How to Add Scent and Color to Homemade Gel Candles

Homemade gel candles are relatively easy to make, and can provide you and your friends and family with hours of enjoyment. One of the fun things about gel candles is the ease with which you can change them to fit your needs. You can change their colors or their scents by just adding a few things to your gel mix.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Prepare your wax mix. Follow the directions on the package, paying special attention to how to melt it properly. The wax comes in either pellet or chunk form, and each one requires slightly different handling.

2. Add some color. Choose a dye that's specially formulated for gel candles. They generally come in liquid, block or powder forms. Liquid dyes are the easiest to work with; you simply dip a toothpick into the dye solution and swirl it around in your melted gel. You can continue to add small bits of color until the candle is the right shade. Just remember that a little bit goes a long way when adding color to gel candles.

3. Pick the right scent. There are many different fragrance oils on the market; choose one that's non-polar and that has a flash point over 170 degrees. Add a few drops at a time, mixing thoroughly. Generally, a 1-lb. candle takes about an ounce of fragrance, but you can use less for a subtler smell.

4. Pour the gel into your mold, add a wick and finish according to the candle-making instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• If you add too much scent or use the wrong type for gel candles, you risk catching the candle on fire.