The amount of candle oil (fragrance) to use depends on the desired scent strength for your candle. Based on industry standards, specific ratios of fragrance oil per pound of wax are recommended.
Standard Fragrance Load
According to the provided reference, the widely accepted amount for a standard level of scent is 0.5 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax. This ratio provides a noticeable scent throw without being overwhelming for most users and wax types.
Customizing Your Scent Strength
If you desire a stronger scent, you can increase the amount of fragrance oil used per pound of wax. The reference outlines amounts for enhanced scent levels:
- Double-Scenting: Use 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax. This doubles the standard amount, resulting in a more prominent scent.
- Triple-Scenting: You can use 1.5 ounces of fragrance per pound of wax. This level provides the strongest possible scent throw recommended within these standard guidelines.
These ratios are a common starting point in candle making and allow makers to achieve different scent intensities.
Fragrance Oil Ratios Summary
Here's a breakdown of the amounts per pound of wax:
| Desired Scent Strength | Amount of Fragrance Oil (per pound of wax) |
|---|---|
| Standard | 0.5 ounces |
| Double-Scenting | 1.0 ounces |
| Triple-Scenting | 1.5 ounces |
Factors to Consider
While these ratios are standard guidelines, the optimal amount can sometimes vary slightly depending on factors like:
- Type of Wax: Different waxes (soy, paraffin, coconut, blends) have varying capacities for holding fragrance oil.
- Type of Fragrance Oil: Some oils are stronger than others.
- Desired Scent Throw: Personal preference plays a role in how strong you want the scent to be.
Always measure your fragrance oil carefully by weight for consistency and best results. Adding too much fragrance oil beyond the recommended ratios can sometimes negatively affect the candle's burn performance.
