Making Gel Candles
By Mary M. Alward
Gel candles are the most popular candles on today’s market. There are two reasons for this.
The first is that they burn twice as long as paraffin wax candles. The second is they are uniquely beautiful.
The first is that they burn twice as long as paraffin wax candles. The second is they are uniquely beautiful.
Gel candles are created using transparent gel. While burning, the rubbery textured gel glows. When the candle has glitter or other embellishments embedded in it, these candles add atmosphere and beauty to your home décor. Add your favorite fragrance and color to the gel and presto, you have a beautiful and unique scented candle.
Supplies
- Slow cooker to make melting large quantities of gel quick and easy.
- Large glass measuring cup to make pouring the hot gel safe and simple.
- Metal spoon – do not use a wooden spoon.
- Candy thermometer for checking the temperature of melting gel.
- Toothpicks for adding liquid dye to the melted gel.
- A metal skewer for stirring gel and moving embellishments.
- Paring knife for shaving slivers off the dye block if using one.
- Waxed paper for checking the gel color.
Gel Candle Containers
- Never use a container that is made of plastic or any other material that will melt or burn. Glass containers work best. Glass allows you to see and enjoy the candle as it burns.
- Use heavy glass containers. Crystal or thin glass may crack or break, which can allow hot gel to flame.
- Pick up beer mugs, malt glasses, sundae dishes or other heavy glass containers from flea markets, garage sales or thrift shops.
- Heavy glass containers may be found at department stores or craft and dollar stores.
How to Melt Gel
The best way to melt gel is in a slow cooker. Here’s how:
- Remove gel from package and place in a slow cooker.
- Heat to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use the candy thermometer to monitor the gel temperature.
- Gel doesn’t melt as fast as paraffin, so patience is needed.
Wicks
Be sure to use wicks that are especially designed for gel candles. These wicks are pre-waxed and pre-tabbed. If you are making large candles you will need to test the burn and use multiple wicks. Secure wicks to the container by using a bit of hot gel or hot glue. If using hot glue, use very little to prevent it from making the gel cloudy.
Gel Fragrance
When adding fragrance to gel candles be sure to choose those made especially for this purpose. The flashpoint for gel candle fragrances has to be 170 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Fragrances must also be non-polar.
The ratio for gel candles is a half ounce of fragrance for every pound of gel. You may have to adjust the ratio as some fragrances are very strong while others are weak. Fragrance is always added after the gel is melted and before color is added.
Gel Color
Once you’ve melted the gel and added your choice of fragrance, it’s time to add color. Remember, it’s always easy to add more color but color can’t be removed. Color must be added before the gel cools and sets. If the gel becomes too cool, simply reheat it.
Dye and block and liquid dyes are both acceptable for gel candles. If you choose block dye, shave slivers into the hot gel with a sharp paring knife. Stir with a metal tool until dye has dissolved. Add more block dye if necessary.
If using liquid dye, dip a toothpick into it and add a couple of drops to the hot gel. Stir and add more if necessary to reach the desired color. Test a few drops of dyed gel on a piece of waxed paper to determine the color before pouring gel into candle containers.
Adding Embeds to Gel Candles
Embeds make gel candles unique. Embeds are objects added to the gel that are non-flammable. Suggestions include glass marbles, colored stones, miniature brass or pewter figurines, glitter, seashells or wax embeds. Be sure to leave lots of gel so your candle will burn properly. It’s easy to add too many embeds. If you use wax embeds, you can add as many as you like because the wax will burn.
Tips
To avoid having an abundance of bubbles in gel candles, stir slowly. Also pour slowly. When making gel candles, patience is the key to success. Use a heat gun or hairdryer to remove bubbles that form on the gel’s surface as it cools. If your gel candles have too many bubbles, place them in a 150 degree Fahrenheit oven for three hours or until bubbles dissipate.
Now it’s time to try your hand at creating beautiful gel candles to enhance your home décor or to give as gifts. These beautiful candles add ambiance to any room in your home. Remember, never leave a burning candle unattended.
