Gel Candle Wax

Gel candle wax is kind of a misnomer. While gel isn't wax, since part of the definition of a candle is that if the fuel must be solid at room temperature -- both are definitely candles.

Confused yet? No need to be. Gel is just a different type of candle. It looks a little different and is always used in a container, but it can still look pretty and smell wonderful!

Gel also has the benefit of burning longer than most other "normal" kinds of wax; this is mainly because of the higher temperatures needed to melt the gel into a fragrance pool.

What is Gel Candle Wax Made Of?

Gel is actually made primarily from mineral oil, with some polymer resin additives to make it solid at room temperature. But like a "regular" gel that you might see in everyday life, it's transparent.

Unlike regualr candle wax, gel cannot "stand" on its own, and therefore is always used as a container candle.

This has been turned into a benefit, and new gel candle decorating ideas come onto the market constantly.

You can find out more on the gel candle supplies page.

Is It Safe?

There have been some unfortunate instances where a "knock off" gel was used to make candles, and some fires happened. The patent-holder for the gel, Penreco, provides a safe gel candle wax, though, so that's the way to go. Although it is possible to make your own, I don't recommend it. Go with something that's known to be safe!

But as for "exploding" gel candles? That's a myth. Most likely is that the candle was in the wrong container (too thin of glass) and burned down too far. The glass cracked (which can sound like a "boom") and gel leaked out.

(And by the way, the same thing can happen with regular wax candles! So glass cracking and wax leaking isn't just for gel.)

The fact that the gel is always in a container has spawned some interesting containers being used for the candles. There have also been problems when a candle that should have been strictly decorative was lit. An example being if the container was too thin-walled to stand up to the heat of a burning candle.

(Of course this can happen with a regular wax candle as well. Gel candles are just so very pretty that sometimes inappropriate containers are used.)

What About Soot?

Since gel candle wax is man-made (petroleum based), there will be more soot than from a natural wax candle. If the candle is well-made with the proper wick and fragrance load, the soot should not be an issue.

If you're just learning to make gel wax candles (and don't have the opportunity to take a class), please use a kit and follow the directions! The proper wicks, fragrances and instuctions are included, for optimum performance and safety.

(See the sidebar to the right for places you can buy gel candle kits.)

By using the proper supplies and containers, you can enjoy beautiful, safe gel candles, made by your own hands!

Top of Gel Candle Wax Page

How to Make Candles Page

The Richly Scented Candle Home Page

Please remember to always monitor any candles closely, while you are burning them or melting them. Don't be a statistic -- be safe!

ADD TO YOUR SOCIAL BOOKMARKS: