How to Make Strong Scented Candles with Great Cold and Hot Throw

Creating candles that delight with their scent is a rewarding craft. Achieving both a strong cold throw (the fragrance released when the candle is unlit) and hot throw (the scent emitted while burning) requires attention to detail and the right techniques. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you create candles that smell amazing from start to finish.

Step 1: Select High-Quality Ingredients

1. Wax

The type of wax you choose significantly impacts your candle’s scent throw. Different waxes have unique characteristics that affect how they bind and release fragrance oils:

  • Soy Wax: A natural and sustainable choice with a clean burn. While its cold throw is moderate, its hot throw can be excellent with proper formulation.
  • Paraffin Wax: Known for producing a superior scent throw, paraffin is a popular choice for strong-smelling candles.
  • Coconut Wax and Blends: Increasingly popular, coconut wax is highly compatible with fragrances and has outstanding scent performance.
  • Beeswax: While eco-friendly, it is less effective at carrying strong scents compared to other waxes.

2. Fragrance Oils

Invest in high-quality, candle-specific fragrance oils. Look for oils that are phthalate-free and have been tested for use with your chosen wax type. Some waxes pair better with certain oils, so check for compatibility. Essential oils can also work, but their scent throw is generally weaker.

3. Wicks

The wick size and type are critical for an even burn and good scent distribution. A wick that is too small will create insufficient heat to release the fragrance, while one that’s too large can burn too hot, causing the scent to dissipate quickly or the wax to burn unevenly. Test different wick sizes to find the perfect match for your candle.

Step 2: Master the Wax and Fragrance Ratio

The fragrance load refers to the percentage of fragrance oil in your wax. Most candle waxes can hold a fragrance load between 6% and 10%, though some specialty waxes can handle up to 12%.

How to Calculate Fragrance Load:
If you’re making a 16-ounce candle and your wax allows for a 10% fragrance load, you’ll use:

  • 14.4 ounces of wax (90%)
  • 1.6 ounces of fragrance oil (10%)

Never exceed the recommended fragrance load for your wax, as this can lead to issues like sweating (when oil leaks out) or poor burning performance.

Step 3: Heat and Mix Properly

Proper heating and mixing ensure your fragrance binds with the wax and stays stable throughout the candle’s life.

  1. Melt the Wax
    Using a double boiler, heat your wax to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer. This is typically between 160°F and 185°F, depending on the wax type.

  2. Add Fragrance Oil at the Right Temperature
    To maximize fragrance retention, add your fragrance oil when the wax is at the optimal mixing temperature (usually between 175°F and 185°F). Stir gently but thoroughly for 2–3 minutes to ensure the oil is evenly distributed throughout the wax.

  3. Avoid Overheating
    Wax that’s overheated can degrade the fragrance oil, leading to a weaker scent throw. Use a thermometer to monitor your wax temperature closely.

Step 4: Pour and Cure Your Candles

  1. Pour Carefully
    Pour your wax into candle containers at the recommended pouring temperature. Pouring too hot can cause the wax to shrink or crack as it cools, while pouring too cool can create uneven surfaces or air bubbles.

  2. Allow the Candles to Cure
    Curing is essential for developing a strong scent throw. Allow your candles to rest for at least 24–48 hours, though many candle makers recommend curing for 1–2 weeks for optimal results. This gives the fragrance molecules time to fully bind with the wax. Store the candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Step 5: Test and Refine Your Candles

1. Cold Throw Testing

After curing, evaluate the cold throw by smelling the candle unlit. A strong cold throw indicates that the fragrance has bonded well with the wax. If the scent is weak, consider:

  • Increasing the fragrance load slightly.
  • Ensuring the wax and fragrance are fully compatible.

2. Hot Throw Testing

Burn your candle in a room and let it melt across the surface for 2–3 hours. This ensures an even wax pool, which is essential for releasing fragrance evenly. If the hot throw is lacking:

  • Check that your wick size is appropriate for the container and wax.
  • Experiment with higher-quality fragrance oils.
  • Ensure you’re using the recommended fragrance load and mixing temperature.

Additional Tips for Success

  1. Document Your Process
    Keep detailed notes on every batch, including the type of wax, fragrance oil, temperatures, and results. These records will help you refine your technique over time.

  2. Experiment with Combinations
    Not all fragrances perform the same. Try blending different oils to create unique scents and test how they throw in both cold and hot states.

  3. Test in Various Environments
    The scent throw of a candle can vary based on the room size, air circulation, and humidity. Test your candles in different spaces to evaluate their performance.

  4. Use Additives if Needed
    For waxes with lower scent throw potential, consider adding additives like Vybar, which can help improve the fragrance release without affecting the wax’s texture.

Crafting Candles That Wow

Making candles with a strong scent throw takes practice, but the results are worth the effort. With the right ingredients, precise measurements, and a commitment to testing and refining, you’ll create candles that fill any space with delightful aromas—earning repeat customers and rave reviews for your candle-making business.

With love and light,
LaKeya Rodriguez
Founder, Soothing Sensation

www.facebook.com/soothingsensation.net

 

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