How to Make Gel Candles

The evolution of candles that began with the Egyptians dipping reeds in heated animal fat has progressed through the ages with candles being made with tallow, beeswax, bayberry wax, spermaceti(whale oil), paraffin and soy wax.  One of the latest developments in candle making has been the introduction of Gel candles.  Gel wax is a mixture of 95% mineral oil and 5% polymer resin that is clear like glass.  Gel wax candles burn twice as long as paraffin wax candles and they offer tremendous design and decorating possibilities.

There are significant differences in the process of making gel candles as compared to paraffin candles.  Gel wax is heated to higher temperatures with direct heat and it is placed in permanent containers rather than molds.

Here are the steps to making a gel candle:

1. Melt the gel
2. Add Fragrance*
3. Add Color*
4. Pour into pre-wicked container
5. Add embeds *
6. Wait until cool
7. Light and enjoy
* optional

Melting the Gel

For beginners the best way to melt gel wax is in a heat resistance glass measuring cup or stainless steel pot.   Divide the gel wax into small pieces and put it in the oven at 225 degrees for one hour.  The gel should be heated to 225 degrees and carefully monitored with a good quality thermometer.   Advanced gel candle makers may prefer to use an electric gel wax heater designed specifically for the purpose.  They are similar in design to deep fat fryers and are normally equipped with temperature controls and they can speed up the candle making process.

Adding Fragrance and Color

These two elements are added while the wax is still in the heating vessel.   Fragrance should be added first at the rate of one half of fragrance oil per pound of gel.  The amount used will depend on a little experimentation by the candle maker to determine the amount required for their liking.  It is very important to use fragrances designed for use in gels.  They should  be non-polar and have a flash point of not less than 170 degrees.   Color is added to the gel while it is still hot and just after adding the fragrance.  Since gel candles are clear it important to not add too much color at once.  If liquid dyes are used they should be applied with a toothpick.  Even one drop of dye could be too much.  Color should be added very carefully with just a small amount at first and then more to attain the desired shade.  After the addition of scents and color to the gel it should be stirred with a metal utensil because other type materials will cause bubbles.

Pouring Into Containers

Gel candles are not molded but rather poured into a container that will be the home of the candle.  Glass containers are recommended so that the composition of the gel candle can be observed but any non-flammable repository will serve the function.   Special use wicks should be used.  Zinc wicks are preferred because cotton wicks absorb the gel and will not burn properly.  The wick should be secured in the correct position in the container with a hot glue application.  The heated gel wax should be poured into the container very slowly to minimize the formation of bubbles.  Secure the wick in the center of the container and you are ready to add embeds.

Add Embeds

An embed is any non-flammable object inserted into the gel mix with the purpose of making the candle unique in appearance.  Embeds include such items as glitter, pewter, marbles, seashells, figurines, etc.  They should be placed in the hot gel wax immediately after pouring and metal tongs should be used to place them in the mix.  If embeds are to added it is important to be judicious in making sure not to overload the mix and not leave enough gel in the container to burn properly.  Now you are done.

Let It Cool and Enjoy Your Labor

After the the candle cools trim the wick, light it up sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor and that’s it.

Gel candles are a little different to make but they can be spectacular creations so if you are into candle making you must try gel candles.