Scent throw problems

[Alissa]

Despite using good quality fragrances and adding everything at the correct temperature, getting a good hot throw has been very hit and miss for me. Many times I end up with great tarts but candles with little or no throw. I'm so frustrated. I've been working with both soy and paraffin wax. Does anyone have any advice? I really don't know what to try next!

Thank you!!

[TallTayl]

What kind of wax, wick, fragrance. Any dyes? What type and size of container? How long did you let the candles cure before testing?

 

chandling is as much a science as it is art. Quite a few variables work together to create a perfect burn.

[soshiegirl]

5 hours ago, TallTayl said:

What kind of wax, wick, fragrance. Any dyes? What type and size of container? How long did you let the candles cure before testing?

 

chandling is as much a science as it is art. Quite a few variables work together to create a perfect burn.

Alissa,

I hear your frustrations but TallTayl is correct.  There are so many frustrating variables with candles that it can make you crazy.  If you list what you use, perhaps we can jump in and help out.

[Trappeur]

Yep, I agree also with TT.

 

Trappeur

[Alissa]

8 hours ago, TallTayl said:

What kind of wax, wick, fragrance. Any dyes? What type and size of container? How long did you let the candles cure before testing?

 

chandling is as much a science as it is art. Quite a few variables work together to create a perfect burn.

 

Well, I sometimes use natural soy (in which case I cure for at least four days but have waited up to a week) and sometimes I use paraffin Problend 400 (in which case I let cure for two or three days or longer)  I usually use a lb of wax at a time with an oz of fragrance and 4-7 drops of liquid dye (though once I made some soy candles without the dye - that happens to be a time that went well). I did try and ounce and a half once with the Problend because it has vybar and can handle more FO. It didn't help. I've used a few different containers but recently I've been using 8oz glass jars with HTP73 wicks, though I've used the Premier series too. I use FO from The Flaming Candle a lot, but also sometimes from Peak or Save on Scents. I use the extra wax after pouring candles to make tarts that usually work a lot better, smell wise, than the candles themselves. If you have any advice, I'd really appreciate it! I don't know what to try next and I'm frustrated! Thanks so much!!

[coconut]

Where are you testing the candle? Air conditioning can really affect scent throw.

[birdcharm]

I looked up the Problend 400 and it said that up to 10-12% fragrance load is possible ... so @Alissa, when you used 1.5 oz/lb., there still wasn't much for scent throw?  Do you remember which scent that was with?

 

 

[Alissa]

Hey guys. I've been testing the candles in my bedroom and I had the heat on usually but never air conditioning.

 

The 1.5 oz didn't help, though some of the candles I've made with 1 oz that threw pretty well. Hit and miss. The scent was mostly Chardonnay with a little bit of forever red. Pretty strong scent and very strong tarts. 

[soshiegirl]

Sometimes soy can be a prickly product to work with.  What temps are you using when you add fragrance?

[TallTayl]

To be quite honest, it will be difficult for anyone to offer real, helpful advice without settling into a system.

 

Pick one wax, wick type, container and fragrance. Perfecting candles takes consistency.

we can advise which wick size, heating/cooling techniques, etc. to start with once you settle on the container and wax. 

[birdcharm]

It is a bit puzzling since there is throw in Alissa's melts with the same wax and scent.  Beyond wicks, sometimes containers that are more narrow than wide may not offer as much throw due to a smaller melt pool ... maybe this combo of wax, scent, and wick aren't performing well in that particular container ...?

[TallTayl]

50 minutes ago, birdcharm said:

It is a bit puzzling since there is throw in Alissa's melts with the same wax and scent.  Beyond wicks, sometimes containers that are more narrow than wide may not offer as much throw due to a smaller melt pool ... maybe this combo of wax, scent, and wick aren't performing well in that particular container ...?

this just indicates something is wrong in the candle system. i have had enough throw to push me out of a room with a well made tea light, so, not it is not just about the melt pool. It is about getting that fragrance boosted into the air efficiently. without starting out methodically, the likelihood of hitting the target's bullseye is like shooting blindfolded with blanks.

[Alissa]

I've been using the 8oz jars with the HTP73 wicks and most often with the problend 400 wax. I've used different scents and sometimes I get a great throw but most of the time I don't. I've studied the best way to do this and kept notes on what I've done. Still, I'm doing something that's not working.

 

When I try soy wax I add FO at about 185 degrees. 

 

Thanks everyone. Please let me know if you can think of anything worth trying. I don't know what to try that might help.

[coconut]

Is the Problend series of wax exclusive to Flaming candle? Perhaps try one of the IGI waxes. The 4630 always threw well for me although it did not wick well with every scent. In those cases I switched to J50. The Problend 400 seems to have a higher melt point. This is s shot in the dark but could the FO be burning up before it throws at that high temp? IGI has a lot of R&D in their wax. The soft container waxes they make could not be used for melts. Also I don't know if a forced air heating system affects throw like A/C can as we rarely need heat where I live.