Chloe Adams
Creating your own scented candles is a fun and simple DIY project that can be a great gift idea or even the start of a home business. When making scented candles, it's important to choose fragrances that are specifically designed for candles, as traditional fragrances may contain ingredients that don't burn properly. The type of wax and wick you use are also important factors, as these can affect the scent throw and how well your candle burns. To achieve a strong scent, fragrance oils are recommended over essential oils. The amount of fragrance oil added to the wax will depend on the desired olfactory result, with candles typically containing between 6% and 10% fragrance. It's also crucial to monitor the temperature of the wax throughout the process and to integrate your fragrance at a temperature below its flashpoint to prevent it from catching fire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Beeswax, coconut, soy, paraffin |
| Container | Sturdy glass containers, e.g. 16-ounce Mason jars |
| Wick type | Zinc core wicks, CD 18 cotton wicks |
| Wick size | Depends on the container size |
| Fragrance type | Essential oils, fragrance oils |
| Fragrance load | 6-10% of wax weight |
| Flashpoint | Above 175ºF (85ºC) |
| Temperature | Add fragrance below the flashpoint |
| Testing | Test burn to ensure safety and quality |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fragrance oil
When choosing a fragrance oil for candle-making, it is important to select a product that is specifically designed for this purpose. Traditional fragrances may contain ingredients that do not burn properly.
There are two main types of fragrance oils: regular and ultra. Regular fragrances are compatible with all wax types, including natural soy/coconut wax blends and paraffin. Ultra fragrances are also compatible with all wax types but offer a stronger throw and a more premium, sophisticated scent.
When choosing a fragrance oil, it is important to consider the flashpoint, which is the temperature at which the oil becomes combustible if exposed to a spark or flame. The lower the flashpoint, the faster the oil can catch on fire. Fragrance oils with a flashpoint above 175ºF (80ºC) are recommended for gel candles, for example.
The desired scent intensity will also influence your choice of fragrance oil. Most waxes will not hold more than 12% fragrance, with store-bought candles containing an average of about 6% fragrance and high-quality premium candles containing up to 10%. It is recommended to use between 6 to 10% fragrance in your candle mixture to optimize scent throw and maintain candle stability.
In addition to fragrance oils, candle-approved essential oils can also be used, especially if you prefer natural candles. However, essential oils may not provide a strong scent, and you may need to experiment with different brands and dosages to achieve the desired intensity.
Lastly, personal preference will play a role in choosing the right fragrance oil. With a wide range of scents available, from fresh eucalyptus and lavender to more sophisticated blends, you can create unique fragrances for your home or opt for your favourite perfumes.
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Using essential oils
Essential oils are a great way to fragrance your candles, offering a natural, non-toxic alternative to synthetic fragrances. They are derived from organic plant matter, so they contain the strongest scents of that particular plant.
When using essential oils, it is important to understand how they interact with candle wax to ensure the best scent throw and longevity. Essential oils have low flash points, meaning they evaporate at high temperatures. This can limit the strength of their aroma in candles, so it is important to get the temperature right when melting the wax and adding the oil. The ideal temperature will depend on the type of essential oil and how potent it is.
The amount of essential oil you use will depend on the desired strength of the scent. A highly concentrated oil will require fewer drops, while a more delicate scent may need more. As a general guide, most candle makers recommend using around 6% essential oil concentration, which is about 1 ounce per pound of wax, or 35 drops per 100ml. However, different waxes have maximum fragrance loads, usually up to 10% for soy wax, so it is important not to exceed this.
When adding the essential oil to your candle, first melt the wax using a double boiler. Heat water on medium-low in a large pot, then add the wax to a heat-safe cup. Once the wax is melted, add the essential oil directly into the pot and stir slowly with a disposable wooden tool, such as a chopstick or pencil. Be sure to mix the oil and wax together for at least 2 minutes to allow the molecules to bond.
After stirring, carefully pour the scented wax into your chosen container. A smaller, narrow container is best when using essential oils, as it helps prevent tunnelling and ensures an even, long-lasting burn. Anchor the wick to the bottom of the container, then slowly pour in the wax. Allow the wax to cool and solidify, which can take around 3-4 hours or longer. Finally, trim the wick to the desired length and your scented candle is ready to burn!
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How much fragrance to add
When making scented candles, it's crucial to use fragrances specifically designed for candles, as traditional fragrances may contain ingredients that don't burn properly. The amount of fragrance you add to your candle will depend on the type of wax, the fragrance's olfactory strength, and the desired scent throw.
Most waxes will not hold more than 12% fragrance. Store-bought candles typically contain an average of 6% fragrance, while premium candles can contain up to 10%. To optimise scent throw without compromising candle stability, it's recommended to use between 6% and 10% fragrance in your candle mixture. For example, if you're making a 10-ounce candle using soy wax that can hold up to 10% fragrance, you would need to use 1 ounce of fragrance oil.
When using essential oils, start with low percentages and adjust as needed. For a 16-20 ounce candle, you can start with 10-20 drops of essential oil and increase or decrease the amount depending on the desired scent strength.
It's important to note that the flashpoint of the fragrance should be considered. The flashpoint is the temperature at which the fragrance oil becomes combustible if exposed to a spark or flame. In general, fragrances with a flashpoint above 175°F (or 80°C) are recommended for candle-making. Integrate your fragrance at a temperature below its flashpoint to ensure safety.
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Preparing the wick
Choose the Right Wick
Select a wick that is appropriately sized for your container. A wick that is too small may result in the wax not burning across the full diameter of the candle and can affect the scent throw. Additionally, ensure that you are using the right type of wick for your chosen wax. For example, zinc core wicks may not perform well in natural waxes like soy because they may not get hot enough to burn the wax properly. Refer to sizing charts and other resources to help you choose the appropriate wick.
Centre the Wick
Using a wick sticker, carefully centre one wick in each jar or container. This step is crucial to ensure an even burn and to prevent the wick from shifting during the candle-making process.
Secure the Wick
Before pouring the wax, you need to secure the wick in place. Each wick should have a flat metal bottom. Dip the metal part into the melted wax and then place it in the centre of your jar or container. Hold it in place until the wax hardens and the wick stands up on its own.
Trim the Wick
Trimming the wick is essential for a clean and safe burn. For paraffin candles, trim the wicks to 1/4th of an inch, for soy candles, trim to 1/8th of an inch, and for wooden wicks, trim just above 1/4th of an inch. Trimming the wick helps prevent smoke, soot, mushrooming, and a large flame. It is recommended to trim the wick after burning the candle for several hours.
Test the Wick
Before finalising your fragranced candle, it is important to test the wick to ensure it burns properly. Perform a burn test to make sure your candle burns evenly and safely. This will help you identify any issues with the wick and make any necessary adjustments.
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Pouring the wax
Now that you've gathered your materials and prepared your workspace, it's time to start pouring your wax! Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Step 1: Prepare your containers
Before you begin melting your wax, it's important to prepare the containers that you'll be pouring it into. For safety reasons, it is recommended to use sturdy glass containers, such as 16-ounce Mason jars. Make sure your containers are clean, dry, and ready to go. If you're using new containers, give them a quick wipe with isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel to ensure they are free of any residue.
Step 2: Melt your wax
To melt your wax, use a double boiler pot or a metal bowl placed over a saucepan filled with water. Measure out your wax flakes and pour them into your chosen melting vessel. Turn the heat to medium and slowly stir the wax flakes with a silicone spatula until they are completely melted. Avoid using a microwave to melt your wax, as it can be difficult to monitor the temperature and you risk scorching it.
Step 3: Attach your wicks
Before pouring the wax, you need to attach your wicks to the bottom of your containers. Each wick should have a flat metal bottom. Dip the metal part into the melted wax and place it in the centre of your jar. Hold it in place until the wax hardens and the wick stands up on its own. If you're using a wide container or don't have a wick holder, you can use two chopsticks balanced over the container to hold the wick in place.
Step 4: Monitor the temperature
Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of your wax throughout the process. This is crucial for two reasons. Firstly, you want to avoid scorching the wax, which can happen if it gets too hot. Secondly, you need to ensure that you are pouring the wax at the recommended temperature for adding fragrance. The ideal temperature for adding fragrance oil is typically around 180-185°F (85°C).
Step 5: Add fragrance and stir
Once your wax has reached the optimal temperature, it's time to add your chosen fragrance oil. Pour in the desired amount and gently stir the mixture for a couple of minutes to ensure that the oil is fully incorporated. The amount of fragrance oil needed will depend on the size of your candle and the desired scent strength. Typically, candles are dosed at 6-10% fragrance, with premium candles containing up to 10%.
Step 6: Pour the wax
Carefully remove the wax from the heat source and slowly pour it into your prepared containers. Be cautious as the wax will be very hot. Fill your containers to the desired level, leaving space for the wick to burn. If your wick becomes unstuck, use a wick-centering device or chopsticks to hold it in place while the wax hardens.
Remember to always test your fragrances and do a burn test before mass-producing your candles. Each fragrance has a different flashpoint, so integrating your chosen fragrance at the right temperature is crucial for safety and achieving the desired scent throw. Enjoy crafting your fragrant candles!
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Frequently asked questions
You can use fragrance oils, essential oils, or perfumes. However, it's important to use fragrances that are specifically designed for candles, as traditional fragrances may contain ingredients that don't burn properly.
The amount of fragrance to add depends on the desired olfactory result and the type of wax used. Generally, candles are dosed at 6% to 10% fragrance, but this can go up to 12% for most waxes.
First, refer to your fragrance's safety data sheet to know its flashpoint, which is the temperature at which the fragrance can ignite. Then, add the fragrance to the wax at a temperature below its flashpoint.
It's important to stir the wax and fragrance gently for a short amount of time to ensure the oil is fully incorporated with the wax. Not stirring enough can cause the oil to settle at the bottom of the wax and result in a weak scent throw.
