Ben Carter
Gel candles are made from a blend of mineral oil and polymer resin, resulting in a clear, jelly-like wax. They have a higher melting point than traditional waxes and burn slower, making them ideal for creating layered or suspended effects in candles. When melting gel wax, it is important to use a low to medium heat to avoid overheating. There are several methods for melting gel wax, including using a pouring pot on the stove, a glass measuring cup in the oven, or a double boiler. Once melted, colour and fragrance can be added, although only a small amount of dye is needed as gel wax takes to colour easily.
Characteristics and Values of Melting Gel Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Gel wax |
| Melting temperature | 180-230°F (82-110°C) |
| Melting method | Direct heat source, double boiler, oven |
| Container | Glass jar, metal or heatproof jug, glass measuring cup |
| Additives | Colour, fragrance, decorations |
| Wick | Tabbed, thicker, made from materials that can handle higher heat |
| Cooling time | Quick |
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What You'll Learn
Using a stove or oven
To melt gel candles using a stove or oven, you will need a stove or oven, a pot, a heat-resistant container (such as a glass measuring cup or metal/heatproof Pyrex jug), a thermometer, and gel wax.
If you are using a stove, cut the gel wax into sizable pieces and place them in a pot on a low to medium flame. Do not let the gel wax exceed 230°F (110°C). Stirring the wax is not recommended as it will introduce bubbles and affect the transparency of the end product. Instead, use a wooden skewer to slowly and gently mix in any colour dye or fragrance.
If you are using an oven, preheat it to 225°F (107°C). Cut or chunk off the desired amount of gel wax and place it into a heat-resistant container. Then, carefully put the container in the oven and let the gel wax melt for approximately one hour. Check the temperature periodically to ensure it does not exceed 230°F (110°C).
It is important to note that gel wax takes longer to melt and can quickly cool and harden, so patience is required when using this method. Additionally, gel wax only needs a small amount of dye as it takes to colour easily.
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Choosing a gel wax density
When making gel candles, it is important to select the right gel wax density based on the concentration of scent you want to achieve. Here are some tips to help you choose the appropriate gel wax density:
Low-Density Gel Wax (CG-1):
- Fragrance Capacity: Low-density gel wax can hold between 0-3% scent concentration. If you prefer a highly fragranced candle, consider using a higher density wax.
- Burning Pool: Low-density gel wax allows for the maximum burning pool.
- Embed Support: Low-density gel wax is not firm enough to support embeds held in suspension. It is better suited for candles with decorations that rest on the bottom of the candle.
- Melt Point: This type of wax has the lowest melt point, making it the easiest to melt.
Medium-Density Gel Wax (CG-2):
- Fragrance Capacity: Medium-density gel wax can hold between 0-4% scent concentration. It is the most widely used gel wax density and is popular among "gellers" due to its higher fragrance capacity compared to low-density gel wax.
- Consistency: Medium-density gel wax has a slightly thicker consistency than low-density gel wax.
- Embed Support: Medium-density gel wax can support lightweight embeds such as beads, small flowers, and glitter. However, heavy items like metal charms or glass embeds may sink to the bottom.
High-Density Gel Wax (CG-3):
- Fragrance Capacity: High-density gel wax can hold between 0-5% scent concentration, allowing for strongly fragranced candles.
- Consistency: High-density gel wax has the thickest consistency among the three densities.
- Embed Support: High-density gel wax solidifies quickly and is suitable for embedding after pouring. It will hold its shape better than other densities.
- Melting Method: High-density gel wax should be melted using an electrical pot with temperature control or direct heat in a pan. Avoid using a double boiler as it will take a long time.
When choosing a gel wax density, consider the desired fragrance level, the type of embeds you want to use, and the melting and pouring process. Remember to always follow the safety guidelines and instructions when working with gel wax to create beautiful and safe gel candles.
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Adding colour and scent
When making gel candles, you can add colour and scent to the gel wax to create unique designs. The density of the gel wax you choose will depend on the concentration of scent you want to achieve. Low-density gel wax can hold up to 3% scent, medium-density gel wax can hold up to 4% scent, and high-density gel wax can hold up to 5% scent.
It is important to select a gel-compatible scent. Fragrance oils should have a flashpoint of 170°F (76.6°C) or higher to be safe for use in gel wax. To test whether a fragrance oil will cloud your gel wax, perform the "mineral oil test" by adding a small amount of scent to mineral oil, shaking or mixing it, and letting it stand. If the mineral oil stays clear, your gel wax should also stay clear.
When adding colour to gel wax, it is recommended to use liquid dyes specifically made for gel wax. Avoid using colour blocks, as they may not mix well and can cause cloudiness. Only a small amount of liquid dye is needed to colour gel wax, and it is easier to add more dye if the colour is too pale. If you add too much dye, you will need to add extra clear gel to dilute the colour.
You can add colour and scent to the gel wax in a melting pot or pouring pot, which can be made from glass, plastic, or metal. A clear pot is recommended when adding dye so that you can see the exact colour you are achieving. After melting the gel wax, remove it from the heat and slowly add the colour dye a little at a time until you reach your desired colour. Then, add the fragrance oil and gently stir the mixture.
Finally, pour the scented and coloured gel wax into your chosen container and let it cool completely.
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Using a thermometer
There are several types of thermometers you can use. A candy thermometer works well with gel candles because the gel peels off easily once it has cooled. A deep fryer thermometer is also a good option, as it clips to the side of the melting pot and has a probe that stays in the wax at all times. An infrared thermometer is a more expensive option, but it reads the temperature extremely precisely and without any contact. Digital probe thermometers are another precise option, but they are not designed to remain in the wax for long periods.
When melting gel wax, you should aim to keep the temperature around 200–225 °F (93–110 °C). If the gel exceeds this temperature, it will lose clarity and may burn and turn yellow. It is important to monitor the temperature closely to maintain control during the melting process. This will help you achieve smooth and consistent results.
If you are adding colour and fragrance oil to your gel candle, use your thermometer to ensure the wax is 70 °C before adding these elements. Then, give your wax a good stir to ensure the colour and fragrance are blended. Your wax is now ready to pour into your chosen container.
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Selecting the right wick
Gel wax is denser and has a higher melting point than traditional wax. Therefore, you need to select a wick that can generate enough heat to properly melt the gel wax as it burns. If the wick is not designed for gel wax, the candle may not burn evenly or safely.
Gel wax candles burn between 4 and 6 times slower than paraffin wax candles. Therefore, the rules for selecting a wick size for paraffin wax candles do not apply to gel wax candles. For example, a cored 51-32-18 wick is suitable for a paraffin container candle with a diameter of 3 to 4 inches. However, if you were to use the same wick for a gel wax candle in the same container, it would leave excess gel at the sides of the container because gel wax burns much slower.
As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to go up a wick size when selecting a wick for a gel wax candle. For example, if you are using a cored 51-32-18 wick for a paraffin container candle, you should use a cored 60-44-18 wick, which is the next size up, for a gel wax candle in the same container.
You can also look for wicks that are specifically designed for gel wax candles. These wicks are often thicker or made from materials that can handle the higher heat required for gel wax. Some gel wax sets come with wicks included, so you don't need to order them separately. For example, the ECO series wicks are specialty flat wicks braided with interwoven paper threads, which gives them increased stability. They are designed to improve the burning of solid scented, solid-coloured, pillar, and container candles and have been found to perform well in paraffin/natural wax blends.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal way to melt gel wax is to use a pouring pot on a stove or a glass measuring cup in the oven. Cut the gel wax into sizable chunks and place them in the pot on low to medium heat. Ensure the gel wax does not exceed 230°F (110°C).
Always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the gel wax. Avoid stirring the gel wax as it melts to prevent bubbles from forming. Do not leave melting gel wax unattended.
It is recommended to add colour and fragrance to gel wax after it has melted. Use liquid candle dye specifically made for gel wax to avoid compromising its transparency. Add fragrance oil compatible with gel wax, typically at a ratio of 10% (10g of oil for every 100g of gel wax).
Heat-resistant glass containers, such as Mason jars, are ideal for gel candles as they can withstand high temperatures. Ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the desired amount of gel wax.
