How To Make Gel Candles

Gel candles are growing increasingly popular among both people that like to make candles and people that just like to burn them. A gel candle is basically the same as a wax candle – in that it burns just like a wax candle does – but the process for making them is different and the materials are different. Learning how to make gel candles the right way and understanding how to work with the materials involved will jump start your gel candle making endeavors and save you tons of head-ache, time, and even dollars.

Gel candles are made from oil. Wax candles are also made from oil, but the gel ones are a mix of 95% mineral oil and 5% polymer resin. The resin starts out as a powder but when it is mixed with the mineral oil, it becomes a solid and there is your gel wax. Gel wax comes in three different types: high density, medium density, and low density. A big part of learning how to make gel candles involves learning the difference in available densities. If you plan to add fragrance to your gel candles, the density is particularly important. The higher the density, the more fragrance the gel wax can handle. Thicker gel waxes are harder to pour, but they are also able to hold decorations and similar items suspended in the wax.

While the basic steps of heating and pouring to create the gel candle are the same as you use with wax candles, the methods and candle making equipment required are a little different. For example, with most other types of wax, the most people use a double boiler to heat and melt the wax. As you discover how to make gel candles you will quickly find that trying to melt gel wax in a double boiler would take way too long, and therefore it is not the preferred method. Gel wax requires more heat than the other candle waxes to become flexible and, well, gel-like. Instead, of a double-boiler, you can turn to a multi-cooker to get this part of the process done. A multi-cooker is similar to a deep fryer. They are typically made of metal with a non-stick coating. The heating element is separate and has a temperature dial so you can get it to the precise temperature you need to melt the gel.

Safety Considerations When Making Gel Candles

Gel candle wax can catch fire, so temperature control is very important. Unlike traditional wax, candle gel does not make such an obvious transition to “melted”. Instead it simply becomes more syrupy. It will reach its thinnest consistency around 180 degrees and you never want to heat it beyond 220 degrees. You should use a separate thermometer to keep an eye on it for added safety. Though you never actually need it, keeping a chemical fire extinguisher handy and close by is recommend – just in case.

Another consideration to be made when working with gel is to use something metal or hard plastic to stir the gel wax. You want to avoid using wooden spoons because they can sometimes add unattractive bubbles to the wax.

How to Make Gel Candles using Dye

Dyes can be used to add color to your gel wax candles. Learning how to make gel candles using dye is simple provided you use the correct type of dye. Many candle makers like to use liquid candle dyes because they can color the gel wax and still retain its translucency. You only need a very small amount of dye to change the color of gel wax, and sometimes even a whole drop of dye can be too much. This is one area where a little can go a long way. Start with the smallest amount of dye possible and only add to it if needed. Some experimentation may be required before getting it just right.

You should never use crayons, clothing dye, food coloring, or soap dyes when making gel candles, though. These things are not intended to dye candles and will negatively affect the way the candle burns.

Once you have learned how to make gel candles successfully you will quickly find that the possibilities are endless when it comes to working with candle gel. One of the best things about gel candles is that they are easy to personalize for yourself or others, if you plan to give them as a gift, because you can suspend objects and decorations inside the wax itself for a clever and unique look. In addition to that, gel candles burn more slowly than wax candles do, so they will last you for a very long time to come once they are made.