Making candles is both an art and a science. One of the critical components to get right is the amount of fragrance oil. Too little, and your candles won't have the desired aroma. Too much, and you risk negatively impacting the burning performance. In this blog, we'll explore why precise measurement is necessary and provide a basic formula for getting it right.
Why Is It Necessary to Accurately Measure the Amount of Aromatic Essential Oils When Making Candles?
Burn Performance: Excessive fragrance oil can cause candles to burn improperly. It can lead to issues such as excessive soot, poor flame stability, and even the inability of the candle to stay lit. On the other hand, too little fragrance oil may result in a weak scent that is hardly noticeable.
Safety: Overloading candles with fragrance oil can be a safety hazard. Oils that are not properly bound within the wax can create a fire risk. Precise measurement helps ensure that the candle burns safely.
Product Consistency: If you are producing candles for sale, consistency is key. Customers expect the same scent strength and burn quality with each purchase. Accurate measurement ensures each batch of candles meets these expectations.
Basic Formula for Calculations
The basic formula for calculating the amount of fragrance oil you need for your candles involves understanding the fragrance load capacity of the wax you're using. Most candle waxes can hold between 6% to 10% fragrance oil by weight. Here’s a step-by-step guide to calculate the amount of fragrance oil:
Step 1: Determine the Total Weight of the Wax
First, decide the total weight of the wax you will use for your batch. For example, let's say you are making candles using 1000 grams of soy wax.
Step 2: Decide the Fragrance Load
Choose the fragrance load based on the wax's capacity and your desired scent strength. For soy wax, a common fragrance load is 8%.
Use the formula: Amount of Fragrance Oil = Total Weight of Wax x (Fragrance Load Percentage/100)
For our example with 1000 grams of wax and an 8% fragrance load:
Amount of Fragrance Oil=1000 grams × (8/100) = 80 grams
Tips for Accurate Measurement
- Use a Digital Scale
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always check the maximum fragrance load recommended by the wax manufacturer.
- Adjust for Personal Preference: While the general guideline is between 6% to 10%, you can adjust within this range based on your preference for scent strength. However, do not exceed the maximum recommended load.
- Temperature Matters: Add fragrance oils to the melted wax at the optimal temperature. For most waxes, this is between 180°F (82°C) and 185°F (85°C). Adding oils at the wrong temperature can affect how well they bind with the wax.
Conclusion
Accurately measuring the amount of fragrance oil in your candles is essential for achieving the perfect balance of scent throw, burn performance, safety, consistency, and cost efficiency. By following the basic formula and tips provided, you can ensure that your candles from I Scented Candle deliver a delightful and safe aromatic experience every time. Visit our website to discover more about our products and enhance your candle-making journey with I Scented Candle.