How To Make Gel Candles
The Perfect Gift for All Occasions
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make gel candles? These transparent long-lasting beauties are quickly becoming a favorite among candle lovers everywhere. Unlike regular wax candles, gel candles have a look of their own, making them the ideal gift for that special someone. While all candle making requires a certain level of care and caution, learning how to make gel candles is a relatively simple process once you get the hang of it. By following these basic steps, you'll soon be a gel candle making expert.
Purchase Your Candle Gel
The first step in learning how to make gel candles is to purchase your gel. As a beginner you may want to buy a pre-made brand of gel. Candle gel basically comes in two types, pre-made and pre-mixed. With pre-made gel, all the work has been done for you. A pre-mixed gel requires you to blend and heat all of the ingredients.
Heat and Pour the Candle Gel
If you choose a pre-mixed gel, you need to know how to properly heat and pour the gel wax. An electric pot with a temperature control is the most efficient method. Heat the gel to a temperature between 203-220 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the gel to cool a bit before pouring it into your glass container. Gel should be safe to pour when it is between 185-200 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to add any desired fragrance or essential oils just prior to pouring the candles.
For extra safety, you can first heat your candle container in the oven. This will eliminate the sudden change in temperature and prevent stress to the glass container once the gel is poured. Do not heat the glass above 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating the container can also help reduce the amount of bubbles in the gel.
Get Creative with Gel Candle Embeds
Choosing items to embed is perhaps the most fun part of learning how to make gel candles. It's what gives a candle its own style and flair. Create a nautical seascape candle, a blooming water garden, or a baseball themed gel candle for the sports fan in your family. Glass, wax, and ceramic items make the best choices for embeds. You want to be sure all items you select are non-flammable.
Select the Proper Type Gel Candle Wicks
A zinc core wick is the best choice for a gel candle. When purchasing a wick, you'll need to buy one size larger than you would for the same size regular or soy wax candle. Attach the wick to the bottom of the container by using a hot glue gun. Press down on the wick tab for a minute to ensure it is securely attached. This is an important point to remember when learning how to make gel candles.
Create Scented Candles with Fragrance or Essential Oils
Adding a little scent to your candle can be a nice finishing touch. Unfortunately though, adding too much fragrance can lead to other problems, including cloudy gel wax or a candle that catches on fire. A 1 to 3 percent fragrance ratio works well. This will allow your candle to smell nice without the threat of starting a fire.
Once you master the art of how to make gel candles, the possibilities are endless. Learn more about how you can make money by selling your gel candle creations.
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