Creating the perfect handmade candle involves more than just melting wax and adding a wick. One critical aspect of candle making is determining the correct amount of wax needed for each candle. In this blog, we will guide you through why measuring wax by weight is essential and how to calculate the right amount of wax per candle, focusing on soy wax.
Why You Should Measure Wax by Weight (Not Volume)
Precision and Consistency
Volume measurements, such as cups or liters, can lead to inconsistent results because the density of melted wax differs from solid wax. Weight, on the other hand, remains constant regardless of the wax's state, providing a reliable measure.
Accurate Fragrance and Additive Ratios
Fragrance oils and other additives in candle making are typically measured by weight. Using weight to measure wax ensures that your ratios of fragrance oil to wax are accurate, resulting in a well-scented candle that burns evenl
Avoiding Overfilling or Underfilling
Using weight to measure your wax helps you avoid overfilling or underfilling your candle containers. Overfilled containers can cause wax to overflow when the candle is lit, creating a mess and potentially a fire hazard. Underfilled containers may not look aesthetically pleasing and could result in a shorter burn time. By weighing your wax, you can ensure that each candle is filled to the appropriate level.
Measuring Wax per Candle
Almost all common candle wax is only 82% – 95% as dense as water. Including paraffin, soy, palm, coconut, beeswax, and just about any other major wax on the market.
The average density is about 86%, meaning candle wax has a specific gravity of 0.86 (if the specific gravity was 1.0 that would mean it was the same as water).
5-Step Process
Step 1: Select a Fragrance Load (F) of 8%.
Step 2: After measuring one while empty and filled with water, we get:
- Empty container weight = 80 g
- Filled with water = 180 g
- Water weight = 180g – 80g = 100 grams
Step 3: Total weight (TW) = 100 x 0.86 = 86 grams
Step 4: Determine the amount of wax for the container
1 + F (8%) = 1.08
Wax (W) = 86g ÷ 1.08 = 80 grams
Wax = Total Weight ÷ (1 + Fragrance Load %)
Step 5: Fragrance Weight: Total Weight – Wax
Conclusion
Measuring wax by weight ensures consistency, accuracy, and safety in your candle making process. By following the steps outlined above, you can calculate the exact amount of wax needed for each of your candles, ensuring they burn beautifully and smell amazing.
At I Scented Candle, we are committed to providing high-quality soy wax candles infused with natural essential oils. Explore our collection and discover the perfect candle for your home or as a thoughtful gift.