Maddie James
Gel candles are a fun and creative way to make beautiful, long-lasting candles that can add a special touch to any space. They are made from a blend of resin and mineral oil, which gives them a stunning clear, glass-like appearance. While making gel candles can be tricky, especially for beginners, with the right tools and techniques, you can create amazing homemade candles with bright colours, intricate designs, and fun embedded decorations. In this introduction, we will cover the essential steps and tips for preparing gel candles at home, so you can get started on crafting your own unique creations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gel wax density | Low density = 0-3% scent, Medium density = 0-4% scent, High density = 0-5% scent |
| Container | Glass jar or beverage glass |
| Wick | Designed for use with gel candles, burns at a high heat |
| Dye | Liquid candle dye, very little is needed |
| Fragrance | Hydrocarbon-compatible, non-polar |
| Temperature | Heat gel wax to 200°F (93°C) maximum, maintain temperature until smooth and melted |
| Cooling | Allow to cool slowly at room temperature to prevent cracks |
| Embeds | Non-flammable, secure in warm gel wax |
| Bubbles | Pour gel wax slowly to minimise bubbles, use a champagne glass to disguise bubbles |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wick
There are several types of wicks to choose from, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some common types of wicks and recommendations for choosing the right one for your gel candle:
- Cotton-braided wicks: These wicks are made of cotton and have a paper filament woven into the braid. They are designed to bend at the tip, ensuring complete combustion and less smoke. Cotton-braided wicks are suitable for gel candles, as well as votives, pillars, and containers.
- Wooden wicks: Wooden wicks are a relatively new option, offering a unique crackling and popping sound as they burn. Softwood wicks are superior to hardwood wicks and are ideal for natural waxes like soy. They can also be used with paraffin wax. When using wooden wicks with pure soy, opt for a larger size to ensure a wider melt pool, as soy wax tends to hold heat and fragrance.
- Wire-core wicks: These wicks contain a wire core that helps them remain straight during the pouring process and when lit. They are widely used and suitable for gel candles, votives, and pillars.
- ACS and CDN wicks: ACS wicks are a good option for beginners as they offer a range of sizes and are less prone to "mushrooming," the buildup of carbon at the tip of the wick. CDN wicks feature a paper braid, creating a unique look.
When choosing a wick, consider the diameter of your jar or container. If you have a wider vessel, you may need to use multiple wicks spaced evenly. The height of the wick should also correspond to the height of your jar.
Additionally, the type of wax and fragrance load will impact your wick selection. Different waxes and fragrances may require a larger wick size for optimal burning. It is recommended to test different brands and sizes of wicks to find the best match for your gel candle. You can also refer to wick sizing guides available from various suppliers.
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Melting the gel wax
Melting gel wax can be tricky, so it's important to be prepared and patient. First, you'll need to decide how much wax you'll be using. Measure the container you're using for your candle by filling it with water, leaving an inch or two from the top, and then weigh the water. Take one-fifth of this weight—this will be the amount of gel wax you'll need for the first layer.
Next, cut the gel wax into small pieces and place them in a pouring pot or medium saucepan. If using a pouring pot, place it on a low-to-medium flame. If using a saucepan, heat it over medium heat. You can also use an oven—preheat it to 225 °F (107 °C) and place the wax in a glass container inside.
Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. If using a pouring pot or saucepan, heat the wax until it reaches 200 °F (93 °C), but no hotter. If using an oven, let the wax melt for about an hour, checking periodically to ensure it doesn't exceed 230 °F (110 °C).
Maintain the temperature until the gel wax is completely smooth and melted. If you'd like to add colour or fragrance, now is the time to do so. Add a small amount of liquid dye at a time, as it's easy to over-colour gels. Use a fragrance that's hydrocarbon-compatible and non-polar, testing it beforehand if you made your own gel wax.
Remember, gel wax is completely translucent, so it's important to avoid introducing too much air into the wax, which can cause bubbles. Once the wax is melted, you're ready to pour it slowly into your container, taking care not to disturb it as it cools to minimise bubbles.
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Adding colour and fragrance
To add colour and fragrance to your gel candle, you must first select the right products. Choose a liquid candle dye that will give your gel candle the desired colour. Gel wax is completely translucent, so it is important not to use too much dye. Generally, one ounce of liquid dye can colour nearly 100 pounds of gel. If you are using the clear container base (CCB-1), opt for pre-made colour squares.
Next, select a gel-compatible scent. The density of the gel wax will determine the concentration of the scent. Low-density gel wax holds between 0-3% scent, medium-density gel wax holds between 0-4% scent, and high-density gel wax holds between 0-5% scent. The fragrance should be hydrocarbon-compatible and non-polar. If you made your own gel wax, test one part fragrance with three parts mineral oil. If you bought your gel wax, separate a bit and test the dye before adding it to the rest of the batch.
Once you have selected the desired colour and fragrance, it is time to melt the gel wax. Cut the gel wax into small pieces and place them in a pouring pot or a medium saucepan. Heat the gel wax over a low to medium flame until it reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not let the gel wax exceed this temperature, as it will lose clarity and turn yellow. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Now, you can add the colour and fragrance to the melted gel wax. Follow the product instructions regarding the temperature at which you should add the fragrance and dye. It is important to note that not all fragrances work well with gel wax, so choose specific scents to ensure they mix properly without clouding the wax.
Finally, slowly pour the coloured and fragranced gel wax into your chosen container. Allow the gel wax to cool gradually at room temperature to prevent cracks or cloudiness in the final product.
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Pouring the wax
Now that you've gathered your supplies and prepared your workspace, it's time to melt and pour your gel wax. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Melting the Wax
- Cut the gel wax into small or sizable pieces. The smaller pieces will melt faster and more evenly.
- Use a pouring pot or a medium saucepan to melt the wax. Place the wax pieces in your chosen container.
- If using a pouring pot, heat the wax over a low to medium flame. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, ensuring it doesn't exceed 200°F (93°C). The ideal temperature is around 200°F (93°C), as this will ensure the gel remains clear and doesn't turn yellow.
- Alternatively, you can use an oven. Preheat it to 225°F (107°C). Place the wax in a glass container and put it in the oven for about an hour. Monitor the temperature to ensure it doesn't go above 230°F (110°C).
- Continue heating until the gel wax reaches a thick, syrupy consistency and is completely smooth and melted.
Embedding Objects (Optional)
- If you want to add decorations or embeds, now is the time to do it. Choose non-flammable objects such as shells, pearls, dried fruit, flowers, cinnamon sticks, or other spices.
- Place your chosen objects securely in the gel wax while it's still warm but not too hot. Be careful not to introduce too much air into the wax, as this can cause air bubbles.
- When your wax is melted and your objects are embedded (if using), it's time to pour.
- Pour the gel wax slowly into your chosen container to minimise the formation of air bubbles. You can use a glass jar, a beverage glass, or even a champagne glass if you want to create a bubble effect.
- Fill the container until the gel reaches about 1/4 inch from the top.
- If you're creating a layered effect, pour in stages, allowing each layer to cool slightly before adding the next.
Remember, gel wax candle-making can be tricky, especially for beginners. Take your time, follow safety precautions, and don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't turn out perfectly. With practice, you'll be able to create beautiful, personalised gel candles.
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Cooling and finishing
The cooling and finishing process is a critical stage in gel candle-making. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through this process:
Firstly, ensure that your gel wax has reached the desired consistency. It should be thick and syrupy before removing it from the heat source. This usually occurs at around 200-230 °F (93-110 °C). It is important not to exceed this temperature range, as the gel may burn, turn yellow, or become cloudy.
Next, carefully and slowly pour the melted gel wax into your chosen container, stopping when the gel reaches about a quarter of an inch from the top. This slow pouring technique will help minimise air bubbles and ensure a smooth finish. If you are creating multiple layers with embeds, pour just enough gel to cover each section, and let it cool before adding the next layer.
During the cooling process, avoid placing your candles in areas with heavy foot traffic or sudden temperature changes. These disturbances can cause unwanted bubbles and uneven cooling. Instead, let your candles cool undisturbed overnight.
Once your candles have cooled and solidified, it's time to finish them. Carefully remove any supporting tools like chopsticks, and trim the wicks to about a quarter of an inch (0.63 cm) using scissors. You can also add decorative touches, such as arranging multiple gel candles of varying sizes, shapes, and colours to create visually appealing displays.
Finally, remember to always follow safety guidelines and be cautious when working with hot wax and heat sources. Enjoy your homemade gel candles!
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