and its Effect on Scent
The type of wax plays a central role in the candle's scent throw. Soy wax, for example, is known for its ability to retain fragrance for a long time, while paraffin wax allows for a stronger scent throw during burning. Combining wax types can be a successful solution for creating a high-quality candle that emits scent optimally.
8. Using a Suitable Container for the Candle
The container in which the candle is poured also affects the scent throw. A thick glass container helps retain heat and allows for even burning, while metal or ceramic containers may affect the wax's cooling rate and cause changes in scent throw.
Common Mistakes in Making Scented Candles
- Overheating the wax - Too high a temperature can destroy the fragrance.
- Insufficient mixing - Inadequate mixing can lead to uneven scent in the candle.
- Using too much fragrance oil - Adding a higher percentage of fragrance will not necessarily make the candle throw more scent, but it can impair its burning.
- Lighting the candle immediately - You should wait at least two weeks before lighting the candle to ensure a rich and deep fragrance.
- Incorrect wick selection - A wick that is too small will result in a weak burn, while a wick that is too large can lead to soot buildup and improper burning.
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