Gel candles are growing in popularity, which is why a lot of people want to learn how to make gel candles. The only difference between gel candles and wax candles lies in the way that they are manufactured.
Oil is the source for wax candles. The same is true with gel candles but they are made of 95% mineral oil and 5% polymer resin. The resin is transformed into a solid state from its initial powder form by mixing it with mineral oil.
Gel wax comes in three different states: high density, medium density, and low density. The higher the density, the more fragrance the oil can hold. Plus, the thicker gel will hold the suspended decorations within the candle. But, keep in mind that the thicker gel takes longer to meld and it is harder to pour.
The steps in how to make gel candles are the same as making a candle out of regular wax: melting the wax and pouring it in a mold to dry. But, the equipment you use and the techniques are slightly different. Most people use a double boiler for melting the wax. But, trying to melt gel wax in a double boiler would take way too long.
Some candle makers know how to make gel candles by utilizing multi-cookers. A multi-cooker works pretty much like a deep fryer. They typically are metal with a non-stick coating. They have a separate heating element with a temperature dial so you can get the proper temperature to melt the gel wax. Rather than using two separate pots, one with water and one to melt the wax in, the gel wax is placed directly in the multi-cooker to melt. It is advisable to check the temperature with the help of a separate thermometer, even if the multi-cooker has its own temperature dial.
Use something metal or hard plastic to stir the gel wax. Wooden spoons can sometimes add bubbles to the gel. The most important thing to remember when learning how to make gel candles is that gel candle wax can catch fire. Make sure you have a chemical fire extinguisher near by.
It is also possible to change the color of the gel candle wax by using dyes. Liquid candle dyes are perfect for gel candles because they can maintain the translucency of the gel. It only takes a very small amount of the dye to actually change the color of the wax. Sometimes even a drop of dye is too much. You should never use crayons, clothing dye, food coloring, or soap dyes in gel candle wax. Since, they are not made for candles, they will not burn properly.
It is very easy to learn how to make gel candles. There are so many possibilities when it comes to creating wonderful candles with gel wax. Decorations can be directly added to the gel candle wax, to let them to float within the candle. This is a good way of personalizing a candle if you are making it for someone else. Gel candles last longer than regular wax candles by burning slowly.