Adding fragrances and colors is what makes a candle special and gives it a unique character. Whether you're making candles for personal use or for sale, adding essential oils and colors correctly helps you create stunning candles that will impress everyone who sees and smells them. In this lesson, we'll guide you through the best ways to add fragrances and colors to candles to ensure perfect results every time.

1. Choosing the right essential oils

A. Types of essential oils

There are two main types of oils you can use in candles: essential oils and fragrance oils. The choice depends on your preferences and the results you want to achieve.

• Essential oils : Extracted from plants, they are natural and pure. Ideal if you want natural candles with therapeutic benefits.
• Essential oils : These are usually made from chemicals and come in a wide variety of scents. They are characterized by their high concentration and long-lasting fragrance, and are most commonly used in candle making.

b. Choosing the right oils for wax

When choosing essential oils, be sure to select those specifically formulated for candle making. These oils withstand the high temperatures of molten wax and release their fragrance effectively when the candle is lit.

• Tip : Make sure to read the labels on essential oils to check that they are safe to use in candles.

2. How to add fragrances to candles

A. The appropriate amount of perfume

The amount of essential oil you add depends on the type of wax used. A general rule is to use between 6% and 10% of the wax's weight.

• Soy wax : It absorbs fragrance well, so you can add 8-10% of the wax weight.
• Paraffin wax : It is preferable to add a lower percentage, ranging between 6-8% of the weight of the wax.
• Gel wax : requires a low percentage, ranging between 3-5% of the wax weight.

b. Optimal temperature for adding fragrance

To ensure that the fragrance remains in the candle without evaporating, it should be added at the right time when the wax is at the optimal temperature.

• Recommended temperature : It is best to add fragrance when the wax temperature has dropped to around 65-70°C. If you add fragrance at a higher temperature, the oil may evaporate and the candle will not retain its scent.

c. Stir gently

After adding the essential oil, gently stir the wax with a wooden or silicone spoon to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed. Avoid stirring vigorously to prevent air bubbles from entering the wax.

3. Choosing the right colors for the candles

A. Types of colors used in candles

Candles are available in various colors and shapes, including:

• Colored wax flakes : They consist of colored wax and are easily added to melted wax.
• Liquid dyes : They come in liquid form, and are characterized by being highly concentrated and requiring only a small amount to color the wax.
• Color powder : Add in small quantities and need to be stirred well to ensure the color is evenly distributed.

b. Mixing colors

If you want unique colors, you can mix several colors together. Try mixing the colors in small quantities before adding them to the wax to achieve the desired result.

• Tip : Remember that the final color of the candle may be lighter than what you see when mixing colors in melted wax, so add the color gradually until you reach the desired shade.

4. How to add colors to wax

A. The appropriate amount of color

You don't need a lot of color to get a rich color. Start by adding a small amount, then add more if needed.

• Tip : When using liquid dyes, add only a few drops and stir the wax. You can always add more if you want a more intense color.

b. Optimal temperature for adding color

It is best to add color when the wax reaches a temperature between 70-80 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the color mixes well with the wax without clumping.

c. Stir to ensure even distribution

Stir the wax gently after adding the color to ensure it's evenly distributed. Avoid stirring vigorously to prevent air bubbles from entering.

5. Additional tips for making perfect scented and colored candles

• Test the fragrance and color : Before pouring the wax into the molds, you can pour a small amount into a test mold to test the color and fragrance after cooling.
• Experimentation is important : In the beginning, try small amounts of perfumes and colors until you master the proportions that suit you and achieve the desired result.
• Use essential oils carefully : When using natural essential oils, choose oils that can withstand high temperatures and have a strong scent to ensure the fragrance remains in the candle.

Conclusion

Adding fragrances and colors to candles is a fun process that gives your candles a personal and unique touch. By using the right essential oils, carefully selecting colors, and controlling the temperature when adding them, you can create perfect colored and scented candles. Remember that experimentation is part of the joy of candle making, so don't be afraid to try new and different combinations!