Information on Gel Wax

Ocean themes are common in gel wax candles because gel wax can be dyed blue like the sea.

Gel wax is used for candles because it can burn for nearly twice as many hours as candles made from paraffin wax. Gel wax is 95 percent mineral oil and 5 percent polymer resin.

Consistency

Unlike most candle waxes, gel wax is quite thin and has a rubberlike quality. The melting process involves frequent stirring and does not turn the wax into a liquid but thins it slowly. Because of the consistency of gel wax, candles made from it must always be kept upright.

Embeds

Gel wax candles are frequently decorated with little inserts or trinkets, called embeds. The embellishments, such as stars or sea horses, are suspended inside the wax and are visible through it because of the transparent nature of the wax.

Wicks

When using gel wax to make candles, it is important that zinc wicks are used. The wick should be one size larger than you would use for a candle made from another kind of wax, and it should be kept trimmed at a quarter inch tall.

References

• Natures Garden Candles: Gel Wax (PDF)