In part one of this blog series, Candle Fragrance, and their Role in Combustion, Wicks Unlimited explored natural and synthetic fragrances and the different notes within the fragrance pyramid. To achieve optimal combustion in candle systems with high levels of fragrance, each part of the candle system, including the wick, wax, sustainer, and container, must work in harmony with the natural or synthetic fragrance powders or essential oils. In part two of this blog series, the experts at Wicks Unlimited further explore candle fragrances and their role in combustion and solve common issues caused by high fragrance levels. These include corrosion and oxidation of the metal wick sustainer, little to no scent throw, and clogged and degraded candle wick caused by particular fragrances.
Issue: Corrosion and Oxidation of the Metal Wick Sustainer
Solution: Wicks Unlimited Tin-Coated Metal Wick Sustainer
Corrosion and oxidation of the metal wick sustainer is a reasonably common issue encountered by candle manufacturers. Certain waxes, fragrances, and essential oil blends can contain raw materials that corrode steel and other metals often used to manufacture candle sustainers. While manufacturers can work with their candle wax and fragrance suppliers to try and prevent corrosion and oxidation, it is easier to partner with an experienced candle sustainer manufacturer like Wicks Unlimited to solve this issue. All of our metal candle sustainers, including regular length, safety length, self-centering, and wood wick clips, are manufactured from 0.254 mm thick tin-coated steel. Since tin is highly inert to acids, bases, and solvents, often found in synthetic fragrances and essential oils, Wicks Unlimited tin-coated metal candle sustainers inhibit corrosion and oxidation caused by high fragrance levels and essential oils.
- Issue: Little to No Scent Throw
- Solution: Review the Candle Development Process with Wicks Unlimited Technical Service Team.
Little to no scent throw is a topic that the technical service team at Wicks Unlimited receives many questions about. Many variables come into play to achieve the ideal scent throw in finished candles. While the below list is not exhaustive, it is an excellent starting point to start the conversation with the Wicks Unlimited technical services team about your candle having little to no scent throw.
- Type and Size of Candle Wick: Using the correct wick size is vital to achieving an optimized burn and scent throw since it will help achieve the ideal burn pool. Too small of a burn pool will cause a weak scent throw. On the other hand, too large of a burn pool, and the fragrance will evaporate, causing a weak scent throw. Finding the sweet spot to create the ideal burn pool for your particular candle fragrance often depends on the wick size.
- Fragrance Type: Simply put, some fragrances burn easier than others due to their particular molecular structure. Is it a natural or synthetic fragrance? Each fragrance oil is unique. Some are manufactured from natural ingredients with minimal amounts of solvent that tones down the scent. In contrast, others are designed to have a more robust scent profile, as in synthetic fragrances.
- Wax Type: Paraffin, soy, palm, and beeswax are some of the waxes available. The wax selection depends on several factors, including what type of candle you are manufacturing (pillar, container, tealights, and taper) and the level of fragrance you wish to add. Different fragrance oils perform differently depending on the type of wax used. Simply put, certain fragrance oils will not blend with certain waxes. Since different fragrance oils have different molecular structures, some perform better than others, depending on the wax type. While Wicks Unlimited does not make specific wax recommendations, it is well known that paraffin-based waxes provide a better scent than soy waxes.
- The temperature of the Wax When Adding the Fragrance: Candle combustion and the scent throw is an exact science. Adding the fragrance oil to the melted wax at too high a temperature can cause it to evaporate. Alternatively, adding the fragrance at too low a temperature can prevent the fragrance from distributing and binding to the wax. It is essential to review the wax manufacturer’s specifications and recommended temperatures.
Issue: Certain Fragrances Clog and Degrade the Candle Wick
Solution: Partnering with Wicks Unlimited Technical Service Team to Solve Candle Combustion Issues
Sometimes, the wax, wick, and container type perform poorly during the candle development process. Combustion issues caused by fragrances can be challenging to diagnose and solve. It is important to remember that candle combustion is a process that relies on capillary action to draw up melted wax (fuel) to fuel the flame. If this process is compromised, the candle will not perform as expected. While the candle’s flame may begin well, the flame slowly shrinks and then is completely extinguished. Trimming the candle wick does not solve the weak flame profile and sudden extinguishing. High levels of natural or synthetic fragrances can clog and physically damage the wick, permanently altering capillary action and the overall burn characteristics, causing the wick to extinguish.
Partner with the Wicks Unlimited technical service team to solve any of these combustion issues. Once the Wicks Unlimited technicians understand your burn objectives and fragrance expectations, our candle technicians can begin a complimentary, comprehensive analysis. Once the analysis is complete, Wicks Unlimited will make specific wick and sustainer recommendations that meet your burn and fragrance objectives. The importance of testing different wax, wick, fragrance, and container types, cannot be overstated.
Develop the Perfect Scent Throw
Creating a better candle experience with consistent cold and hot scent throw begins with partnering with the combustion experts at Wicks Unlimited. With over 450 different candle wicks, including cored, flat, and square braided wicks, from leading manufacturers such as Atkins & Pearce, Wedo, and Sao Vitor available for waxing, it is no wonder candle manufacturers depend on Wicks Unlimited.
In addition to waxed wick on reels, Wicks Unlimited offers twenty-five (25) unique metal candle wick sustainers with regular and safety neck heights that enable candle manufacturers to create tabbed wicks from waxed wick on reels. To meet the burn and fragrance preferences of end-users at the candle’s end of life, manufacturers can select from either puncture or non-puncture sustainer crimping to create the ultimate candle experience for candles with high fragrance levels. Wicks Unlimited also manufactures and supplies an innovative self-centering sustainer that enables candle manufacturers to “drop and pour” and wick clip assemblies made to your exact wax and wick length specifications. Use the contact form below or call 954-946-3500 to speak with a team member and partner with Wicks Unlimited to develop candles with high levels of fragrance
