Chloe Adams
Adding fragrance to gel candles is a great way to personalise them, but it can be intimidating for beginners as one mistake can ruin the whole batch. The best time to add fragrance is when the gel has cooled down to around 150-160°F (65-70°C) after being melted. If the gel is too cold, the fragrance won't blend well, and if it's too hot, the fragrance can combust and catch fire. The density of the gel and the type of fragrance oil used also affect the scent throw. It's important to only use non-polar fragrance oils with gel candles, as polar oils will cause cloudiness and separation over time. Additionally, the flashpoint of the fragrance oil should be considered, as oils with a low flashpoint can restrict shipping options due to the increased risk of the candle catching fire.
Characteristics and Values Table for Adding Fragrance to Gel Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Density | Low, medium, and high |
| Fragrance Percentage | Low density: 2-3% |
| High density: 0-5% | |
| Flashpoint | Recommended: above 175ºF |
| Critical: above 169°F | |
| Polarity | Non-polar |
| Solubility | Mix one part fragrance with three parts mineral oil |
| Temperature | Melt: 200 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Add fragrance: 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit | |
| Wicks | Zinc or wooden wicks for hotter burns |
| Additives | Scent boosters |
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What You'll Learn
Gel candle density
When making gel candles, it's essential to consider the density of the gel and the type of fragrance oil used. The density of gel candle wax can vary, with options for low, medium, and high-density gels. The density chosen will impact the overall result, including the fragrance load and the candle's appearance.
Low-density gel candle wax typically holds around 3% fragrance oil. This lower fragrance load means that the gel candle may not throw scent as effectively as those with higher densities. However, it is important to note that even with a higher density gel, achieving a strong scent throw can be challenging due to the nature of gel wax.
Medium-density gel candle wax is a versatile option, suitable for both beginners and experienced chandlers. It offers a longer burn time compared to traditional waxes and can accommodate a higher fragrance load of up to 5%. This type of gel wax is perfect for creating decorative candles with embedded items such as crystals, glitter, and seashells.
High-density gel candle wax can also hold a medium-to-high fragrance load of 0-5%. This type of gel is suitable for clear candles and has the ability to suspend dense pigments or decorative particles. Depending on the design and shape, high-density gel can be formed into free-standing candles.
When choosing a fragrance oil for gel candles, it is crucial to select only non-polar synthetic fragrance oils. This is because gel wax is a non-polar substance, and using a polar fragrance oil will result in separation and cloudiness over time. To test if a fragrance oil is non-polar, a simple test using mineral oil and a test tube can be performed. Additionally, it is important to consider the flash point of the fragrance oil, ensuring it is above 169°F to prevent safety hazards.
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Fragrance flashpoint
The flashpoint of a fragrance is the temperature at which its vapours may ignite when exposed to an open flame. Flashpoints are typically measured in degrees Fahrenheit.
When making scented gel candles, it is important to use fragrance oils with a flashpoint of 170° F or higher. This is because gel wax has different properties to other types of wax, such as coconut wax, soy wax, paraffin, or beeswax.
A candle with a normal fragrance load (approximately 10% fragrance oil-to-wax ratio) will not combust at its flashpoint. This is because, for a flammable liquid to combust at its flashpoint, there needs to be a large volume of the liquid in an enclosed vessel. However, it is still important to be aware of the flashpoint of the fragrance oils you are using, as fragrance oils are flammable and could ignite at home.
Additionally, when adding fragrance oils to gel candles, it is important to use only nonpolar synthetic fragrance oils. This is because if a polar synthetic oil is added to candle gel, the blend will immediately separate into two layers or become cloudy over time. To test whether a fragrance oil is polar, a simple test can be performed using mineral oil and a test tube.
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Polarity testing
When adding fragrance to gel candles, it is important to understand the concept of polarity. Candle gel is a non-polar substance, and only non-polar synthetic fragrance oils should be added to it. This is because polar fragrance oils can cause issues such as cloudiness and separation, leading to an uneven distribution of scent and even safety hazards.
To ensure the compatibility of a fragrance oil with candle gel, a polarity test can be performed. This test, devised by Penreco, the inventor of candle gel, is simple and reliable. It requires only mineral oil and a test tube. The test is conducted in two phases, with different proportions of the fragrance oil and mineral oil in each phase.
For the first phase, add 3 parts of the synthetic fragrance oil and 1 part mineral oil to the test tube. Shake the tube and observe if the liquid turns cloudy. If it does, even slightly, this indicates the presence of incompatible polar components, and the fragrance oil should not be used in candle gel. If the liquid remains clear, proceed to the second phase.
In the second phase, invert the proportions by adding 1 part synthetic fragrance oil and 3 parts mineral oil to the test tube. Again, shake the tube and observe if the liquid turns cloudy. If cloudiness occurs, even temporarily, it confirms the presence of polar components, and the fragrance oil should be avoided for candle gel. However, if the liquid remains clear or becomes clear after initial cloudiness, it indicates that the fragrance oil is non-polar and safe to use in candle gel.
It is crucial to follow this polarity testing procedure to prevent potential issues with gel candles. Using polar fragrance oils in candle gel can lead to separation, cloudiness, and an uneven distribution of scent. More importantly, it can lower the flashpoint of the gel, increasing the risk of the candle catching fire. Therefore, it is essential to use only non-polar fragrance oils with a flashpoint of 170°F or higher to ensure the safety and effectiveness of gel candles.
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Solubility testing
Phase 1:
- In a clean test tube, add 3 parts of the synthetic fragrance oil and 1 part mineral oil.
- Shake the tube and allow the mixture to rest for a couple of minutes.
- Observe the mixture. If the oils have formed two separate layers, the fragrance oil is polar and should not be used with gel wax. If the mixture is clear, proceed to phase 2.
Phase 2:
- Invert the proportions by adding 1 part of the same fragrance oil and 3 parts mineral oil to the test tube.
- Close the tube and shake, then allow the mixture to rest.
- Observe the mixture again. If the liquid has turned cloudy, even slightly, the fragrance oil is polar and should not be used with gel wax. If the mixture remains clear, the fragrance oil is non-polar and suitable for use with gel wax.
It is important to test any fragrance oil before adding it to gel wax, as using a polar oil can result in cloudiness, separation, and even a risk of fire. Additionally, always ensure that the fragrance oil is specifically designed for use in gel wax and that you are adding the correct amount at the right temperature to avoid creating scent pockets, which can also be dangerous.
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Scent boosters
When using scent boosters, it is important to consider the density of the gel candle. Low-density gel candles typically hold about 2-3% fragrance oil, while high-density gel candles can hold up to 5% fragrance oil. It is also crucial to use only non-polar synthetic fragrance oils with gel candles. This is because gel candles are non-polar substances, and adding polar synthetic oils can cause the mixture to separate into two layers or become cloudy over time.
To test the polarity of a fragrance oil before using it in a gel candle, a simple test can be performed using mineral oil and a test tube. In the first phase of the test, mix three parts of the synthetic fragrance oil with one part mineral oil in a test tube. If the mixture separates into two layers, the fragrance oil is polar and should not be used in gel candles. If the mixture is clear, move on to the second phase by inverting the proportions (three parts mineral oil to one part fragrance oil). If the mixture turns cloudy, even slightly, the fragrance oil is polar and should be avoided for gel candles.
In addition to polarity, it is important to consider the solubility of the fragrance oil in gel wax. To test this, mix one part fragrance oil with three parts mineral oil and shake vigorously. If the fragrance oil does not completely dissolve in the mineral oil, it is not soluble in gel wax and should not be used.
Another important factor to consider when adding fragrance to gel candles is the flashpoint of the fragrance oil. The flashpoint is the temperature at which the oil becomes combustible if exposed to a spark or flame. It is recommended to use fragrance oils with a flashpoint above 175°F (79°C) for gel candles to prevent the candle from easily catching fire.
When adding fragrance to gel candles, it is recommended to wait until the gel has cooled down to around 150-160°F (65-70°C) after melting. This ensures that the fragrance blends well without combusting or catching fire.
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Frequently asked questions
You should add fragrances to your gel candles once the gel has cooled down to around 150-160°F (65-70°C). If the gel is too cold, the fragrance won't blend well. If it's too hot, the fragrance may combust and catch fire.
It's important to use a non-polar fragrance oil with a flashpoint above 169°F. If the flashpoint is too low, your candle could catch fire.
The amount of fragrance you can add depends on the density of the gel. Low-density gel can hold about 2-3% fragrance, while high-density gel can hold up to 5%.
Take a small amount of gel wax and let it cool and solidify. Light it up and see how strong the scent is. If you want a stronger scent, reheat, add more fragrance, and test again.
