Ever made a soy candle that smelled amazing in the jar but barely had any scent when burning? Getting the perfect balance of hot and cold scent throw is the secret to a truly luxurious candle. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create soy candles with incredible fragrance, every time.
Soy candle making is both an art and a science. One of the most important aspects of crafting a high-quality candle is achieving the best possible scent throw. Scent throw refers to how well the fragrance disperses into the air, and it comes in two forms: hot and cold.
Cold scent throw is the fragrance a candle emits when unlit, which determines its initial appeal. Hot scent throw is the aroma released when the candle is burning, filling the space with fragrance. Balancing both is key to creating a well-performing candle.
Table of Contents
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Measuring Wax and Fragrance for Maximum Scent Throw
When I first started making candles, I assumed that adding more fragrance oil would make the scent stronger. However, I quickly learned that this isn’t the case—sometimes, less is more. Overloading a soy candle with fragrance oil can lead to poor wax binding, sweating, and even a weaker scent throw. Through testing, I found that balancing the fragrance load within the recommended range is the key to achieving a strong, long-lasting aroma.
To determine the amount of wax needed, fill your jar with wax flakes up to the desired level, then repeat at a slightly lower level to estimate the weight. Once measured, weigh the wax for accuracy.
Each type of soy wax has a maximum fragrance load, which is the highest percentage of fragrance oil it can hold. Your fragrance oil also has a minimum and maximum usage rate. My soy wax has a max fragrance load of 10% and your fragrance oil allows 3-10%, you can safely use up to 10% fragrance oil in your wax. Testing different fragrance loads (such as 8%, 9%, and 10%) helps determine the best balance for scent throw.
Melting, Mixing & Wick Placement
Using a double boiler setup, gently melt the wax over low heat, stirring regularly. A slow, even melt ensures better fragrance integration and reduces imperfections. While the wax melts, adhere the wick to the center of the jar using a heat gun or wick stickers. Wick size is crucial—too small, and the candle won’t burn evenly; too large, and it may burn too hot and produce soot.
Once fully melted, remove the wax from heat and allow it to cool to approximately 160°F before adding the fragrance oil. Stir thoroughly for at least two minutes to ensure the fragrance binds properly with the wax. This step is critical—if not mixed well, scent distribution will be uneven.
Pouring & Curing for the Best Results
At around 140°F or lower, slowly pour the wax into your jar, keeping the pour close to the jar’s surface to prevent air bubbles. Let the candle sit undisturbed until fully set.
Curing is essential for fragrance development. Let your soy candles cure for at least 24 to 48 hours, though some candle makers prefer waiting up to two weeks for the best scent throw. Store your candles in a cool, dark place during this time to enhance fragrance bonding.
Pro Tips for a Stronger Scent Throw:
✅ Use high-quality fragrance oils specifically designed for candle making.
✅ Let your candles cure for at least a week to enhance hot throw.
✅ Stir fragrance in for at least two minutes to ensure even distribution.
✅ Always use the correct wick size for your jar to avoid tunneling or weak burn.
✅ Keep your fragrance load within the wax’s recommended range—too much oil can cause burning issues.
Avoid These Common Candle Making Mistakes:
- Weak Scent Throw: Ensure proper fragrance load, thorough mixing, and adequate curing time.
- Tunneling: Burn the candle long enough on the first burn to form a full melt pool.
- Frosting: A natural soy wax characteristic. Using a lower pour temperature can help reduce it.
- Sinkholes: Stir wax thoroughly and pour at the correct temperature to prevent them.
Essential Candle Making Tools
- Pouring Pot – For melting and pouring wax.
- Double Boiler – Ensures even heating.
- Wick Stickers or Holders – Keeps the wick centered.
- Thermometer – Measures wax temperature before adding fragrance.
- Scale – Ensures accurate measurement of wax and fragrance oil.
- Heat Gun – Fixes surface imperfections.
How to Make a Strong-Scented Soy Candle: Maximize Hot & Cold Throw
Ingredients
- 117 grams Soy Wax
- 9.36-11.7 grams Fragrance Oil
- Wick
Instructions
- Measure Your Wax: Fill your candle jar with wax flakes (1 1/2 times) to estimate the required amount, then weigh for accuracy.
- Determine Fragrance Load: Check the max fragrance load for your soy wax and fragrance oil (e.g., 10% max for wax, 3-10% for oil).
- Melt the Wax: Use a double boiler and heat gently over low heat, stirring regularly.
- Prepare the Wick: While the wax melts, secure the wick to the center of the jar using a heat gun or wick sticker.
- Cool the Wax: Remove from heat and let it cool to 160°F before adding fragrance.
- Mix in Fragrance Oil: Stir thoroughly for at least two minutes to ensure even distribution.
- Add Color (Optional): Mix in dye if using.
- Pour the Wax: At 140°F or lower, slowly pour the wax into the jar to prevent air bubbles and frosting.
- Let the Candle Set: Allow it to cool and solidify undisturbed.
- Cure for Best Scent Throw: Let your candle cure for 24-48 hours or up to two weeks for a stronger hot throw.
- Trim the Wick & Enjoy: Trim the wick to ¼ inch before burning for a clean, even burn.
Final Thoughts
Achieving a strong scent throw takes experimentation with fragrance load, wax type, and curing time. By carefully measuring, melting, and mixing, you can create beautifully scented soy candles that enhance any space.
Have you tried making your own soy candles? Share your favorite scent combinations in the comments!
Happy candle making!