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How to Easily Make a Gel Candle
by
LeAnne Moreland
If you are just starting to learn about candle making, making a gel candle is really the easiest way to start. There are just a few things you need to consider first, such as what kind of container you want to use, whether you want to add color to your gel, and how to prevent bubbles from forming in your candle.
You purchase gel in a solid state, mostly. The trickiest part may be getting the gel out of the container you bought it in. However, once you remove the first few crumbs, the rest of the gel usually comes out rather easily, although it’s usually in one large piece.
Prepare Your Containers
Wash and dry your containers well before using. Soap residue, oils and glue from stickers can all interact with your gel and cause unpleasant side effects. You can use almost any glass container for a candle. I’ve done some really interesting candles with glass I’ve picked up at the dollar store.
Melting the gel
It’s very important you pay attention to the gel as it begins to melt because the gel can reach its flash point (the point at which it bursts into flames) very rapidly and sometimes unexpectedly. It’s important to check the manufacturers instructions to verify the flash point of the gel you have purchased. I always use a thermometer to gauge the temperature of the gel. You just have to be careful the thermometer isn’t touching the side of the pan. Under no circumstances should you try to melt the gel in a microwave, it doesn’t work and it’s dangerous. Be careful when waiting for the gel is melt, because an accidental splash while stirring, could result in a serious burn.
Adding Color
After the gel has completely melted you can add your choice of color. If you are using solid dye, a small grater can be a big help in adding the dye. A good way to check the color is to place a spoonful of the tinted gel on a sheet of heavy white paper. As the gel on the paper cools, check to see if the color is what you wanted. If the color appears too dark, simply dilute it by melting more clear gel in your pan. If the color is too light, simply add a little more dye.
Choosing the Right Wick
The length of the wick, of course, is determined by the height of the candle container. You can find a great selection of wicks at any craft store. For gel candles, you shouldn’t use paper wicks. Wax-coated wicks are stiff and easier to handle. Tabbed wicks are good because they provide you with an easy way to anchor the wick in the bottom of the candle container. This is probably the easiest wick to use.
Positioning the Wick
If you don’t care if there are a few bubbles in your candle, you can hot-glue a tabbed wick to the bottom of the container. Then just pour the melted gel around the wick. The gel will react with the glue and this will cause some bubbling in your candle. Since most of the candles I make now are for my personal use and enjoyment, this is the method I use. And, since the bubbles reflect the candles glow, this is not a problem for me.
However, if you are making candles to sell or for gift-giving and don’t want bubbles, you can pour the gel first and then while it is cooling, but still soft, position the wick. To do this, first you will need to dip the wick in some melted gel and let it cool. Gently run your fingers down the wick to remove only the excess gel. Roll the top of the wick around a pencil or wooden dowel and position it over the container and position the wick in the center of the candle. When the candle has cooled and set up, cut the wick to no longer than 1/4 inch.
Finished Product
Now wasn’t that easy. Gel candles are not only easy to make their colors are vibrant and you can match just about any color scheme in your home.
LeAnne Moreland is an avid crafter who enjoys making candles.
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How to Easily Make a Gel Candle
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