Chloe Adams
Adding essential oils to soy candles is a great way to create natural and eco-friendly home fragrances. However, it can be tricky to get right. The type of wax, the temperature of the wax, and the amount of oil added all impact the strength of the scent. Essential oils are sensitive to heat, and higher temperatures can cause them to break down, so it's important to add them when the wax has cooled to below 80°C. The amount of oil added should be approximately 30-35 drops per 160g of wax, but this can vary depending on the size of the container and the desired strength of the fragrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Soy candle waxes need to be heated to at least 100°F (37.7°C) to melt, but essential oils begin to break down at 80°F (26.6°C). |
| Amount of wax | The amount of essential oil depends on the amount of wax. For instance, 160g of soy wax flakes require 30-35 drops of oil. |
| Container size | A larger container will require more wax and essential oil to create a good scent. |
| Type of wax | The type of wax impacts the hot throw of essential oils. |
| Type of wick | The type of wick can impact the throw of essential oils. |
| Flashpoint | Research the flashpoints of essential oils and only use oils with higher flashpoints. |
| Fragrance | Essential oils provide a natural fragrance and can offer aromatherapy benefits. |
| Cure time | Let soy candles cure for 1-2 weeks before use. |
| Cost | Essential oils can increase the price of handmade candles. |
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What You'll Learn
The ideal temperature for adding essential oils to soy wax
For soy wax, the ideal temperature range for blending in fragrance oil is between 155°F and 185°F (68°C and 85°C). This range ensures that the wax is fluid enough to mix thoroughly without overheating. It is recommended to heat the wax to its maximum melting point before cooling it to the perfect temperature for adding fragrance. The melting point of soy wax is typically between 125°F and 140°F (51.6°C and 60°C).
For example, if your soy wax melts at 125°F, heat it up to around 175°F to 185°F before adding your fragrance. This ensures proper blending and sets you up for a successful pour. Once the fragrance is mixed in, let the wax cool to its optimal pouring temperature of 120°F to 140°F before transferring it to your container.
It is also important to consider the flashpoint of the essential oil, which is the temperature at which the oil will ignite when exposed to an open flame. Add the fragrance oil when the wax cools to just below the oil's flashpoint to ensure that the scent remains intact and does not dissipate during the mixing process.
Additionally, the amount of essential oil added should be considered. In general, it is recommended to add 30-35 drops of oil per 160g of soy wax flakes, ensuring that the fragrance load does not exceed 10% of the wax amount.
By mastering the art of timing and temperature, you can create beautifully fragrant and visually stunning soy candles.
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How much essential oil to add to soy wax
When making soy candles with essential oils, it's important to consider the size of your container and the amount of wax you're using. The general rule of thumb is to add 30-35 drops of essential oil to every 160 grams of soy wax flakes. However, it's crucial not to exceed a 10% fragrance load, as it may ruin the final function of your candle.
To calculate the amount of essential oil needed, you can use the formula:
> Fragrance load percentage x total weight of wax = weight of fragrance to add
For example, if you're using 480 grams of soy wax and want a 6% fragrance load, you would calculate 6% of 480 grams, which is 28.8 grams. So, you would add 28.8 grams of essential oil to your wax.
It's recommended to start with low percentages of essential oil, as some oils can behave differently at higher loads. Essential oils vary in density, so measuring by weight ensures accuracy. For instance, 24 ounces (680 grams) of soy wax would require approximately 41 grams of Patchouli essential oil, which is about a 6% load.
When making soy candles, it's crucial to follow the proper steps. First, melt the soy wax flakes in a heat-proof glass bowl over medium heat until it reaches 80°C. Then, secure your wick to the centre of the candle container using glue dots or a wick sticker. Let the wax cool to around 65°C before adding your essential oils and stirring gently for about a minute. Finally, pour the wax into your candle container and allow it to cool completely before trimming the wick to the appropriate length.
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The type of essential oil to use
When making soy candles with essential oils, it is important to choose the right type of essential oil. Essential oils are the latest trend, and they can add a pleasant, subtle fragrance to your candles. However, they are not always safe and can be costly. Some essential oils have great benefits, such as Tea Tree oil, but caution should be exercised when using them. It is important to research the flashpoints of the oils and ensure the wax temperature is below the oil's flashpoint before adding it to avoid breaking down the oils.
Citrus essential oils, for example, are known to disappear in candles. It is also recommended to start with low percentages of essential oils as they vary in density, and some may shift at higher loads. Always measure by weight, and ensure your fragrance load does not exceed 10% of the wax amount. For instance, use 30-35 drops of oil for every 160 grams of soy wax flakes.
If you are looking for a stronger scent, fragrance oils might be a better option. They are more compatible with soy wax, cost-effective, and provide a better scent throw. However, if you prefer to use essential oils, you can add beneficial oils, omit dyes, and control the fragrance level.
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The type of soy wax to use
When it comes to choosing the right type of soy wax for your candles, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the type of candle you want to make will determine the best type of soy wax to use. For example, soy wax is commonly used for container candles, tealights, wax melts, and tarts. The desired attributes of your candle, such as fragrance strength and how well it fills a space, will also play a role in your wax selection.
One popular option for soy wax is the AAK Golden Brands 464, which is known for producing a strong scent while burning. This wax is made from American-grown soybeans and is a good choice for those who want to showcase the natural origins of their candle ingredients. Another similar option is the AAK Golden Brands 444, which has a slightly higher melting point, making it ideal for shipping or selling candles in hot weather.
If you're looking for a wax that is marketed as 100% soy, the AAK Golden Brands 415 is a great choice. While the finish of 415 candles may not be as consistent as the 464 variety, they still offer an excellent fragrance throw. Additionally, the Ecosoya PB Pillar Soy Wax is an all-natural, 100% soy wax with excellent scent retention, vibrant colours, and easy release from molds.
When selecting a soy wax, it's important to consider the melting point, fragrance load capacity, and the desired finish of your candles. Soy wax has a lower melting point than some other waxes, so it may soften or melt in warmer climates. It's also prone to a "frosting" effect, where tiny crystal formations appear on the wax over time, although this does not affect the candle's performance.
Overall, soy wax is a popular choice for candle makers due to its eco-friendly and renewable nature, clean burn, and excellent fragrance retention. It offers a slow, steady burn and is considered one of the healthiest options for candles due to its natural properties.
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The type of wick to use
The type of wick you use for your soy candle can have a significant impact on the final product. Soy wax is denser and more viscous than other types of wax, such as paraffin wax, so it requires a hotter flame to melt effectively. This is an important consideration when choosing a wick, as the wrong type can lead to issues like tunneling, where the wax near the edges remains unburnt, resulting in wasted wax and a less attractive candle.
There are several types of wicks commonly used for soy candles, each with its own unique characteristics:
- HTP wicks: HTP wicks are specifically designed for use with viscous waxes like soy. They are coreless, cotton flat braid wicks with a paper filament that provides increased rigidity. HTP wicks are self-trimming, reducing the need for maintenance, and they burn hotter than some other types of wicks, ensuring a more complete melt pool. This makes them ideal for soy candles as they improve the candle's aesthetic quality and maximize fragrance release.
- Zinc core wicks: These wicks are made of cotton braid with an inner zinc core, providing maximum rigidity to keep the wick straight in melted wax. While zinc core wicks are commonly used and can be suitable for soy wax, they tend to burn at a cooler temperature, which may not be hot enough to properly melt soy wax. This can result in tunneling.
- CD wicks: CD wicks are another type of coreless, cotton flat braid wick with a paper filament, similar to HTP wicks. They are versatile and work well with viscous waxes like soy, and they are self-trimming to promote a consistent burning flame.
- Premier 700 Series Wicks: These wicks are flat braid cotton core wicks made from textile-grade cotton. They can be used for a variety of candle types, including soy container candles, but may require testing to determine the appropriate size.
When choosing a wick for your soy candle, it is important to consider not only the type of wick but also the size. The diameter of your candle is a crucial factor, as a larger candle will require a larger wick to ensure complete melting of the wax. Additionally, factors such as the amount and type of fragrance oil, dye used, and container size can all influence the appropriate wick size. Testing different wicks and taking detailed notes on the burning characteristics will help you determine the best wick for your specific soy candle creation.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to add 30-35 drops of oil to every 160g of soy wax flakes. The fragrance load should not exceed 10% of the wax amount. Essential oils vary in density, so measuring by weight is the best way to ensure accuracy.
Essential oils should be added when the wax has cooled to a temperature that is below the flashpoint of the oil being used. This is because essential oils do not do well at temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius.
Essential oils do not always work well to scent candles. This could be due to the type of wax, the type of wick, or the temperature at which the candle is burned. Fragrance oils are often more effective at scenting candles.
Essential oils are generally safe to use, but caution should always be taken. Some essential oils may cause bad reactions in certain individuals. It is important to research the flashpoints of the oils and ensure that the candle wax temperature does not exceed the flashpoint of the oil.
