Container Wax

Measure fragrance oil by weight using a scale, not by volume. Most container waxes perform well between 6–10% fragrance load, but always follow the wax manufacturer’s guidelines and stay within IFRA standards for candles.

Heat wax to the recommended temperature before adding fragrance. Stir thoroughly for at least two minutes to ensure full incorporation. Incomplete mixing can lead to weak hot throw, surface sweating, or oil separation.

Pour temperature directly affects finish and adhesion. Most container waxes pour between 125°F–165°F, depending on the blend.

• Pouring too hot may increase shrinkage or cause adhesion issues.
• Pouring too cool can create rough tops or poor glass bonding.

Test within a controlled temperature range and document results for repeatability.

Allow adequate cure time before evaluating scent throw. Many soy-based container waxes benefit from 7–14 days. Blended waxes may stabilize sooner. Always burn test in the actual jar and wick combination you plan to sell. Testing fragrance in a wax melting container or warmer will not provide accurate burn data for jar candles.

Soy wax for wax melts often gets attention, but soy and soy blends also perform well as container wax. They offer strong fragrance retention, smooth tops with proper technique, and good adhesion to glass.

Container wax is formulated to:

• Adhere to jars and tins
• Support consistent melt pools
• Hold fragrance within recommended load ranges
• Provide stable burn performance when paired with the correct wick

Natural frosting may occur with soy. That’s cosmetic and does not affect performance. Many makers accept it as part of working with plant-based wax.

Paraffin and para-soy blends can provide excellent hot throw and smoother finishes. Each wax type behaves differently during cooling and burning, so choose based on your performance priorities and testing results.

Environmental conditions influence performance more than many makers expect.

Room temperature affects:

• Cooling speed
• Surface texture
• Sinkhole formation
• Glass adhesion

Cool workspaces can increase shrinkage and jar pull-away. Pre-warming containers can improve adhesion and reduce wet spots. Allow candles to cool gradually at room temperature, away from drafts or cold surfaces.

Maintain consistent temperatures in your wax melting pot and avoid sudden fluctuations during fragrance addition or pouring. Stable process control produces more predictable results than constant reformulation.

Container selection directly affects burn performance.

Consider:

• Internal diameter (determines wick size)
• Wall thickness
• Heat resistance
• Intended burn time

A full melt pool within 2–3 hours is a common performance benchmark for container candles. Wider jars require stronger wick series to achieve proper melt pool formation.

For makers who also produce wax melts, remember that wax melt containers, clamshell molds, and silicone containers for wax serve a different purpose. A wax melt clamshell or silicone wax container is designed for portioning and external heating—not combustion. Testing standards differ between melts and jar candles.

If a container candle lacks hot throw, evaluate these variables before adjusting fragrance load:

1. Fragrance compatibility with the wax. Some oils perform better in specific wax bases.
2. Proper fragrance load within IFRA limits. Overloading can reduce performance.
3. Cure time. Testing too early often results in weak throw.
4. Wick selection. An undersized wick won’t create a full melt pool, limiting scent release.

An undersized wick limits melt pool development and restricts fragrance release. Increase wick size incrementally and retest, changing only one variable at a time.

Watch for signs of over-wicking:

• Excessive flame height
• Smoking or soot
• Rapid burn rate

Strong performance comes from balance. A properly wicked soy candle or blended wax candle should create an even melt pool without overheating the glass or producing excess carbon.

How much fragrance oil should I use in container wax?

Most container waxes perform well between 6–10% fragrance by weight. Confirm the wax manufacturer’s recommendations and follow IFRA usage limits for candles. Do not add fragrance oil to cured wax. The oil will not bind properly and may create unsafe burn conditions. Reformulate and retest instead.

How long should container candles cure?

Soy container wax often benefits from 7–14 days of cure. Paraffin and blended waxes may require less time. Test at multiple intervals to determine optimal fragrance throw.

Why does my container candle have sinkholes or rough tops?

Surface imperfections typically result from rapid cooling or pouring outside the recommended temperature range. Adjust pour temperature and allow candles to cool gradually at room temperature.

Why is my wax pulling away from the glass?

Jar pull-away can occur due to cool ambient temperatures, natural wax contraction, or pouring too hot. Pre-warming containers and maintaining consistent room conditions can improve adhesion.

Can I use soy wax for both container candles and wax melts?

Some soy waxes are formulated specifically for containers, while others are designed for melts. Always confirm the intended application before formulation, as performance expectations differ between formats.