Candle Making Basics

Gel candles are becoming more popular all the time. They function the like  regular wax candles in  that they’ll burn  like wax candles burn.  They are just constructed a  little differently.

Wax candles are made from oil and while the same is true with gel candles, these are made of 95%  mineral oil and 5% polymer resin.  The resin begins as a powder but when it is blended  with the mineral oil it is metamorphosed into a solid state.  Gel wax can be obtained in three different states: high density, medium density, and low density.  The higher the denseness,  the more scent the oil can hold.  Additionally, the heavier gel will support the suspended  ornaments within the candle.  The drawback to the higher density gel is that it takes longer to melt and is more difficult to pour.

The process required for making a candles out of regular wax such as melting and pouring are the same steps you will need to perform in making gel candles. However  the equipment required and the techniques employed are somewhat different.  Using a double-boiler like the one you need for regular candle making would take far too long for the gel wax to melt.  A multi-cooker, which is typically metal with a non-stick coating, has a separate heating element and a temperature dial for obtaining the perfect temperature to melt the gel wax.  A multi-cooker is very much like a deep fryer and a lot of candle makers are using these to create their gel candles.

Even though the multi-cooker comes with a temperature  dial, it is recommended that a separate thermometer continue to be used  to ensure that the gel is  melted at the correct temperature, about 260 to 280 degrees.  You will need to utilize a metal or hard plastic tool to stir the gel wax although wooden spoons may occasionally add bubbles to the gel.

Please ensure you have a fire extinguisher nearby as gel candle wax can catch fire.

As a general rule, containers or molds used for regular wax candles can be used for gel candles as well.  As always warm up your containers before pouring and test for flaws or cracks.  Wicks for gel containers should be one size higher then what you would use for paraffin wax candles.  Ideally, wicks primed with gel wax should be used for these candles instead of regular wax and these can be obtained from any candle making supplier.  If you have only regular wicks on hand it’s okay to use them however the paraffin wax coating can cause some clouding when it melts into the gel wax.

You can change the color of the gel candle wax by using liquid candle dyes.  These dyes are perfect for gel candles because they can keep the semi transparency of the gel.  It   takes a very tiny amount of dye to change the color of the wax and sometimes even a drop of dye is overmuch. Try coating just the tip of a toothpick with the dye and adding a very small amount at one time. Crayons, clothing dye, food  coloring, or soap dyes should never be used in gel candle wax because they will not burn smoothly and  because they are not made specifically for candles.

The creative possibilities for making wonderful gel candles are nearly endless. The most exciting thing about gel candles is that numerous adornments and decorations can be added directly to the wax so that they float within the candle.  This is  a artful and unique manner to individualize a gift whenever you are making the candle for someone  else.  Furthermore, gel candles are slower burning then regular wax candles so they will last longer.