Candle making is an art that blends creativity, science, and a bit of trial and error. One of the most common questions among beginners and even seasoned candle makers is: How much oil should I use in my candles? The right amount of fragrance or essential oil can transform a simple candle into a beautifully scented masterpiece. However, too much or too little oil can affect the quality of your candles, impacting both the scent throw and burn performance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using oils in candle making, from choosing the right type of oil to calculating the perfect amount for your candles.
Why the Right Amount of Oil Matters
The amount of oil you use in your candles is crucial for several reasons:
- Scent Throw: This refers to how well your candle distributes its fragrance. A well-scented candle should have a good cold throw (when the candle is unlit) and hot throw (when the candle is burning).
- Burn Quality: Adding too much oil can cause your candle to burn improperly, leading to issues like excessive smoking, uneven burning, or even the wick being drowned in melted wax.
- Wax Compatibility: Different waxes have varying oil absorption capacities. Using the correct oil-to-wax ratio ensures that your candle performs well, smells great, and lasts longer.
Types of Oils for Candle Making
Before diving into how much oil to use, it’s essential to understand the two main types of oils you can add to your candles:
1. Fragrance Oils
- What Are They? These are synthetically created oils designed specifically for candle making. They offer a wide range of scents, from floral and fruity to spicy and earthy.
- Pros: Strong scent throw, long-lasting, and available in countless varieties.
- Cons: May contain synthetic ingredients, which some prefer to avoid for natural candles.
Read more about Fragrance oil
2. Essential Oils
- What Are They? These are natural oils extracted from plants, flowers, and herbs. They are popular for their therapeutic benefits and are often used in aromatherapy.
- Pros: All-natural, eco-friendly, and great for creating a more subtle, natural scent.
- Cons: Weaker scent throw compared to fragrance oils, and some oils can be volatile when exposed to heat.
Read more about essential oil
How Much Oil to Use in Candle Making
The amount of oil you should use in your candles largely depends on the type of wax you’re using and the type of oil (fragrance or essential). Here’s a breakdown:
1. General Rule of Thumb
- A common guideline is to use 6-10% fragrance oil per pound of wax. This means for every 16 ounces (1 pound) of wax, you should use between 0.96 to 1.6 ounces of oil.
- For essential oils, you may need to use a slightly higher concentration to achieve a noticeable scent, usually around 7-12%.
2. How to Calculate the Oil-to-Wax Ratio
- Step 1: Determine the weight of your wax. For example, if you’re using 16 ounces of wax (1 pound), this will be your base.
- Step 2: Multiply the weight of your wax by the desired fragrance load percentage. For example:
- 6% fragrance load: 16 ounces x 0.06 = 0.96 ounces of oil.
- 10% fragrance load: 16 ounces x 0.10 = 1.6 ounces of oil.
3. Recommended Oil Percentages by Wax Type
| Wax Type | Recommended Oil Percentage |
|---|---|
| Soy Wax | 6-10% |
| Paraffin Wax | 8-10% |
| Beeswax | 5-7% |
| Coconut Wax | 8-12% |
| Gel Wax | 3-5% |
Note: These percentages are just guidelines. Some waxes can hold more oil, but exceeding the recommended amount can lead to performance issues.
How many drops of essential oil are for making candle
For essential oils, it’s generally recommended to use 30-40 drops of oil per 8 ounces of wax. However, the exact amount may vary depending on the strength of the oil and the desired scent level.
Our top choice of essential oil is Laguna Moon essential oil. It includes 20 -10 ml pieces of organic oil. These include bergamot, cedar, chamomile, cinnamon, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, orange, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, vanilla, and vetiver oils.
How many drops of fragrance oil are for making candle
For fragrance oils, the general rule is to use a 6-10% fragrance load, which means adding 1-1.5 ounces of fragrance oil per pound of wax. Again, the exact amount may vary depending on the specific fragrance oil and the desired scent level.
Our top choice of fragrance oil is P&J Happy Set of 6 Premium Fragrance Oil. It includes 6-1o ml pieces. These include Root Beer, Watermelon, Banana, Strawberry Lemonade, Orangesicle, and Bubble Gum.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Oil to Your Candles
Step 1: Melt Your Wax
- Use a double boiler to melt your wax gently. Avoid direct heat as it can scorch the wax and affect its scent-holding properties.
- Heat the wax to the recommended melting temperature (usually around 170-180°F for most waxes).
Step 2: Measure Your Oil
- Using a digital scale, accurately measure the amount of oil based on your desired fragrance load.
- For example, if using 1 pound of soy wax with a 10% fragrance load, measure out 1.6 ounces of fragrance oil.
Step 3: Add the Oil at the Right Temperature
- The optimal temperature for adding oils is typically around 170°F. Adding oil at this temperature ensures the wax fully absorbs the scent without it evaporating.
- Stir the oil thoroughly for at least 2 minutes to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4: Pour Your Candle
- Once the oil is thoroughly mixed, pour the wax into your candle containers.
- Allow the candles to cure for 24-48 hours before burning to enhance the scent throw.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much Oil
- While it might be tempting to add extra oil for a stronger scent, exceeding the recommended oil load can cause issues like sweating (when oil seeps out of the candle) or poor burning.
- Adding Oil at the Wrong Temperature
- If the wax is too hot, the oil may evaporate, resulting in a weaker scent. If it’s too cool, the oil may not fully bind with the wax.
- Not Stirring Enough
- Inadequate stirring can lead to an uneven scent distribution, causing some parts of the candle to be more fragrant than others.
Tips for Enhancing Scent Throw
- Use High-Quality Oils: Not all oils are created equal. Invest in high-quality fragrance or essential oils for the best results.
- Let Your Candles Cure: Allow your candles to cure for at least a couple of days before burning. This helps the scent bind better with the wax, resulting in a stronger throw.
- Choose the Right Wick: A properly sized wick ensures your candle burns evenly, which can improve scent dispersion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Mix Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils?
Yes, you can blend essential oils with fragrance oils to create unique scents. Just be mindful of the total oil percentage to avoid overloading the wax.
2. Why Doesn’t My Candle Smell Strong Enough?
This could be due to using too little oil, not curing your candles long enough, or using a wax type that doesn’t hold scent well.
3. How Can I Make My Candles Smell Stronger?
Try increasing the fragrance load up to the maximum your wax can handle, or experiment with different oils and waxes.
Conclusion
Understanding how much oil to use in candle making is key to creating beautifully scented candles that burn well and last longer. Whether you’re using fragrance oils or essential oils, getting the right ratio can make all the difference. Remember to experiment with different waxes, oils, and techniques to find what works best for you.
Happy candle making! 🕯️✨
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