scented candles

Candle making guide covering waxes, wicks, fragrance throw and wax pools

Candle Making Guide: Waxes, Wicks, Fragrance Throw, Wax Pools and Common Problems

Dr. Soma Datta / October 28, 2026

Learn the fundamentals of candle making, including wax types, wick selection, fragrance throw, wax-pool formation, tunnelling and common burning problems.

candle making, candle making basics, candle making guide, candle problems, candle tunnelling, candle wax, candle wick, Fragrance Throw, scented candles, wax pool

Soy wax vs beeswax vs paraffin wax comparison for candle making

Speciality Course

Soy Wax vs Beeswax vs Paraffin Wax: What Is the Difference?

Dr. Soma Datta / October 28, 2026

Soy wax, beeswax and paraffin wax behave differently in candles. Learn how they compare in origin, firmness, fragrance throw and candle applications.

beeswax, candle making, candle making waxes, candle materials, candle wax, candle wax comparison, Fragrance Throw, paraffin wax, scented candles, soy wax

A scented candle can appear weak for several different reasons. The problem is not always that too little fragrance was used. The wax may not have formed a sufficient melt pool, the wick may be unsuitable for the candle's width, or the type of wax itself may give a different fragrance performance. First Check Whether the Candle Has Had Time to Melt A newly lit candle cannot be judged immediately. While the candle is still mostly solid, you may be able to smell it when you bring it close to your nose, but that is its cold throw. Hot throw develops as the candle burns and the wax around the wick becomes liquid. A broad candle may need more time than a narrow candle to develop this melted surface. Look at the Melted Surface If the candle has been burning but only a tiny circle around the wick has melted, that can explain weak aroma. There simply is not much melted wax contributing to the fragrance throw. This is why a fragrance issue can sometimes be a wick issue. A wick that is too small for a broad candle may produce a narrow melt pool and eventually cause the candle to become hollow through the centre. Wax Choice Also Changes Fragrance Performance The workshop compares paraffin, soy and beeswax and notes that they do not all throw fragrance in exactly the same way. Paraffin is described as giving a stronger aroma throw, while soy and beeswax give a more moderate fragrance performance. This is one reason candle makers sometimes consider wax characteristics alongside fragrance when designing a scented candle. Essential Oil and Candle Fragrance Do Not Smell Equally Strong The scent material itself also matters. Essential oils are described in the workshop as giving a subtler, milder aroma. Synthetic candle fragrances generally provide a stronger scent. So a candle made with essential oil should not automatically be expected to smell identical to a candle made with a stronger candle fragrance. Do Not Diagnose Every Weak Candle the Same Way When a candle does not seem fragrant enough, look at the whole product before deciding what is wrong. Ask: Has it formed a useful wax pool? Is the wick suitable for the width? Is the candle tunnelling? What type of wax is being used? Is the scent coming from an essential oil or a stronger candle fragrance? A good scented candle depends on these elements working together. Simply adding more fragrance is not always the correct diagnosis.

Speciality Course

Why Is My Scented Candle Not Giving Enough Fragrance?

Dr. Soma Datta / October 28, 2026

A scented candle may seem weak because the wax pool is too small, the wick is not suitable, or the wax and fragrance type behave differently. Learn what to check first.

candle aroma, candle fragrance throw, candle making, candle troubleshooting, candle wax pool, candle wick, hot throw, scented candle fragrance, scented candles, weak candle scent

Speciality Course

Why Does a Candle Need a Proper Wax Pool?

Dr. Soma Datta / October 28, 2026

A proper wax pool helps a candle burn more evenly and supports better fragrance throw. Learn why an undersized melt pool can lead to tunnelling and weak scent performance.

candle burning, candle fragrance throw, candle making, candle melt pool, candle troubleshooting, candle tunnelling, candle wax pool, candle wick, scented candles, wax pool formation

Cold throw vs hot throw in candles comparison

Speciality Course

What Is Cold Throw vs Hot Throw in Candles?

Dr. Soma Datta / October 28, 2026

Cold throw is the fragrance you smell from an unlit candle, while hot throw is the aroma released while the candle burns. Learn why the difference matters when judging candle fragrance.

candle aroma, candle fragrance, candle making, candle performance, candle scent, cold throw, Fragrance Throw, hot throw, scented candles, wax pool

Candle tunnelling in the centre caused by an inadequate melt pool

Speciality Course

Why Does a Candle Tunnel in the Centre?

Dr. Soma Datta / October 28, 2026

Candle tunnelling happens when only the wax around the wick melts while the outer wax remains solid. Learn how wick size, candle width and melt-pool formation contribute to this common problem.

candle burning, candle making, candle problems, candle troubleshooting, candle tunnel, candle tunnelling, candle wick, scented candles, wax pool, wick size