How to Make Gel Wax Candles

Gel candle

Gel wax candles are a relatively new type of candle gaining in popularity. They typically last much longer than paraffin wax candles and have a unique beauty as they are being burned that cannot be matched by paraffin candles. In addition, they effectively disperse their scents into the air around them while burning. Gel candles can be a good way for a home crafter to experiment with candle making, because these candles are quite simple to make.

Things You'll Need

• Candle gel
• Double boiler (not used for food preparation)
• Candy thermometer
• Metal spoon
• Toothpicks
• Gel candle wicks (pre-tabbed)
• Wooden craft stick
• Candle containers
• Fragrance oil (flash point of at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Liquid dye
• Heat gun

Instructions

1. Place the wick into your chosen container---glass and metal are both suitable choices---so that the tab on one end of the wick is at the center of the container. Measure 3 inches higher than the top of the container. Trim the wick off at this point.

2. Tie the trimmed end of the wick around the craft stick. Place the craft stick across the top of the container to help position the wick in the center of the container.

3. Put the unmelted wax into the top of the double boiler, and place 2 inches of water in the bottom of the double boiler. Place the double boiler on a burner set to medium-low heat.

4. Insert the candy thermometer into the wax and begin to stir the melting wax with the metal spoon.

5. Monitor the temperature as you stir. Remove the wax from the heat source when the temperature reaches 225 degrees.

6. Add the fragrance to the melted wax after it has been removed from the heat. Use .5 oz. of fragrance oil for every 1 pound of candle gel. Stir the fragrance in well.

7. Add the liquid dye in small increments after the fragrance by dipping a toothpick into the dye and then placing the toothpick into the candle gel. Be careful not to use more dye than desired because the color cannot be reversed.

8. Wait for the wax to cool to between 185 and 200 degrees before pouring. Pour the melted gel slowly into the prepared container. Keep the wick centered as you pour.

9. Allow the candle to sit undisturbed until it has completely hardened. Trim the wick to 1/2 inch.

10. Use a heat gun to carefully remove air bubbles as they form on the surface of the candle while the candle is setting; aim the gun at the bubbles and turn it on to a low temperature. A heat gun is similar in appearance to a hair dryer. Alternatively, wait until the candle has set completely, and place the candle into an oven set to 150 F for 15 to 25 minutes. This temperature will melt the wax enough to remove the bubbles but not so much as to melt the entire candle.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to choose a fragrance oil that is suitable for use with gel candles. Stir and pour carefully and slowly to minimize bubbles in the gel wax.

• Do not allow the wax temperature to rise above 225 degrees because of fire risk.

References

• How to Make Gel Candles
• Bubbles in Gel Candles