Discover How to Make Gel Candles – Tips and Tricks
If you are interested in discovering how to make gel candles and a few tips and tricks to working with gel, you are in the right place. Making gel candles can vary slightly in the process from traditional wax candles, but one thing remains for sure — they, just like parafin, soy, or bees wax candles, can be a real hoot to make. And with slightly more creative options working with gel, you can add more decorations, and even alter the translucency of the wax. Wax candles however, do have slightly fewer steps and precautions required than gel candles do, but that’s part of what makes the candle making hobby so exciting — there’s always something new to discover!
The first step in understanding how to make gel candles is to understand the ingredients.
All candles are comprised mostly of oil. In the case of the gel candle 95% of its total makeup is mineral oil. The remaining 5% is a polymer resin. By mixing the mineral oil with the powdered resin, a gel like product can be achieved. This final gel result can be achieved in three different forms: low density, medium density, and high density.
High density is the most difficult to work with as it is thick, and much more complicated to pour. While it may be the most difficult of the three, it can also be the more rewarding. Most people when learning how to make gel candles are excited to add dye for color, change the translucency and most of all, place small items in the gel. It is the high density gel wax that is the best for this task.
A common misunderstanding amongst novice candle makers is the difference in how to make gel candles verses wax candles. One of the most significant differences that sets gel apart is the method required for heating it. Gel wax requires a higher temperature to reach its most fluid state and therefore is typically heated differently than the other candle waxes. Unlike the double boiler that is typically used with the more traditional types of candle wax (parafin, soy, beeswax, etc… ), the most common heating container in making gel candles is what is known as a multi-cooker. This tool features a non stick surface and comes with a temperature control knob.
An interesting note here is that gel wax doesn’t make as drastic of a physical change when heating such as traditional wax. Instead, it merely becomes more “fluid”, or syrupy. The optimal temperature to reach its most fluid state will vary depending on the type of gel used and its density but is typically right around 200 degrees F. You will want to check with the manufacturer to find the ideal temperature for the exact gel you are using and it is definitely recommended that you use a thermometer to achieve the best results. When heating your resin and oil, use a metal or hard plastic tool to stir and mix thoroughly. Remember to have a chemical fire extinguisher close, as the oil and chemicals in this mixture are flammable.
A good trick to remember when pouring your gel is to pour it like you would beer. In other words, let the gel pour down the side of the container. This will help prevent any unwanted bubbles. However, if your creative-side deems that bubbles are something you want, a good trick for this is to simply let the gel cool to around 175 degrees F before pouring.
If you are interested in discovering how to make gel candles to begin creating your own beautiful gel candle masterpieces it can certainly be a fun and fulfilling hobby. Between the brilliant, translucent colors that are available and the fact that objects can be embedded in the gel candle itself truly does leave the window wide open to unleash your own creative genius!
This article was provided by Sarah Johnstan. Sarah has been successfully making and selling her own candles professionally for the past decade and has certainly learned a few do’s and don’ts along the way.
If you would like to discover more tips & tricks about how to make gel candles and learn the right way to creatively embed your own items in your gel candles you should visit Sarah’s Candle Making website at http://candle-making-at-home.com and take advantage of the FREE Introductory To Candle Making Mini Email Course she is offering.
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