Candle Making

Candles, Techniques and Ideas


CraftGossip.com may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How to make a strong scented candle?

, by . 32 Comments

strong smell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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?

Next Idea:

Comments

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  6. 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

  7. 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.

  8. 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)

  9. 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

  10. please let me know the instructions to making a strong scented candle that burns properly whenever you find out

  11. I will have someone (probably one of my daughter’s) measure everything that I do NEXT batch…….then I’ll post it here…….. K?

  13. 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:)

  15. 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

  16. Hello all, I came across this site after searching and reviewing SEVERAL other candle making sites. There is so much information out there that I now don’t know where to begin. This is something I’ve always had an interest in but have never taken the time. More specifically, I’m interested in making aromatic candles for myself and just to give as gifts. I was just wondering if anyone had an opinion as to where exactly I should start – having never attemped before. My 1st thought was just to order some candle making kit. I’m not a ‘reader’ so to speak but if I have to start with a Candle Making for Dummies – I will 🙂 Any advice? Thanks in advance.

  17. 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!!

  18. Hello I don’t know how to make candles but id love to I love strong scented candles if you want to buy one I totally recommend the celebrating home and gold canyon ones they smell amazing and the scent its pretty strong I can smell it trough all my house! hope it helps. 🙂

  19. You CAN make triple scented candles, I do it all the time and they are amazing.I use soy wax and an additive called Bipol-X which allows you to put a lot more fragrance oil in your candle without it weeping out.I have been using it for years now and it has always been successful,I have customers who wont buy the branded candles and they say mine are soooo much stronger.I didnt intend to sell my candles,but friends and neighbours who have been to my house have asked me for them.My neighbour says she can smell my candles when shes coming up the road if my windows are open.Wish you all good luck,and give it a try.

  20. Hi Shell, I am not sure if you will see or read this but you seem like a bit of a candle pro! I have never made candles before but am wanting to start for my home as I spend a lot of money on candles each month as I burn the at home every day. Are there any pointers/tips etc you are able to offer? I am feeling a bit overwhelmed as to where to start as there is so much info out there and so many opinions!

    Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

    Best regards
    Mikaila

  22. have the same problem!! If I haven’t spent over $800.00 trying out the different scents within the past 6 months, I haven’t spent a penny. I prefer the soy and organic palm wax over any other waxes and just cant get a strong smelling candle with neither wax. Can you help???I pour my scent at 160.

  23. @shell, I purchase my supplies from Natures Garden and they do not carry Bipol X. do you mind telling me who you buy your supplies from and how much Bipol X you add per lb of soy wax???
    Thanks a million

  24. Hi! I’m really interested in making candles for my home and was wondering if anyone on this post would be generous enough to email me with some how-to’s. I know that’s asking a lot but I would really appreciate it if anyone could spare a little time and guidance!

    My email is peltomega@yahoo.com

    🙂 thank you so much!!

  25. I dont know if anyone suggested this or not yet, but Goosecreek….omg I cant tell you how amazing their products are. pricy…but oh so worth every cent. they last forever and the scents are strong and amazing smelling. they really have an “eat me” smell t them and if it wasnt dangerous I probably would lol. http://www.liverandomlysimple.com 🙂

  26. I use essential oils with soy wax in my candles. Ive found that using the “recommended” parts per cup of wax is not enough. Aroma therapy candles seem to be trial and error, i made a rosemary candle that i used the parts per cup and it was wimpy. I made a eucalyptus candle and doubled the p.p.c. and its fragrant unburned. My next candle is a sage candle. We have a sage bush in the garden that i will be drying and crushing the leaves into powder to add along with the oil. If you would like to email me i can let you know how i do mine. Ive been making candles using essential oils for about 8 months now maybe a little longer and through trial and error think i may have the mixture for a few oils. Some oils are stronger than others.

  27. Jesse, could you please give me your email? I’ve just started making my soy candles with essential oils and I’m getting no sent throw. I desperately need help. Thanks!

  31. Hello candlemakers! I make palm candles every Christmas so I am not on top of things all year- so I was SO BUMMED to just find out that MAKES SCENTS from Pataskala, Ohio is GONE! I got most of my scents there for I think 10 years or so. They were al really strong & most places I sample from they are weak so I cannot find where to order from now & on short notice. I get a few from Nature’s Garden, but I tried & did not like their Nag Champa & I am looking for a good one- nice & sweet & not overly musky. Does anyone know where I can order scents from now where they are all STRONG/CONCENTRATED? Also a good Nag Champa? I am on the east coast btw, not that it matters. Thank you, Tara

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply

Have you read?