Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of gel candles? If you're familiar with wax candles, gel candles will be a fun twist. They’re incredibly unique because of their translucent appearance, and they offer endless creative possibilities for embeds like shells, beads, or even decorative fruits for pie candles. Plus, they burn longer than wax candles, making them a great project for both personal use and sales at craft shows.

Let’s get started with everything you need to know to make your very own gel candles!

What Are Gel Candles?

Gel candles are made from a gel wax that's a mix of mineral oil and polymer resin. The cool thing about gel is that it’s clear, allowing you to get creative with embeds and colors while still being able to see through the candle. Imagine all the possibilities—beach scenes, floral arrangements, or even themed candles for holidays!

Supplies You'll Need

Before you start, gather the following materials:

Gel Wax: This is the base of your candle. It comes in 3 different densities, so choose based on the type of candle you are making and how much embedding you want to do. Heavier objects to embed (nuts or bolts) require a higher density or thicker gel. The higher the density, the better it holds objects in place. Basic gel candles or fruit pies that do not have items suspended in the gel can use a lower density. Medium Density gel is our best seller because it can be used for regular gel candles and it's also thick enough to suspend objects in your candle.

Wicks: Zinc-core wicks work best with gel candles because they stand up straight and don't bend when submerged in the gel.

Fragrance Oil: Be sure to use fragrance oils specifically for gel candles to avoid cloudiness and ensure proper burning. Usually, a 1-3% fragrance load works well. Do not use more than the recommended amount of scent in your gel candle. The gel will not fully absorb the fragrance oil leaving "scent pockets" that could catch on fire with the candle burns.

Liquid Dye: Gel candles require liquid dye, not solid dye chips, to maintain their transparency. Pick colors that will complement the look you’re going for.

Embeds (optional): Think of things like wax fruit, seashells, glass beads, or other non-flammable objects that can withstand heat.

Containers: Gel candles look best in clear glass containers so you can really show off that see-through design. Make sure the container is heat resistant.

Step-by-Step Gel Candle Making Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Gel wax can be sticky, so be sure to cover your work area with parchment paper or a heat-resistant mat. Gather all your tools and materials beforehand to make the process smooth.

2. Measure and Melt the Gel Wax

Cut your gel wax into small chunks and place them in a heat-resistant pot. You’ll need a thermometer for this part because gel wax needs to be melted slowly at around 200-225°F (93-107°C). Stir gently to avoid creating bubbles in the wax. Bubbles can add a fun effect to your candle, but if you're aiming for a clear look, you’ll want to avoid too much stirring. Never use a wooden spoon or wooden stirring stick to mix your gel, it will foam and bubble like crazy.

3. Attach the Wick

While your gel wax is melting, attach your zinc-core wick to the bottom of the glass container. You can use a wick tape, glue dot or hot glue to secure it. Make sure the wick is centered and straight by using a wick holder or wrapping it around a pencil to hold it in place across the top of the container.

4. Add Fragrance and Color

Once the gel is fully melted and clear, it’s time to add fragrance oil and color. Stir in your fragrance oil (around 1-3% of the total weight) and your liquid dye. Remember, a little goes a long way with dye—start with just a drop or two!

5. Pour the Gel Wax

Carefully pour the gel wax into your container. If you add embeds, you can place them in the container before or after you pour, depending on how you want them arranged. To avoid air bubbles, pour the wax slowly down the side of the container.

Pro tip: If you want your embeds to "float" in the middle of the gel, pour the candle in layers. Let the first layer cool, place your embeds on top, and then pour the next layer of gel.

6. Let it Cool

Let your candle cool completely. Depending on the size of your container, this could take a few hours. Once cooled, trim the wick to about ¼ inches, and your gel candle is ready to burn or display!

Safety Tips for Gel Candles

Use Only Gel-Safe Fragrances: Some fragrance oils can cause your gel candle to become cloudy or burn improperly. Always make sure the fragrance you use is labeled as safe for gel candles.

Test Burn: Before you start making large batches, it’s a good idea to do a test burn to make sure your wick size is correct and the candle burns evenly.

No Flammable Embeds: This one is crucial—never put anything flammable inside your gel candles. Only use materials that can handle the heat, like glass or metal.

Why You'll Love Gel Candles

Not only are gel candles stunning to look at, but they also burn longer than regular wax candles. The transparent design allows for creativity beyond just color—you can create little scenes within the candle, making them a great gift or product to sell.

And there you have it! Gel candles are a fun way to branch out from traditional wax candles and unleash your creativity. Plus, with their longer burn times, they’re a customer favorite!

If you give gel candles a try, let me know how it goes, or feel free to ask me any questions along the way.

Happy candle making!

Your friend,

Cindy

* Instructions are a copyright of Candles and Supplies.com and may not be copied or reproduced without written permission