Candle Scent Problem
Troubleshooting Guide

Scented candles that don't smell when you burn them is a common problem among candle makers. The following explanations will help diagnose and fix scent throw problems. Note that often scent throw problems are caused by a combination of factors. Optimize your scent throw by following all of the following guidelines.

Solid Scents
We have yet to try a solid candle scent that actually works well. Hobbyist grade solid scent blocks are so weak that if you made a candle using nothing but scent blocks, the resulting candle would not throw scent.

Prevention - Use scent oil.

Testing Scent Throw
Making candles desensitizes your nose, and you will not be able to properly evaluate scent throw too soon after making candles (it varies from person to person, but we find it takes about 5 - 7 days to smell normally after making candles).

Prevention - You should always have someone who was not around when you made the candles evaluate the scent throw.

Too Long In The Wax
Adding scent to the wax too early will make your work area smell great, but it will also reduce the scent retained in the finished candle. Every molecule of scent you smell when making candles is one less molecule that will be retained in the finished candle.

Prevention - The scent must be added to the wax just before pouring. The wax should be ready to pour before adding scent. Use the following procedure for best results:

1. Melt the wax.
2. Add any additives needed.
3. Add dye.
4. Bring to desired pouring temperature.
5. Stir in scent oil.
6. Let the wax sit for one minute.
7. Pour the candle.

Additives
We find that one of the many benefits of Vybar is it enhances the scent retention of our candles. An added benefit is that it eliminates any chance of oil mottling when using a full dose of scent oil.

Prevention - For most candle making we recommend the addition of Vybar at 1 level teaspoon per pound of wax in place of stearic.

Melt Pool
Scent throw is based on evaporation. For evaporation to work optimally a large, deep, melt pool is needed. The size of the melt pool that can be supported is determined by the size and style of a candle. Container candles and votives will support a full width, deep melt pool. Pillar candles on the other hand can only support a medium size melt pool. Taper candles will only support such a tiny melt pool that it really doesn't make sense to scent them.

Prevention - The larger the melt pool, the better the scent throw. Don't expect all candle types to perform the same way as far as scent throw. It is also important to make sure the wick is sized correctly to maximize the melt pool supported.

Pouring Temperature
The longer it takes the wax to cool, the less scent will be retained by the finished candle.

Prevention - Always pour at the lowest possible temperature for that type of mold.

Scent Quantity
Using too little scent oil will decrease scent throw. Using too much may ruin the candle.

Prevention - We find that using exactly 1 ounce (by weight) of scent oil works best in almost all instances. If you don't have a scale, 2 Tablespoons of scent oil is almost exactly 1 ounce.

Scent Quality
This is probably the most important factor in scent throw. Unlike humans, all scent oils are not created equal. There are no scent industry standards.

Prevention - Use only top quality, full strength, scent oils. There is a limit to how much oil the wax can hold, so you can't just double up on weak scent.

If this does not help with your problem, please search our knowledgebase. If the answer is not in the knowledgebase, click here to submit your question.

Disclaimer: The information presented here is accurate to the best of my knowledge and common candle making practices as of the time of this writing - January 2006. The author and the publisher accept no liability for the use or misuse of any of the information presented in this article. This article is presented for informational purposes and is used at your own risk.

Author: Bob Sherman

Publisher: Bobby's Craft Boutique Inc.

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