The Magical Ingredients Of Jelly Candles

Jelly candles, also known as gel candles, are transparent candles made from a blend of mineral oil and powdered polymer resin. They are known for their unique gel-like consistency and longer burn time compared to traditional wax candles. With colourful designs and decorative items embedded within the gel, jelly candles make for eye-catching centrepieces. In addition, they burn cleanly without producing smoke or toxins, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Jelly candles are made from mineral oil and polymer resin

Jelly candles, also known as gel candles, are made from a combination of mineral oil and polymer resin. They are not made from wax, as one might assume, but from a form of mineral oil. The polymer resin is what gives the candle its unique gel-like consistency and allows it to last longer than regular candles. Typically, jelly candles are made from 95% mineral oil and 5% powdered polymer resin.

The density of the candle can be varied by adjusting the ratio of mineral oil to resin. Low-density gel candles, for example, can be made with 1 lb of mineral oil and 0.9 oz of resin, while high-density gel candles might use 1.25 oz of resin with 1 lb of mineral oil. The density of the gel affects the candle's ability to hold objects and its capacity for fragrance.

Jelly candles are known for their bright and beautiful appearance, and they can be made in various colours by adding liquid dye. They also burn clean, without producing smoke or toxins, which makes them an eco-friendly choice. The transparency of the gel allows the entire jar to be illuminated by the flame, creating a unique and calming glow.

Making jelly candles can be a fun DIY project, but it requires patience and the right materials. It is important to select a suitable wick and sustainer base, as well as a container such as a glass jar or drinking glass. The gel wax must be heated to the desired temperature, usually around 225-230°F (107-110°C), before being poured into the chosen container.

They burn clean with no smoke or toxins

Unlike traditional wax candles, jelly candles burn clean with no smoke or toxins. This means that they are a cleaner, more eco-friendly option.

Jelly candles are made from gel wax, which is a form of mineral oil. This means that they are not actually made of wax at all. The gel wax is combined with a powdered polymer resin to create the candle's unique gel-like consistency. This blend allows the candles to burn for much longer than traditional wax candles, with a burn time of up to 100 hours.

The mineral oil and resin are combined in different ratios to create different densities of gel wax. Low-density gel wax is made with 1 lb of mineral oil and 0.9 oz of resin, while high-density gel wax can be made with up to 1.4 oz of resin per pound of mineral oil. The density of the gel wax affects the concentration of scent that can be added, with low-density gel wax holding a maximum of 3% scent and high-density gel wax holding up to 5%.

To make a jelly candle, the gel wax is heated until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency. It is then poured into a glass container such as a mason jar or drinking glass. The type of wick used is critical due to the higher burning temperatures of jelly candles. It is also important to select a wick that is compatible with gel wax.

The clean-burning nature of jelly candles makes them a unique and decorative centrepiece for any room. They can be infused with natural fragrance oils and decorated with items such as beautiful stones, wax fruit, or "ice cubes" made from paraffin wax.

They have a long burn time of up to 100 hours

Jelly candles, also known as gel candles, are made from a blend of mineral oil and powdered polymer resin. The polymer resin gives the candle its gel-like consistency, and this is also why they last longer than regular candles. The exact ratio of mineral oil to resin varies depending on the source, but generally, it is a combination of 95% mineral oil and 5% resin.

Jelly candles have a long burn time compared to traditional wax candles, which tend to burn through much quicker. The burn time of a jelly candle can be up to 100 hours, although it is recommended that they are not burned for longer than 5 hours at a time to avoid heat build-up. This extended burn time is due to the higher density of the gel, which allows for a slower, more consistent burn.

The density of the gel candle also determines the concentration of scent it can hold. Low-density gel candles have a lower scent concentration, while high-density gel candles can hold a higher concentration of fragrance. This is because the higher density gel can accommodate larger fragrance molecules without affecting the gel's stability.

The unique gel consistency of jelly candles also allows for more light to be reflected, creating a different glow compared to traditional wax candles. The flame lights up the entire jar, not just the tip, resulting in a brighter and more eye-catching display. This, combined with their long burn time, makes jelly candles an excellent choice for gifts or as a decorative addition to the home.

The colour and design of jelly candles can be customised by using liquid dyes and decorative items such as stones, beads, or wax fruit. The dye can be added at different stages of the candle-making process to create various effects, from swirling colours to layered rings. Overall, the long burn time of jelly candles, along with their aesthetic appeal and customisation options, makes them a popular choice for those seeking a unique and long-lasting candle experience.

Use liquid dye to colour jelly candles

To colour jelly candles, you should use liquid dye. Most other dyes are wax-based, which can cause the gel to become cloudy. Very little liquid dye is needed to colour a jelly candle—one ounce can colour nearly 100 pounds of gel.

You can add the dye at different stages of the candle-making process to create different effects. Adding the colour before pouring the gel into the container will result in a monotone candle, with the colour spread evenly throughout all the layers. Adding the colour only after pouring the gel into the container will create a swirling effect. Adding the colour once the gel is mostly cooled will create a ring around the top. You can also add colour layer by layer, either in the pan or in the container, which will result in a richer tone with each layer.

When making jelly candles, it is critical to select the proper wick due to the higher burning temperatures of this product. It is also important to select the proper sustainer base for the pre-wick assembly. The key element in the sustainer base is the “neck height,” which is the part that holds the wick upright. A longer neck helps to ensure that the flame is extinguished before reaching the bottom of the container.

Select a wick compatible with jelly candles

Selecting the right wick for your jelly candle is essential to ensure it burns evenly and safely. Jelly candles, also known as gel candles, have higher burning temperatures than traditional wax candles, so you need to choose a wick that can accommodate this.

Firstly, it's important to understand that different types of wax require different wicks. For example, denser waxes like beeswax burn hotter and require a sturdier wick, whereas paraffin wax is more versatile and can burn well with a variety of wick types. Soy wax generally requires a larger wick than paraffin wax. The CD series of wicks is a popular choice for seasoned candlemakers as they are compatible with harder-to-melt viscous waxes such as paraffin and vegetable base (soy).

When choosing a wick for a jelly candle, opt for a wick that is specifically designed for use with gel candles. These wicks are made to withstand the higher burning temperatures of gel wax, which can be as high as 230°F (110°C).

Another factor to consider is the size and shape of your candle. The diameter and height of the candle will determine the size of the wick needed for an even burn. If you're using a container for your jelly candle, standard container wicks are designed to burn evenly in container candles.

Finally, don't forget to test your wicks. Conduct a burn test to see how a wick performs with your specific candle formulation. This will help you ensure that your jelly candle burns safely and effectively.

Frequently asked questions