Tyler Brooks
Gel candles are a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your space. They are a great DIY project, but there are a few things to keep in mind when adding colour to gel candles. The type of dye you use is important, as gel wax requires a liquid dye. It is also important to note that gel wax takes colour very easily, so a little goes a long way. In this guide, we will take you through the steps of adding colour to your gel candles, the different types of dyes available, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Characteristics and Values Table for Adding Colour to Gel Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dye | Liquid dye, not wax-based |
| Amount of Dye | Very small amount, generally one ounce can colour nearly 100 pounds of gel |
| Type of Wick | Designed for gel candles, longer neck to ensure flame extinguishes before reaching bottom of container |
| Type of Wax | Gel wax, low density, medium density, or high density |
| Fragrance | Non-polar, flash point of 170°F, phthalate-free |
| Mixing Method | Slow and gentle stirring with a stick or swirling in the jug |
| Moulds | Marble effect, glittery result |
| Additives | No additives needed, stabilizers or stearin for uniform colour |
| Temperature | Melt at low temperature to avoid bubbles and milky white colour |
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What You'll Learn
Use liquid dyes
Adding colour to gel candles can be done in many ways, but using liquid dyes is a quick and easy method. Liquid dyes are highly concentrated colourants that can be mixed with gel wax, as well as soy wax, coconut wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax. This type of dye is formulated to mix with oil-based materials, making it perfect for candle wax.
To use liquid dyes, simply add a few drops to your melted wax and stir it in. The amount of dye you need will depend on the desired result and the type of wax you are using. For example, paraffin wax will result in bright, bold colours, and you will need less dye to achieve colourful results. Coconut wax blends will be softer and more pastel, and you will need to use more dye than you would with paraffin. Soy wax tends to produce more pastel shades, and it is difficult to achieve the bold colours that can be attained with paraffin.
It is important to note that the colour of the wax will always look darker when it is in liquid form. For example, dark or intense colours may make your wax appear black when melted, but it will be lighter once the candles are poured and begin to cool. To test your colour, drip some of the coloured wax onto a white piece of paper. The drips will cool quickly, giving you an accurate idea of the final result.
Liquid dyes are a great option for achieving high colour saturation and mixing colours. They are also economical, as just 15 ml of dye can colour up to 1 kg of wax. When shopping for liquid dyes, look for options that are paraben-free and phthalate-free. Additionally, some dyes have a strong chemical smell, so opt for a dye with a mild odour that won't affect the scent of your candles.
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Avoid wax-based dyes
When making gel candles, it's important to remember that not all candle dyes are suitable. Most candle dyes are wax-based and should be avoided when colouring gel candles, as they can cause the gel to become cloudy.
Wax-based dyes include crayons, which are made primarily of paraffin wax and are a popular choice among DIY bloggers. However, crayons also contain insoluble pigments/oxides, which are powder colourants added to the wax. These powder particles can quickly clog the wick of a gel candle, causing it to burn out before reaching a full melt pool.
Similarly, food colouring should not be used as a dye for gel candles. Standard food colouring is water-based and contains ingredients like water, propylene glycol, glycerin, citric acid, alcohol, and high-fructose corn syrup. These additives are unable to bond with the wax of gel candles and will immediately sink to the bottom.
Instead of wax-based dyes, opt for liquid dyes specifically designed for use with gel candles. These liquid dyes will ensure that your gel candle retains its transparency and will not cause cloudiness or clogging issues. The amount of liquid dye needed is minimal, with just one ounce capable of colouring nearly 100 pounds of gel.
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Use a small amount of dye
When making gel candles, it's important to remember that only a very small amount of dye is needed. This is because gel wax takes to colour very easily, so a little dye goes a long way. Generally, one ounce of liquid dye can colour nearly 100 pounds of gel. It's also easy to over-colour gels, and the more dye you add, the less translucent the wax becomes.
To add colour to your gel candle, first melt your gel wax using a water bath. Place the gel wax into a metal or heatproof Pyrex jug and place it into a saucepan with a couple of inches of hot water on medium heat. As your wax melts, do not stir it, as this will introduce bubbles into the wax and leave you with a product that is not properly transparent. Once your wax is melted, add a very small amount of liquid dye. You can always add more dye if you want a deeper colour, but it's important to remember that gel wax cools and hardens quickly, so have everything prepared in advance.
To mix the dye into the wax, use a wooden stick, like a kebab skewer, to slowly and gently stir. You can also swirl the wax in the jug, but again, do this very slowly and gently. If you want to create an ombre gel candle, you can work in layers of different colours. When adding your dye, be sure to follow the directions for the products you are using regarding the temperatures at which to add your dye and pour your gel candle.
When selecting your dye, choose a liquid candle dye that is designed for use with gel candles. Most other dyes are wax-based, which can cause the gel to become cloudy. You can also use natural mica, but this should not exceed 2-3g of mica per 100 grams of wax.
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Choose the right wick
Choosing the right wick for your gel candle is a crucial step in the candle-making process. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you select the most suitable wick:
Wick Thickness and Diameter
One of the most important aspects of choosing a wick is getting the correct thickness. The height of the wick is less crucial, as you will trim the wicks to size later. To determine the appropriate thickness, start by measuring the internal diameter of your candle jar or container. For straight-sided jars or containers, simply measure across the top from one side to the other. If you're using a tapered container, measure the widest point where there will be wax. Then, refer to wick charts or sizing guides to find the wick that matches your diameter. Remember, there might be multiple wicks that fit your size, allowing for "fine-tuning" due to the different candle recipes and variables.
Wick Type and Wax Compatibility
Different types of wicks work better with certain waxes. For gel candles, you can use wicks made from materials like cotton, paper, or wood. Cotton wicks, such as the HTP, ECO, and CD wicks, are versatile and can be used with gel candles and various wax types, including paraffin and soy. Wooden wicks are a relatively new option, offering a unique crackling sound when burning. They are suitable for gel candles and work well with paraffin, soy, and palm wax. If you're using soy wax, consider starting with the ACS series of wicks, as they offer more size options and are less prone to "mushrooming," which is the carbon buildup at the tip of the wick.
Fragrance, Dye, and Container Considerations
When choosing a wick, consider the fragrance load, dye type, and container size and shape. These factors can influence the burn behaviour of your candle. For example, if you're using fragrance oils, you may need to "wick up" or use a larger wick size to achieve optimal burning. Additionally, if your gel candle is in a container larger than 3 inches, you may want to use multiple wicks.
Testing and Fine-Tuning
Finding the right wick may require patience and experimentation. Experienced candle makers often build three candles with different wick sizes to observe how they burn. You can also refer to wick sizing guides and start with a wick that seems suitable for your jar size and fragrance load. Then, test and fine-tune the wick size until you achieve the desired burn. Remember to take detailed notes during testing to help you select the optimal wick for your gel candle.
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Prepare embeds in advance
Gel wax takes a long time to melt and it cools and hardens quickly, so it's important to prepare your embeds in advance. You don't want to be assembling your embeds while your gel wax is going cold.
If you're creating an underwater theme, for example, you could use shells and fake pearls. You can stick the shells together using hot glue and then glue a pearl inside each shell. You can also create "ice cubes" for your candle by cutting paraffin wax into blocks. Wax fruit also works well as an embed in gel candles.
Prepare your dyes in advance, too. Only a very small amount of liquid dye is needed for gel wax, but you can always add more if you want. If you're using different layers of colour, you can create an ombre effect. However, be aware that the more dye you add, the less translucent the wax will be.
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Frequently asked questions
Only liquid dyes should be used for gel candles. Most other dyes are wax-based, which can cause the gel to become cloudy.
Gel wax takes to colour very easily so only a very small amount of dye is needed. Generally, one ounce can colour nearly 100 pounds of gel.
First, melt your gel wax using a water bath. Then, add a very small amount of liquid dye. Use a stick or skewer to slowly stir your wax. You can also swirl the wax in the jug to help it mix.
Select a wick that is designed for use with gel candles to accommodate the higher burning temperature of the gel.
