How To Make Gel Candles

Nov 27, 2009 in Candle Making Tips

The popularity of gel candles is ever increasing; hence, many people want to know how to make gel candles. They work the same as regular wax candles in the respect that they will burn in the same way that wax candles burn, but they are made a little differently.

Oil is the source for wax candles. The same is true with gel candles but they are made of 95% mineral oil and 5% polymer resin. The resin is transformed into a solid state from its initial powder form by mixing it with mineral oil.

Gel wax comes in three different states: high density, medium density, and low density. The higher the density, the more fragrance the oil can hold. In addition, suspended decorations within the candle can be held up by thicker gel. But, keep in mind that the thicker gel takes longer to meld and it is harder to pour.

The process of how to make gel candles is the same as making regular wax candles; the wax is melted then poured into a mold to dry. But, the equipment you use and the techniques are slightly different. With other types of candle wax most people use a double boiler to melt the wax. However, attempting to melt gel wax in a double boiler would take too long.

Some gel candle makers have learned how to make gel candles by using multi-cookers to get the job done. A multi-cooker is kind of like a deep fryer. They are usually metal with a non-stick coating. They have a separate heating element with a temperature dial so you can get the proper temperature to melt the gel wax. The gel wax is placed directly in the multi-cooker to melt, instead of using two separate pots. It is advisable to check the temperature with the help of a separate thermometer, even if the multi-cooker has its own temperature dial.

Gel wax should be stirred using something made of metal or hard plastic. Bubbles can form in the gel if wooden spoons are used. The most important thing to remember when learning how to make gel candles is that gel candle wax can catch fire. Make sure you have a chemical fire extinguisher near by.

Dyes can be used to change the color of the gel candle wax. In order to maintain the translucency of the gel, liquid dies are recommended. It only takes a very small amount of the dye to actually change the color of the wax. Even a single drop of dye is sometimes a large quantity. You should never use crayons, clothing dye, food coloring, or soap dyes in gel candle wax. Since, they are not made for candles, they will not burn properly.

Learning how to make gel candles is fast and easy. There are numerous possibilities that can be done with gel candle wax. The best thing about gel candles is that you can add decorations directly to the wax so that they float within the candle. This is a clever and unique way to personalize a gift if you are making the candle for someone else. Plus, gel candles burn slower than regular wax candles so they will last a little longer.