How to Make Gel Candles

Techniques to Make Gel Candles

The candle industry is on the rise owing to high demand for gel candles. To make gel candles is unique due to the making process and the attractive designs made possible by suspending decorations in the wax. And the light dancing from these suspended ornaments makes gel candles even more special.

Gel candles also have a longer burn life than regular wax candles.

Wax candles are prepared from an oil base. Gel candles are made with 95% oil and 5% polymer resin.  Resin is added to the mix in powder form but when blended with oil it solidifies.  Gel wax is available in three distinctive densities:

  1. High Density
  2. Medium Density
  3. Low Density

The density of the gel wax determines the amount of fragrance the wax will hold.  In other words, higher density waxes accommodate more fragrance.

An advantage of making thickened gel candles is that decorations suspended in the candle will remain in place as the candle burns. Just bear in mind that higher the density of the gel, the more time required for it to melt and pour.

The process to make gel candles is the same as that of making regular wax candles.

  • Melt the wax
  • Pour the melted wax into a mould
  • Allow it to dry

However, the techniques and the equipment to make gel candles is distinctly different from the conventional method of preparing wax candles. For instance, in the conventional method, most people melt their wax with double boilers…very time consuming.

For gel candles, many people use multi-cookers to melt wax. A multi cooker looks like a deep fryer and is made of metal covered with non-stick coating. They are equipped with a temperature dial for easy temperature control. This method is much simpler, as gel wax can be put directly put into the multi cooker without having to have two different pots for water and wax. Also, with the double boiler method, you will need to regulate temperature with a thermometer…requiring more of your attention.

Use a metal or hard plastic spoon to stir the gel occasionally. Stay away from wooden spoons as wood often leaves air bubbles in the gel wax mixture.

An Important Safety Precaution! – Be aware that gel wax has a tendency to catch fire, so you must have your chemical fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.

Dyes are used to alter the color of the wax. To maintain the exact translucency of the gel candles it is advisable to use liquid dyes. Just a small pinch of dye is sufficient to change the color of the wax. Avoid using:

  • Crayons
  • Clothing dye
  • Food colors
  • Soap dyes

Learning to make gel candles is fast and interesting. You can create versatile designs and awesome candles, particularly because you can add attractive decorations into the gel wax which will float on the surface of your candle.

…And gel candles make fantastic gifts for your near and dear ones.