Does curing make the scent stronger?

Yes! Most candles need to cure for 1-2 weeks before burning. This allows the fragrance oil to completely bind with the wax crystals, resulting in a stronger 'hot throw' (the smell when burning).

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Fragrance Oil Calculator

Calculate how much fragrance oil to add to your candle wax. Calculate exactly how much oil to use for the perfect throw.

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Total Wax Weight(oz)

Fragrance Load(%)

Cold Throw vs Hot Throw

Cold Throw (CT)

How the candle smells when it is completely solid, unlit, and just sitting on a table.

✓ Important for selling in stores (this is what customers smell first).
✓ Evaporates slowly over the life of the candle.

Hot Throw (HT)

How strongly the candle fragrance fills the room while the wick is actively burning.

✓ The true test of a successfully made candle.
✓ Relies heavily on proper cure time (1-2 weeks for soy).

What is a Flashpoint?

You might notice that every fragrance oil has a "Flashpoint" listed on the bottle (usually between 130°F and 200°F). A flashpoint is the temperature at which the liquid vaporizes enough to ignite if exposed to an open flame.

Myth busted: Adding oil at the flashpoint!

Many beginners think they must add the fragrance BELOW the flashpoint or it will "burn off." This is false. Unless you are throwing a lit match into the pot, your fragrance oil will bind perfectly. Most pros add fragrance around 180°F to 185°F regardless of the flashpoint to ensure it bonds with the wax molecules properly!

How to Measure Fragrance Oil

Always measure fragrance oil by weight, not by volume (fluid ounces/spoons). Different fragrance oils have drastically different densities. 1 fl oz of vanilla might weigh far more than 1 fl oz of a citrus oil. Using a scale guarantees consistency.

What is Scent Load?

Scent load is the percentage of fragrance oil compared to the wax base. An 8% load is the industry standard for strongly scented candles. Never exceed the maximum fragrance load for your specific wax (usually 10-12%), as excess oil can weep out of the wax or become a fire hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

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