Creating your own homemade candles is a rewarding pastime, with the bonus of a beautifully scented home as a result. One of the critical ingredients to consider when making your candles is the fragrance oil.
But how much should you use? This article offers a detailed guide on determining the optimal amount of fragrance oil per candle to ensure the perfect balance of scent.
Understanding Fragrance Oils for Candle Making
Fragrance oils play an integral role in candle making. They provide the aroma that fills your space as the candle burns, making the environment inviting and comforting. There’s a diverse range of fragrance oils available, giving you unlimited options to choose a scent that resonates with your personality or mood.
The Science of Fragrance Oil in Candles
Before we delve into the specifics, it’s important to understand the science behind the use of fragrance oil in candles. The percentage of fragrance oil to wax is referred to as the fragrance load. The type of wax you’re using and the nature of the fragrance oil significantly influence the fragrance load.
Generally, most waxes can hold a maximum of 10% fragrance oil. That’s 10 grams of fragrance oil per 100 grams of wax. However, to prevent issues like seepage or poor burn, most candle makers recommend a fragrance load of 6-8%.
Factors Influencing the Amount of Fragrance Oil
Various factors can impact the amount of fragrance oil you should use in your candles:
1. Type of Wax:
Different waxes can hold different amounts of fragrance oil. For instance, soy wax generally holds 6-10% fragrance oil, while paraffin wax can hold up to 12%.
2. Fragrance Oil Quality:
High-quality oils are typically more potent, meaning you may need less compared to a lower-quality oil to achieve the same scent strength.
3. Desired Scent Strength:
If you prefer a strong scent, you may want to add a little more oil. However, adding too much can cause problems like a smoky burn or the candle sweating oil, so it’s crucial to maintain a balance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Fragrance Oil to Your Candles
Step 1: Weigh Your Wax
Using a digital scale, measure the amount of wax you will be using for your candle.
Step 2: Calculate the Fragrance Oil Amount
Calculate the amount of fragrance oil to add using the percentage you’ve chosen (generally between 6-10%). For example, if you have 200 grams of wax and you want a 8% fragrance load, you’d use 16 grams of fragrance oil (200 grams x 0.08).
Step 3: Mix in the Fragrance Oil
Add the fragrance oil at the right temperature (usually around 185°F for most waxes) and stir gently for a couple of minutes to ensure it’s fully integrated with the wax.
Step 4: Pour the Mixture
Pour the mixture into your candle container and let it cool completely.
Safety Considerations
Always remember to conduct a burn test after making a new type of candle or changing your fragrance load. This helps ensure the candle burns safely and properly.
Also, consider consulting your fragrance oil supplier or the manufacturer’s guide to ensure the product is suitable for candle making.
Conclusion
The art of candle making is all about balance. A carefully measured amount of fragrance oil can create a long-lasting, pleasantly scented candle that brightens and freshens your living space. With these guidelines in mind, you’re well on your way to creating the perfectly scented homemade candle.