Gel candles are now a popular choice for candle makers.
Gel wax is a mixture of 95% mineral oil and 5% polymer resin.
The resin is supplied as a powder but, when mixed with the mineral oil, it changes into a solid state.
Gel wax comes in different densities.
The higher the density, the more fragrance the oil can hold.
Keep in mind though, that the thicker gel takes longer to melt and it is harder to pour.
What you need Let's mention up front that you can buy ready-made kits for making gel candles from a local craft shop or online.
The supplies 1.
One or more glass containers that will act as moulds for your candles.
You should choose containers that allow the wick to be positioned at least 3.
5 - 4 cm from the sides (1½ inch).
2.
Some glue that you will need to heat and then pour into the bottom of the glass container to fix the wick into place.
3.
Zinc core wicks (do not use cotton wicks).
4.
Gel wax.
5.
Liquid candle dye made especially made for gel candles (colour blocks used with regular wax candles may make the gel wax cloudy).
6.
Fragrance oil made for gel candles (do not use cosmetic fragrance oil).
7.
Optionally, non-flammable decorative additivessuch as marbles, glass beads, glitter, sand, sea shells, pebbles, crystals, artificial jewelry items or any other decorative objects that you may like.
The tools and equipment 1.
A pot in which to heat the wax, You can use a stainless steel pot, a glass pot or a multi-cooker that has a heating element and a temperature adjustment dial.
2.
A thermometer to make sure the gel is melted at the proper temperature.
3.
A metal or hard plastic implement to stir the gel.
Safety warning Overheated gel candle wax can catch fire.
Make sure you do not overheat the wax and preferably have fire extinguisher on hand.
You should not heat the wax to a temperature higher than 110 degrees C (230 F).
At this temperature it will smell and turn yellow or brown.
The process The steps you follow for making gel candles are essentially the same ones you follow for making regular wax candles.
The difference is that you need to use a different type of heating pot.
Melting gel wax in a double boiler would take much too long.
Instead, you place the gel wax directly into the pot and adjust the temperature as outlined below.
1.
Place a spot of hot glue in the bottom of your candle container.
Fasten the zinc core wick with the glue and let it set.
2.
Cut your gel wax into small cubes so that it melts faster and more evenly.
3.
Turn your heat source to medium and gradually heat the gel to exactly 93 degrees C (200 F).
Use a thermometer to monitor this.
Overheating the wax may cause two problems: the wax turns cloudy and, secondly, you run the risk of the wax catching fire.
Maintain the heat until the gel turns syrupy.
Gel wax does not turn into a liquid.
4.
Heat the containers into which you intend to pour the wax to about 65-70 degrees C(150-160 F).
Heating them will reduce the likelihood of bubbles forming.
5.
Gradually add your colour dye to the melted wax until it has the desired colour.
Remember that any decorative items you add will be less visible if you add too much dye.
6.
Add fragrance oil.
As a guide, 1/3 teaspoon of oil for each container of melted gel will produce a suitable scent.
7.
Dip any decorative additives you want to use in the hot gel and start by placing the first items at the bottom of the container but close to its edges so that they become more visible.
8.
Place your containers on a level surface and start pouring the gel wax slowly and carefully down the side of the container.
At regular intervals, add additional additives near the edge of the container, then pour more wax.
9.
Keep spills to a minimum, especially spills onto your stove element, because gel wax is difficult to remove.
10.
Pull the wick up.
You can roll it around an item such as a pencil to make this easier.
11.
Finally, let the candle cool.
Trim the wick and your candle is ready.