Jessie Taylor
The hot throw of a candle refers to the strength of its fragrance while burning. Many factors influence a candle's hot throw, including the type of wax, the size of the melt pool, the quality of the wick, and the type and amount of fragrance oil. Paraffin wax, for example, tends to have a stronger hot throw than soy wax due to its higher melting point. However, some candle makers use thicker wicks with soy wax to compensate for this difference and achieve a stronger hot throw. Additionally, adding too much fragrance oil can negatively impact the candle's performance, so it is important to start with a lower percentage and adjust as needed. Candle brands known for their strong hot throw include Yankee, BBW, Goose Creek, and Voluspa. Ultimately, the best hot throw depends on a combination of these factors, and finding the right balance can be a complex endeavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Paraffin wax has a better hot throw than soy wax due to its higher melting point. However, soy wax is highly sought after for its sustainable and natural characteristics. Makers of high-quality soy candles compensate for the difference in melting points by using thicker wicks. |
| Wick type | The wick controls the temperature of the candle and its burn. Thicker and higher-quality wicks or double wicks lead to higher temperatures and stronger hot throws. |
| Cure time | The longer the cure time, the stronger the hot throw. Paraffin waxes need to cure for 3-5 days, while soy and other natural waxes should cure for at least 1-2 weeks. |
| Container size | Larger containers allow for larger melt pools, which result in stronger hot throws. |
| Fragrance oil | The quality and quantity of fragrance oils affect the candle's hot throw. However, adding more fragrance oil does not always lead to a stronger hot throw and can cause performance issues. |
| Temperature | Higher temperatures lead to more evaporation and stronger hot throws. |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of the melt pool
The melt pool is an important factor in achieving a strong hot throw. It refers to the liquid blend of fragrance oil and wax that travels through the wick and acts as fuel for the flame. The larger the melt pool, the stronger the hot throw, as a larger pool allows fragrance molecules to evaporate faster and disperse more scent into the air.
To achieve a full melt pool, it is crucial to select the appropriate wick for your candle. The wick regulates the temperature of the melt pool, and different wicks can significantly impact the burn. For example, a thicker wick will increase the temperature of the wax, resulting in a stronger hot throw. Additionally, the type of wax used matters; heavier waxes like soy require a more robust wick to achieve a good throw, while lighter waxes like paraffin throw with ease.
The size of the container also influences the size of the melt pool. Containers with larger diameters allow for larger melt pools, which can enhance the hot throw. Therefore, if you are seeking a stronger scent throw, consider using a larger container and adjusting the wick size accordingly.
Another factor to consider is the cure time. Allowing your candles to cure for an extended period can enhance the hot throw. During the curing process, the fragrance oil and wax bond, and this bond strengthens over time. Therefore, a longer cure time can result in a more robust hot throw.
While a larger melt pool generally leads to a stronger hot throw, it is essential to avoid tunneling. Tunneling occurs when the candle burns down the centre, leaving hard wax around the edges. This reduces the size of the melt pool and can hinder the hot throw. To prevent tunneling, ensure your candle burns evenly across the surface, creating a full melt pool for the best fragrance release.
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The role of wicks
The wick of a candle plays a critical role in its performance. The primary function of a wick is to act as a fuel pump, drawing the liquefied wax up into the flame to burn via capillary action. The size of the wick determines the amount of fuel delivered to the flame. If too much fuel is delivered, the flame will flare and soot; too little, and the flame will sputter out.
Wicks are typically made from braided cotton, although they can be made from other materials such as wood, paper, or even metal. The quality of the wick is determined by its construction; twisted wicks, for instance, are considered lower quality as they burn faster due to their loose construction. Braided, plaited, or knitted wicks are of higher quality, burning slower and more consistently. Flat wicks, for example, are very consistent in their burning and curl back into the flame, making them self-consuming. Square wicks are similar but are more rounded and robust, preferred for beeswax candles as they help inhibit wick clogging.
Cored wicks are braided or knitted wicks that use a core material to keep the wick straight or upright while burning. Common core materials include cotton, paper, zinc, or tin. Stiffeners can also be used to direct the wick to remain upright, providing rigidity and conducting heat downward to melt the wax more readily.
When choosing a wick, it is important to consider the type of wax, fragrance load, dye type, container diameter, and other variables. The correct wick will ensure the candle burns cleanly and properly. For example, the CD series of wicks is popular for harder-to-melt waxes like paraffin and vegetable base, while the ECO series is designed for natural waxes like soy and palm wax, offering improved burn stability and reduced smoke. Wooden wicks have also gained popularity for their aesthetic and the soft crackling sound they create. Ultimately, the wick plays a crucial role in a candle's performance, and choosing the right one is essential for optimal burning.
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Wax type
Paraffin Wax:
Paraffin wax is known for its strong hot throw capabilities. It has a higher melting point compared to other waxes, allowing it to burn at higher temperatures. This higher temperature results in increased evaporation of fragrance molecules, leading to a more potent scent. Paraffin wax also requires less fragrance oil to achieve a strong fragrance throw. However, it is derived from petroleum, which may be a concern for those seeking more natural alternatives.
Soy Wax:
Soy wax is a popular choice due to its sustainability and natural origins. However, it has a lower melting point than paraffin, resulting in a slightly weaker hot throw. To compensate for this, manufacturers of high-quality soy candles use thicker wicks to increase the temperature of the liquified soy wax, ultimately achieving equal or better scent throws. Soy wax also has a longer burn time than paraffin, which can be enhanced even further by adding a small amount of paraffin to the blend.
Other Wax Types:
While paraffin and soy wax are the most commonly discussed options, other wax types are available. Rapeseed wax, for example, is mentioned as another viable option for achieving a strong hot throw. Additionally, some candle manufacturers use blends of vegetable, soy, and paraffin wax, as mentioned in the context of certain candle brands. These blends can offer a balance between fragrance throw and natural ingredients.
Fragrance Oil Load:
Regardless of the wax type, it's important to consider the amount of fragrance oil added. Adding too much fragrance oil can negatively impact the candle's performance and fragrance throw. It's recommended to start with a slightly lower percentage than the maximum fragrance load specified for the wax and adjust as needed. This approach helps prevent issues caused by overloading the wax with fragrance oil.
Curing Time:
Different wax types have varying curing time requirements. Paraffin wax typically needs 3-5 days to cure, while soy wax and other natural waxes require a longer curing period of at least 1-2 weeks. Adequate curing time ensures the fragrance oil properly binds with the wax, contributing to a stronger hot throw.
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Fragrance oil and wax binding
To achieve a strong hot throw, the fragrance oil needs to bind properly with the wax. Here are some tips for improving fragrance oil and wax binding:
Firstly, ensure that your wax is hot enough before adding the fragrance oil. Heating the wax to a temperature of 75°C or higher can improve the binding process. For particularly dense fragrance oils, you can even increase the temperature of the wax to 190°F. This helps to lower the viscosity of the fragrance oil, making it easier to mix with the wax.
Secondly, stir the fragrance oil and wax thoroughly. Begin stirring slowly immediately after adding the fragrance oil and continue for about two minutes, or until you reach the desired pour temperature. Stir again right before pouring, especially if you are using a wax that needs time to cool before pouring.
Thirdly, start with a lower amount of fragrance oil than the maximum load recommended for your wax. Adding too much fragrance oil can overload the wax, leading to performance issues and reduced fragrance throw. It is recommended to start with 1-2% lower than the maximum fragrance load and then adjust as needed.
Additionally, consider the type of wax you are using. Paraffin waxes generally provide a stronger hot throw than soy waxes. However, soy wax is a more natural and sustainable option. You can also try using a blend of paraffin and soy wax to balance fragrance throw and sustainability.
Finally, allow sufficient curing time for your candles. Paraffin wax typically requires 24-48 hours of curing, while soy wax needs at least 1-2 weeks. Curing allows the fragrance oil and wax to bind properly, enhancing the hot throw of your candles.
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Cure time
The process of curing a candle involves storing the candle with its lid on, away from sunlight, and in a space that is around room temperature. It is important to note that the cure time is different from the burn time, which is the duration that a candle is lit and burning.
During the cure time, fragrance oil binds with the wax, and this bond is critical for a strong hot throw. The fragrance oil needs to bind with the wax for the candle to throw fragrance. To ensure a strong bond, the wax should be hot enough before adding the fragrance oil. The temperature of the wax can be increased to 185-190°F, particularly for dense fragrance oils.
Another way to ensure a strong bond is to thoroughly stir the fragrance oil and wax together. It is recommended to slowly stir the mixture for two minutes immediately after adding the fragrance oil to the wax, and then to stir again right before pouring the candle wax.
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Frequently asked questions
The best hot throw depends on a variety of factors, including the type of wax, the size of the melt pool, the quality of the wick, and the fragrance oil used.
Paraffin wax is said to have the strongest hot throw due to its higher melting point. However, soy wax can also have a good hot throw if paired with a thicker wick to increase the temperature of the liquified wax.
Thicker and higher-quality wicks are generally better for hot throw as they can increase the temperature of the wax. Double wicks can also improve hot throw.
A larger melt pool will release more fragrance molecules, resulting in a stronger hot throw. Containers with larger diameters allow for larger melt pools.
Adding more fragrance oil does not always result in a stronger hot throw. It is important to stay within the maximum fragrance load of your wax and to properly bind the oil with the wax by stirring thoroughly.
