Gel Candle Wax Tips
Gel candles are just as popular as wax candles and burn similarly. The only difference between wax and gel candles is that the latter are made slightly differently. Wax candles are composed of oil, while gel candles are made of a substance that contains mineral oil and polymer resin. The resin is in powder form but blends with the mineral oil to form a solid. Gel wax comes in three different density levels: high, medium, and low.
The heavy type is best for holding a lot of scents and supporting any ornaments or baubles you want to add. Gel wax is also inexpensive, and it’s available at almost any hobby store or online candle-and-soap supply store.
Making gel candles can also be enjoyed with kids because manufacturers have come up with wax that can be molded easily by hand instead of heat-melting. It could certainly be a fun, family activity with your kids. What’s even more incredible is that your children will be able to “take away” beautiful, colorful candles that they have created themselves. Wouldn’t it be great to see their imagination take off and how they apply it to their creations?
However, if you want to work with traditional gel wax, this guide is for you. Here are a few pointers to get you started:
1. When making gel candles, use only non-polar fragrances. Polar fragrance may not bind completely with gel wax. This can cause flammable spots in the candle. These small fragrance bubbles or pockets can cause flare-ups that can cause a fire.
2. Whatever you add to your gel candles, always ask the supplier for proof that the product is “gel-wax safe.”
3. To check whether a type of fragrance is safe for gel candles, mix one tablespoon of the perfume that you want to test with two tablespoons of plain mineral oil. Mix the two and wait for half an hour, then observe the clarity of the solution. Use the fragrance for your gel candle projects only if the solution is clear.
4. Did you know that? Gel wax isn’t wax; they just added a polymer to regular mineral oil to make the stuff burn steadily like wax.
5. Use containers that can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and are crack-resistant.
6. If you’re using low-quality gel, about 3% of the fragrance concentration is enough.
7. High-quality gel can withstand fragrance oil concentrations of up to 5%.
8. Low-grade gel is not recommended for projects that require the embedding of objects, such as decorative items.
9. Direct heat is the only way to melt gel wax. It takes at least 220 degrees Fahrenheit to melt this type of wax, and it takes longer to melt than paraffin wax or beeswax.
10. Use gel wax if you want to give your creativity in the candle-making free reign because this wax is the clearest of all the waxes used for candle making.
11. If you want to use the candles for over ten hours at a time, gel wax would be a good choice because it burns at a much slower pace than traditional types of wax.
Make sure you have all the necessary supplies and equipment when making gel candles. Try to come up with a few pieces before producing massive quantities of candles. It is also best to test the susceptibility of gel wicks to heat.
Following these tips will help you create the perfect custom gel candle. You can be as creative or as plain as you like with them. Try different containers, dyes, and scents, and most of all, have fun!
