What Temperature Do You Add Fragrance To Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin wax is a soft, odorless, waxy solid derived from petroleum, coal or oil shale that consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing between twenty and forty carbon atoms. It has a low melting point and is widely used for making candles, sealing jars, waterproofing fabrics and paper, and in cosmetics, among other purposes.
Adding fragrance to paraffin wax is commonly done to make scented candles or wax melts, provide aromatherapy benefits, or make the wax more pleasant to use in therapeutic treatments. The fragrance oils permeate the wax and are released as the wax melts, infusing rooms or skin with the selected scent.
What is Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft, solid wax substance made from saturated hydrocarbons. It is derived from petroleum through the distillation and purification process (Healthline.com).
Paraffin wax is created as a byproduct when crude oil is refined into gasoline. The crude oil is heated to separate the different components, and the waxy paraffin hydrocarbons are extracted once the oil reaches a certain temperature (MedicalNewsToday.com).
The properties of paraffin wax allow it to be easily shaped when warm and reform when cool. It has a low melting point of around 115-147°F which facilitates easy melting. Paraffin wax is insoluble in water and chemically inert, making it resistant to oxidation (Assh.org).
Overall, paraffin wax is a pliable, odorless, and nontoxic material composed of saturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. Its heat-responsive properties make it useful for a variety of applications.
Uses of Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax has been utilized for a variety of purposes over the years. Some of the most common uses of paraffin wax are in candle making, skin care products, art, and food.
One of the primary uses of paraffin wax is in candle making. The wax produces candles that are glossy, long-lasting, and have a clean burn. Paraffin wax candles burn evenly which provides a consistent flame. The hardness of paraffin allows the wax to hold its shape as the candle burns down. Paraffin wax candles became popular in the 1850s as a replacement for tallow candles (https://blendedwaxes.com/blog/uses-paraffin-wax/).
Paraffin wax is also widely used in beauty and skin care products. It helps lock in moisture and smooth and soften skin. Paraffin wax treatments are commonly used in manicures, pedicures, and spa treatments. The wax helps exfoliate dead skin cells and rejuvenate hands, cuticles, elbows, and feet (https://paraffinwaxco.com/paraffin-wax-application/).
In art, paraffin wax is mixed with mineral oils and used to create encaustic paintings. It is also used for modeling and sculpting. Paraffin’s pliability at warm temperatures makes it an ideal medium for shaping artwork by hand.
Finally, paraffin wax sees some culinary applications. It can coat and seal jellies, jams, and preserves to prevent the food from spoiling. The wax protects from mold growth and oxidation. Paraffin wax is also used to seal bottles of juice, milk or wine.
Adding Fragrance to Paraffin Wax
The primary reason for adding fragrance to paraffin wax is to make candles and other wax products smell nice. The fragrance oils used in candle making contain concentrated aromatic compounds that evaporate when the candle is burned, releasing the scent into the air. This allows candle makers to create candles in a wide variety of appealing scents.
Adding fragrance is one of the most important steps in candle making. Without fragrance, candles would smell neutral and unappealing. The carefully selected scents are a major part of what makes candles enjoyable and can evoke specific moods, memories, seasons, or spaces. Popular fragrance types include floral, fruit, spice, wood, and clean/fresh.
When an appropriate amount of fragrance is added at the right temperature, it binds to the wax molecules evenly and fully releases when the candle burns. This provides the best hot and cold scent throw. An evenly dispersed fragrance also prevents losing scent intensity as the candle burns down.
Besides candles, adding fragrance to paraffin wax is also done when making wax melts, tarts, and other wax-based aromatic products. The scent experience is a key motivation for consumers to purchase these items.
Choosing a Fragrance
When choosing a fragrance for paraffin wax candles, it’s important to select fragrances specifically formulated for candle making. Look for candle fragrance oils that are concentrated and strong enough to scent the wax properly. Some common fragrances used in candle making include:
Floral scents like jasmine, rose, lilac, lavender, etc.(1)
Citrus fragrances such as lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.
Woodsy fragrances like pine, cedar, sandalwood, etc.
Spice fragrances including cinnamon, clove, ginger, etc.
Sweet fragrances like vanilla, sugar cookie, cake, etc.
You’ll need to experiment to find the right fragrance amount for your wax and candle size. A commonly recommended usage rate is around 1 oz of fragrance oil per 1 lb of wax. However, some strong fragrances only require 0.5-0.7 oz per pound. Always test your fragrance percentage on a small batch first.
Adding the Fragrance
Adding fragrance oil to paraffin wax requires a few simple steps:
- Have your paraffin wax melted and at the proper temperature. The recommended temperature to add fragrance oil to paraffin wax is 185-190F (85-88C) according to Lone Star Candle Supply (https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/dos-and-donts-of-candle-making/). This allows the fragrance oil to fully incorporate into the wax.
- Use a scale to carefully measure out the amount of fragrance oil you want to add. A standard ratio is 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. Adjust according to your preferences.
- Once the wax has cooled to the target temperature range, slowly pour the measured fragrance oil into the wax. Carefully stir to fully incorporate the oil.
- Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes to allow the fragrance oil to completely mix in. Stir gently to avoid creating bubbles.
- Allow the wax to slightly cool further, down to 175F (79C). The extra cooling helps set the fragrance oil mixture.
- Carefully pour the fragranced wax into containers or molds. Pour slowly to minimize bubble creation.
- Allow candles to fully cool and cure for 24-48 hours before lighting to allow fragrance to fully set.
Be sure to store fragranced wax properly in an airtight container. Follow all safety precautions when working with hot wax.
Recommended Temperature
The ideal temperature to add fragrance oil to paraffin wax is between 175-185°F (79-85°C). At temperatures lower than 175°F, the fragrance oil may not fully incorporate into the wax. Above 185°F, some of the fragrance compounds may start to evaporate or break down, reducing the intensity and quality of the scent. According to experts, 180°F (82°C) is considered the optimal temperature for adding fragrance to paraffin wax (https://www.whattemperature.net/what-temperature-to-add-fragrance-to-paraffin-wax/).
The temperature affects how well the fragrance oil binds to the wax. If the wax is too cool, the fragrance oil will not properly mix in. If the wax is too hot, the fragrance may burn off or evaporate. Heating the wax to 180°F helps the fragrance oil fully incorporate while minimizing fragrance loss. This allows the maximum amount of fragrance to remain in the wax to provide a strong, long-lasting scent when the candle is burned.
It’s crucial to pay close attention to the wax temperature when adding fragrance. Use an accurate thermometer and heat the wax slowly to bring it to the target temperature range. Maintain this temperature while stirring in the fragrance. Cool the wax down before pouring into the container. Taking these steps will result in evenly scented wax and quality candles.
Storing Paraffin Wax with Fragrance
Proper storage is important for preserving the scent in paraffin wax over time. Some tips for storing paraffin wax with fragrance include:
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Temperatures between 15-25°C/59-77°F are ideal. Exposure to heat and light can cause the fragrance oils to fade or evaporate faster (source).
Use air-tight containers like plastic jars or metal tins with tight lids to prevent fragrance loss. Make sure containers are clean and dry before storing wax (source).
Fill containers fully to minimize air exposure. Pour wax while still warm so it seals around lid when cooled (source).
Avoid transferring wax between containers as this introduces air. Store wax in original pouring container if possible.
Use wax within 1-2 months for best fragrance retention. Write the pour date on containers for reference.
Store different scented waxes separately to prevent fragrance cross-contamination.
Safety Considerations
When handling paraffin wax, proper safety precautions should be taken to avoid potential hazards. According to the Paraffin Wax Safety Data Sheet, paraffin wax fumes can be released when the wax is heated, which can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. Proper ventilation should be ensured when melting paraffin wax, either by working in a well-ventilated area or using a fume hood.
Skin and eye contact with molten paraffin wax can also cause thermal burns, so protective equipment like heat-resistant gloves and safety goggles should be worn. The SDS recommends avoiding prolonged exposure of paraffin wax to skin and washing any exposed areas thoroughly after handling.
Finally, paraffin wax has a high flash point of >204°C (>399°F), but can still ignite at high temperatures. Care should be taken to avoid sources of ignition when melting paraffin wax. With proper handling techniques, paraffin wax can be safely used for many applications.
Summary
Adding fragrance to paraffin wax can allow you to create scented candles, wax melts, or other wax-based products. When adding fragrance, it’s important to choose an oil-based fragrance formulated for candle making and to add it at the proper temperature – usually 170-185°F. Add fragrance at a rate of 1 oz per 1 pound of wax and stir thoroughly to incorporate. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely before burning candles scented with fragrance oils. Store the scented wax in an airtight container away from light and heat to help preserve the fragrance. Overall, adding fragrance allows you to customize paraffin wax to suit your desired scent profile. Just be sure to follow safety precautions and add an appropriate amount of fragrance oil at the right temperature for long-lasting results.
