The Science Behind Candle Fragrance Throw: Cold and Hot Scent Explained
When it comes to candle-making, achieving the perfect scent throw is essential for a product that customers will love and buy again. But what exactly is scent throw, and how can you improve it? In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind cold and hot fragrance throws and share tips for creating candles with powerful scents.
What Is Fragrance Throw?
Fragrance throw refers to how well a candle emits its scent into the surrounding space. It comes in two types: cold throw and hot throw. Both are equally important for creating a successful candle.
Cold Throw Explained
Cold throw refers to the strength of a candle’s fragrance when it’s unlit. This is the first impression your candle will make on customers as they open the packaging or smell it on display. High-quality fragrance oils, like those from FizzleMeThat, are essential for achieving a strong cold throw because they contain concentrated scent compounds that can be detected even before the candle is burned.
Hot Throw Explained
Hot throw is the fragrance strength when the candle is lit and melting. The heat causes the wax to release the fragrance molecules into the air, which fills the room with scent. The hot throw can make or break a candle's performance, especially if the fragrance fades quickly or isn't noticeable.
How to Improve Fragrance Throw
Improving both cold and hot throw in your candles involves a combination of using the right fragrance oil, proper wax, and balanced production techniques.
- Choosing the Right Fragrance Oil: Using premium oils like those from FizzleMeThat ensures that your candles have a high scent concentration. Oils such as Black Raspberry Vanilla and Baccarat Rouge 540 Type are popular for their strong, long-lasting scents.
- Wax Selection: Different waxes hold fragrances differently. For example, soy wax is a popular choice for its eco-friendly properties and ability to hold fragrance oils well, though it may require a higher fragrance load to achieve a strong scent throw.
- Fragrance Load: The fragrance load refers to the percentage of fragrance oil used in the candle compared to the wax. Too little oil results in a weak scent, while too much can cause burning issues. Generally, 6-10% fragrance oil by weight is ideal for most candles.
- Proper Curing Time: Letting your candles cure for at least 48 hours allows the fragrance to fully bind to the wax, ensuring a stronger scent throw when the candle is burned.
Common Mistakes That Impact Fragrance Throw
Even experienced candle makers can make mistakes that affect the scent throw. Here are some common errors to avoid:
- Overheating the Wax: Adding fragrance oil at too high a temperature can cause the scent to dissipate before the candle has even cooled.
- Incorrect Wick Size: Using the wrong wick can result in uneven burning, which may prevent the fragrance from fully dispersing.
- Low-Quality Fragrance Oils: Cheap fragrance oils often lack the complex scent molecules needed for a strong throw. Always invest in high-quality fragrance oils like those offered by FizzleMeThat.
Conclusion
Understanding the science behind cold and hot throws is key to creating candles that perform well and satisfy your customers. By choosing the right fragrance oils, using the proper wax, and allowing adequate curing time, you can ensure your candles have a strong and lasting scent throw. Invest in quality products from FizzleMeThat to guarantee that your candles smell amazing, both lit and unlit.