Ben Carter
Candle throw, or scent throw, refers to how well a candle's fragrance travels through the air and fills a space. A strong candle throw means that the fragrance can be noticed from a distance and in larger spaces, while a weak candle throw means that the fragrance can only be noticed up close. There are two types of candle throw: cold throw and hot throw. Cold throw refers to the scent of a candle before it is lit, while hot throw refers to the scent of a candle while it is burning. A good cold throw helps people decide to purchase a candle, while a good hot throw keeps customers coming back. Various factors can influence candle throw, such as the type of fragrance oil, wax type, wick, and container size. Finding the right balance of fragrance oil and wax is crucial, as adding too much fragrance oil can lead to improper burning and affect the candle's appearance and safety. The temperature at which the fragrance oil is added to the wax is also critical, as it ensures a strong bond between the two. Additionally, the size of the melt pool, created by the burning wick, impacts the hot throw, with larger pools releasing more fragrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax temperature | Should be hot enough for fragrance oil to bind with wax. For dense fragrance oils, wax temperature can be up to 190°F. |
| Stirring | Stir fragrance oil and wax thoroughly to ensure a strong bond. |
| Fragrance oil amount | Adding more fragrance oil does not always result in a stronger scent. The ideal amount depends on the type of oil and wax used. |
| Wick | The type of wick and wax blend holding the fragrance influence the strength of the wick. |
| Container | Containers with larger diameters allow for larger melt pools, which can improve the hot throw. |
| Cure time | Longer cure times can result in a stronger hot throw. |
| Air circulation | Place candles in areas with good air circulation to help the scent travel. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right fragrance oil for your wax type
The fragrance oil you choose for your candle is important, as different brands of fragrance oil can give you vastly different results. The type of wax you are using will determine the ideal fragrance oil and the amount you should add.
Soy wax is porous and holds scents well, but exceeding a 10% fragrance load can cause oil seepage and poor burn performance. Therefore, it is recommended to start with an 8% fragrance load and adjust from there.
Paraffin wax binds strongly with oils, allowing for higher ratios of fragrance load without issues. An ideal ratio for paraffin wax is 8-12% fragrance oil.
Coconut wax is soft, and too much oil can make candles overly greasy. The ideal ratio for coconut wax is 8-10% fragrance oil.
Beeswax has a natural honey scent that can clash with added oils. A lower ratio of 5-7% fragrance oil is recommended for beeswax candles.
It is important to note that the fragrance load is based on weight and not volume, as each fragrance oil and wax type have different levels of density. Always refer to the wax manufacturer's recommendations for maximum fragrance load, and never exceed this amount as it can negatively impact your candle's structure and increase the risk of fire hazards.
To ensure you achieve the desired scent throw, it is recommended to buy a sample size of any new fragrance oils and test them in small batches before investing in larger quantities.
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Ensure the wax is hot enough before adding fragrance oil
The "throw" of a candle refers to the strength of its aroma. There is the "cold throw", which is how strong a candle's wax smells without being lit, and the "hot throw", which is how strong the candle smells when it is lit.
The hot throw is influenced by the melt pool, the wick, and the fragrance oil. To achieve a strong hot throw, it is important to ensure that the fragrance oil is properly bonded with the wax. This can be done by making sure that the wax is hot enough before adding the fragrance oil.
The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance oil to wax is between 185°F and 200°F (85°C – 93°C). This temperature range ensures a safer, more stable candle design and a more consistent burn. If the wax is too cool, the fragrance oil may not bond properly with the wax, resulting in a weaker scent throw.
However, it is important to note that the ideal temperature may vary depending on the type of wax and fragrance oil being used. Different waxes have different melting points, and some fragrance oils have lower flash points. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the temperature recommendations provided by the wax manufacturer. Additionally, testing different temperatures and observing the results is a good way to find the ideal wax temperature for adding fragrance oil.
Stirring the fragrance oil and wax thoroughly after adding the oil can also help ensure a strong bond and improve the hot throw of the candle.
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Cure candles with their lids on, away from sunlight, for at least a week
Curing is a crucial step in candle-making, and it can significantly impact the fragrance throw and burn time of your candles. It is the process that allows the candle's scent to fully meld with the wax, optimising its fragrance throw. During curing, the fragrance oils and wax bind together, and this bond is critical for an even and powerful scent dispersion when the candle burns.
There are different methods and practices for curing candles, and one of the debated aspects is whether to cure candles with lids on or off. Curing candles with their lids on has its advantages and considerations. Using a lid can prevent the escape of fragrance, keeping the scent intact. Glass lids, for example, are known for their non-reactive nature and ability to seal tightly. Metal lids offer excellent protection from external elements, but some metals may react with certain fragrances, altering the scent. Wood lids provide a breathable option, allowing minimal air exchange that aids the curing process while adding a subtle complexity to the aroma.
However, lids can slow down the curing process as the trapped air inside becomes saturated with scent molecules. Additionally, some lids may not be suitable for extinguishing candles, as the oxygen depletion inside the jar can create a vacuum seal, making it challenging to reopen the jar. Therefore, it is essential to use a safe method to extinguish the candle before placing the lid on for curing.
When curing candles with their lids on, it is recommended to store them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight and heat can affect the curing process and impact the fragrance and wax consistency. The curing duration can vary, but it is generally recommended to let the candles sit undisturbed for at least one to two weeks. This duration ensures that the fragrance oils and wax bond adequately, maximising the fragrance throw and overall candle performance.
By curing candles with their lids on, away from sunlight, for an extended period, you encourage a thorough fusion of fragrance and wax, resulting in a candle that delivers a robust and true-to-scent fragrance experience.
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Use a larger container with 2-3 wicks for a stronger scent throw
The size of the container and the number of wicks used are important factors in improving the scent throw of a candle. The larger the container, the larger the melt pool, and the stronger the hot throw will be. Containers with larger diameters allow for larger melt pools, so sizing up the container is a simple way to increase the hot throw.
The melt pool is fundamental to a strong hot throw. The larger the candle's melt pool, the more scent will be pushed into the room. A larger melt pool releases more scent than a smaller one. The flame on a wick regulates the temperature of the melt pool in a traditional candle. The larger the melt pool, the more fragrant wax there is to be heated, and the more scent will be released into the air.
The number of wicks used will also impact the size of the melt pool. A larger container with two or three wicks will create a larger melt pool than a single-wick candle. This will increase the hot throw of the candle. Additionally, the strength of the wick depends on the wax blend holding the fragrance. Heavier waxes, like soy, require more "oomph" to throw well. Lighter waxes, such as paraffin, throw with ease.
It is important to note that while container diameter can be a factor in weak scent throw, other factors such as wax type, fragrance load, lack of curing, or wax temperature are more likely to be the cause.
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Avoid overloading wax with fragrance oil
To improve the scent throw of your candles, it's important to avoid overloading the wax with fragrance oil. While it may be tempting to add more fragrance oil to create a stronger scent, this can actually have the opposite effect.
Soy wax, in particular, is a more absorbent wax than paraffin, so it's important to be mindful of how much fragrance oil you're adding. Overloading soy wax with fragrance oil can result in oil pooling on the surface of the candle, which can be a fire hazard. Additionally, too much fragrance oil can negatively impact the appearance of your candle and cause issues with wicking.
The optimal amount of fragrance oil varies depending on the type of wax and the specific fragrance oil being used. For soy wax, the standard amount of fragrance oil is typically around 1 oz per pound of wax, which equates to about 6%. However, some sources suggest that you can add up to 10% fragrance oil to soy wax without negatively impacting the scent throw. It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and experiment to find the perfect balance for your specific candle recipe.
When adding fragrance oil to your wax, it's crucial to do so at the correct temperature. For soy wax, the recommended temperature is around 185°F (85°C). Adding the fragrance oil at a lower temperature, such as 70°C or 60°C, can also improve the scent throw of soy wax candles. However, adding fragrance oil at too low a temperature may cause the wax to start solidifying.
In addition to the amount and temperature of the fragrance oil, the type of fragrance oil you use is also important. Not all fragrance oils are created equal, and some may not work well with soy wax. It's important to choose high-quality fragrance oils that are designed for use in candles and are free of phthalates. Essential oils, for example, can be inconsistent, expensive, and may have variable flashpoints that make them dangerous for use in candles.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle throw refers to how well a candle's scent travels through the air to fill a space. It describes the quality of the smell—how strong or weak it is, and how it permeates a room.
Cold throw refers to the scent of a candle when it is not lit. Hot throw refers to the aroma in the air while a candle is burning.
The cold throw of a candle is dependent on the type of fragrance oil used. Different brands of fragrance oil can give vastly different results. It is also important to cure candles with their lids on, away from sunlight, and at room temperature for at least three days to a full week before burning or selling.
To improve a candle's hot throw, ensure that the wax is hot enough before adding fragrance oil. You can bump the temperature of your wax up to 190°F. Additionally, stirring your fragrance oil and wax thoroughly will help ensure a strong bond.
The size of the melt pool, the type of wick, and the type of wax can all influence hot throw. Larger melt pools release more fragrance than smaller ones. Heavier waxes, like soy, require more powerful wicks to throw well.
