How to make a strong scented candle?

I know how to make scented candles but is it just me or do they not smell strong enough? I have had several disappointments and know that I’m following the directions precisely. The conclusion that I have drawn is that the companies I’m buying from just don’t make them strong enough.

I know you can kill the smell if you overheat the wax but I swear I’m not doing that. Apparently if you add too much scent it can make the candle burn poorly, so what’s the solution? Other people manage to make strong smelling candles. I probably sound a bit sucky but it does get frustrating when you spend money on something and then it doesn’t work out how you hoped.

Starla and Lisa’s Candle Making site has taught me a lot and they seem to know what they’re doing so maybe I should try buying scents from them. It says that they’re from high quality candle making oils and will give me the hot and cold scent throws I’ve been looking for. They definitely have a point about buying supplies from someone who makes candles and knows and not someone who just sells the supplies. I’ll keep you posted on my next scent quest.

I am sick of these lame soft scents so am on a mission to find out where to find the strong ones. Any input is much appreciated. Does anyone have a secret formula?

By SandraW

Comments

17 Comments so far

How to make a strong scented candle? · Craft Gossip :: Craft Blog Network on July 18, 2007 9:55 pm
[...] Read the full post: How to make a strong scented candle? [...]
LOL on July 19, 2007 2:29 pm
just use incense
Bill on July 24, 2007 5:00 pm
try one of these candles if you are looking for strong fresh scents.

http://www.cozyilluminations.com
SandraW on July 24, 2007 5:48 pm
Why, thank you Bill I will. It looks like a fun site to browse too. I appreciate you sharing.
Bill on July 24, 2007 8:22 pm
np any time

If you are trying to make your own candles using soy, to get the best possible scent throw cold or hot try getting the wax to around 170 degrees when you add in the aroma.( this helps attach the aroma to the wax, and will prevent weeping candles) Another important thing to keep in mind is to use enough scent this was a mistake I was making in my first few candles you want to use around 1 to 1.75 ounces per pound of wax. most of the strong soy scented candles on the market today use around 1.5 ounces of scent. A triple scented candle uses 1.9 ounces to 2.0 ounces per pound of soy. There is a very fine line in how much scent a candle will hold, and it all depends on the blend of wax you are using. (If you use to much aroma per pound your candle will weep, seperate and drown the flame, which causes a dirty burn fire hazzards ect ect not to mention is a waste of aroma oil) Each wax blend will give you instructions on how much to use.

I hope this helps aswell
Enjoy
Http://www.cozyilluminations.com
SandraW on July 24, 2007 9:28 pm
That is most helpful Bill. It sounds like you get better at it through trial and error to a certain extent so that’s encouraging.

I do think I have been nervous about using too much because of all of all the warnings on the labels not to go over a certain amount per pound.

Thanks again.
Evelyn on February 13, 2008 10:18 am
Can you please direct me on how to find a website that provides recipes for home made Aromatherapy/or/holistic candles. and the best place to buy affordable supply.

thank you
SandraW on February 16, 2008 10:04 pm
Evelyn, I’m not ignoring you but have not found too many people giving detailed recipes. I will keep searching and experimenting, although might not be a bad idea to get a book with recipes either.
sweetsxyred35 on March 20, 2009 9:13 am
Try using Coconut Oil to assist with a stronger scent throw in soy and soy blend container waxes. It also helps candles to cure faster to achieve better scent throw sooner.

The Melting Point of this Coconut Oil is 76 degrees. So it will get hard or turn to a solid when the temperature gets below 76 degrees. Place the container of Coconut Oil in a warm bath of water for a few minutes to turn it back to a liquid.

Recommended Usage rate – 1/2 teaspoon to 1/2 tablespoon per pound of wax (3% to 5% average usage)
Rachel on September 18, 2011 8:15 am
I have been heating my wax to 170-180 and then adding my dye and oil at 175 but when they burn or I put in a tart warmer I cant smell the scent. I can smell in the candle but cant smell it when it is burning. Could someone please give me some insite on it.
Thanks
dare2Bnatural on November 23, 2011 11:22 pm
please let me know the instructions to making a strong scented candle that burns properly whenever you find out
Jim RS on January 28, 2012 6:18 pm
I will have someone (probably one of my daughter’s) measure everything that I do NEXT batch…….then I’ll post it here…….. K?
Sharon on April 13, 2012 1:33 pm
I buy all my fragrance scents from http://www.makescentscandles.com. they are located in PATASKALA, OH. You only need 1oz fragrance oil to 1 lb wax and it ALWAYS throws a great scent and they carry any and all fragrances you can think of.
amanda on April 22, 2012 6:51 pm
What kinds of scents are you using? Some scents just seem to have a tendency to be stronger. For instance, I made a sage and lemongrass candle that smelled very strong and lovely, then tried to make a lavender candle using the same specifications and soy wax and I can hardly smell it unless I’m right on top of it. I’m no expert (I’ve been making candles for a little more than a year, just for myself and as gifts) but Peak is where I got my scents and a lot of my info:)
amanda on April 22, 2012 6:53 pm
Also, I came across this while searching to solve my not-so-smelly lavender dilemma: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111215073918AAS7sFn Maybe I/ we need to let the wax cool to a lower temperature? It’s worth a shot.
heidigustad on April 24, 2012 6:01 pm
Thanks, Amanda! This was really helpful – email me at candlemaking[at]craftgossip[dot]com if you have more tips to share too. I’m always looking for tips and tricks.
-Heidi, Craft Gossip Candle Making Editor
Joe on January 25, 2013 12:23 pm
Hello Im going off this topic a bit but i have a question on how do i even start making a candle. How do i know how much to add what to add whats the right candle wick should i use. Im a complete ROOKIE!!!! Please help thansk!!