The Richly Scented Candle

Archive for the ‘Gel Candles’ Category

How to make gel candles is both very similar and very different from making wax candles. While the same general supplies are needed, such as a thermometer, a melting container, wicks, etc., gel candles also need some special treatment.

If you read the page on gel candle supplies, you know, for example, that a gel candle uses a specific type of fragrance, called non-polar. And not using the correct fragrance could indeed cause you big candle problems.

Wicks are also a little different for gel candles; a cored wick with a tab is the best, because a regular wick won't be able to stand up to the gel (or in the gel, for that matter).

And then there are the fun things -- the gel candle insets! From found objects like seashells to realistic-looking wax fruits for "food" candles, the inserts are part of the creative joy!

Materials Needed

Here is a very basic list of the gel candle making supplies you will need:

• Thermometer -- the candy-making kind that measures to at least 300 degrees.
• Pot in which to melt the gel, preferably with a spout of some kind.
• Candle gel.
• Cored wick that has a wick tab; zinc core is the best for gel.
• Container for your candle.

Optionals are the neat stuff! These are what make making gel candles so much fun. They include:

• Non-polar fragrance, preferably one that's colorless (or it will cloud the gel).
• Dye that is compatible with gel candles; liquid dye is preferable, as solid dye may cloud your gel. You only need a teeny-tiny bit -- one drop of liquid dye can color 1 pound of gel!
• Safe inserts. Stick with non-flammables, obviously. Small seashells make a nice start.
• Sticky tabs, used to anchor your wick tabs in your container.

A Note About Supplies

If you're brand new to gel candles, consider buying a kit, as opposed to buying things seperately. It really is safer.

I was just at a major craft store and took a look at their offerings for how to make gel candles.

I saw gel, wicks, fragrance, dye. But nowhere was there any kind of label to tell me what kind of wick went with the gel, what dyes were best to use, and nothing about fragrance -- was it safe?

So...I really do think you're best off getting a kit in the beginning, to make sure you have what you need for making gel candles - safely!

Basics: How to Make Gel Candles

In essence, it's a matter of first melting the gel candle wax to between 205 and 215 degrees.

While the gel is heating (and it does take time), you anchor your wicks in your containers. You can use sticky tabs (preferably) or a little hot glue from a glue gun (which might or might not cause gel clouding).

Add your dye at any point once the gel is liquid, and your fragrance just before you are ready to pour the gel.

Resources: Books

Do you find it much easier to sit down with a book, than read from a computer screen? If so, here are two excellent books on making gel candles:

Gel Candles: 40 Creative Projects by Kalia Westerman. It's a nice look at what it takes to begin making gel candles, and projects ranging from total beginner up through intermediate. There is a bit about making your own gel...and that's probably the only part of the book I wouldn't recommend. Other than that, clear instructions and nice pictures on how to make gel candles.

The Complete Guide to Gel Candlemaking: Learn How to Create Beautiful, Scented Gel Candle Designs in Just a Few Easy Steps by Karen Renee Graddy. This is an expensive book, so don't scream when you see the price. On the other hand -- it's gorgeous! Now part of the thrust of the book is making realistic-looking gel candles that you can sell. If you are just starting out making your first gel candles, this probably isn't quite for you. Or, you can get this book in combination with another book that has more beginner info.

Top of How to Make Gel Candles Page

Gel Candle Supplies Page

Candle Making Material Page

The Richly Scented Candle Home Page