Fragrance Strength in Candles

Creating a candle with just the right scent intensity requires a careful balance of fragrance, wax type, wick size, and burn time. Here are essential tips to help you achieve a perfect scent throw for a satisfying, long-lasting fragrance experience in every candle.

1. Use the Optimal Amount of Fragrance Oil

The fragrance oil concentration in your candle plays a critical role in determining scent intensity. Using too little fragrance oil may result in a weak scent, while too much can overpower the senses. For soy wax candles, aim for 6-10% fragrance oil by weight, and for paraffin wax candles, a slightly higher range of 10-12% is recommended. Always refer to your wax supplier’s guidelines, as different waxes may have varying fragrance load limits.

2. Select the Right Wax for Your Fragrance

Different wax types have unique capacities for holding fragrance oils, impacting scent throw. Soy wax is known for holding fragrance oils well, delivering a steady, natural scent. Paraffin wax, though capable of a strong scent throw, often requires a higher fragrance load to achieve similar results. Testing various waxes can help you find the ideal balance between fragrance and wax for your candle line. Be sure to select a wax that complements the type of fragrance oil you’re using to optimize the scent throw.

3. Choose High-Quality Fragrance Oils

The quality of your fragrance oil has a significant impact on the scent intensity and longevity of your candle. High-quality fragrance oils from reputable suppliers are more concentrated and specifically formulated for candle-making, ensuring a richer, longer-lasting aroma. Lower-quality oils may not bind as effectively with the wax, leading to a weaker or uneven scent.

4. Pay Attention to Wick Size

Wick size is crucial in achieving an even scent throw. A wick that’s too small may not produce enough heat to properly release the fragrance, resulting in a weak scent. Conversely, a wick that’s too large can cause excessive heat, burning through the wax too quickly and diminishing scent throw. Selecting the right wick size for your candle’s diameter ensures an efficient burn and optimal scent release. Testing various wick sizes will help you find the perfect fit for each candle type.

5. Allow Adequate Curing Time

Curing is an often-overlooked step in achieving a strong scent throw. Allowing candles to cure for several days after pouring (typically 3-7 days) helps the fragrance oil fully bind with the wax, resulting in a mature, even scent. During curing, store candles in a cool, dry place to help preserve the fragrance.

6. Consider the Room Size for Desired Scent Intensity

Room size plays a role in perceived scent intensity. Smaller rooms require less fragrance concentration for an impactful scent, while larger spaces benefit from a stronger fragrance load. If your candle is intended for larger rooms, you may wish to increase the fragrance percentage slightly or use multiple candles to achieve a balanced aroma throughout the space.

7. Optimize Burn Time

To maximize scent throw, burn the candle long enough to allow the wax to melt across the entire surface (known as reaching a full melt pool). This prevents tunneling and ensures an even distribution of fragrance throughout the candle, enhancing the overall scent intensity. A good rule of thumb is to burn the candle for at least one hour per inch of diameter.

Final Thoughts

Achieving the perfect scent intensity in candles is a balance of art and science. By carefully selecting the right amount of fragrance oil, choosing compatible wax and wick types, allowing sufficient curing time, and considering the environment where the candle will be used, you can create candles that fill any space with a beautifully balanced aroma. Remember, testing and refining these elements for each new candle type will help you consistently deliver a high-quality fragrance experience.