Have you ever wondered about the beauty of clear candles filled with tiny shells, flowers, or fruits? What are they made up of? Do you know how they are made? They are made with gel wax, which makes them look clear and attractive.
Do you want to create your own candles? Want to know how these attractive candles are made? Gel wax helps make your candle look creative, long-lasting, and adds a special ambiance to your space.
Whether you are a first-time candle maker or pro at candle making, this method allows you to play with vibrant colors, creative designs, and fun-filled decorations. In this blog post, let’s understand everything about gel wax for candle making, what you need, and the main tips for getting that final finish.
What Is A Gel Wax
Gel wax is a jelly-like substance which is a mix of resin and mineral oils that gives a clearer and more transparent look and thus making it unique among the other types of candle wax. Due to the see-through property of gel wax, it is preferably used in making candles that provide a unique and personal touch for any events or seasonal decorations.
Properties Of Gel Wax For Making Candles:
- A gel wax used for candle making is a flexible and clear substance that can be easily molded into any shape and is capable of embedding various items in it, such as flowers, petals, shells, and so on.
- Due to its slower burning time, it can last longer.
- You can color these candles or leave them plain for various design aspects.
- They are highly used in decorative and novelty candles to enhance the transparency.
- Their melting point is higher compared to traditional waxes.
- They provide suspended or layered effects for candles.
- Needs a particular wick.
Some Useful Tips About Gel Wax For Making Candles
Here are some of the useful tips about gel wax for candle making:
1. Use A Low To Medium Light:
Due to the high melting point of gel wax, you need to melt it slowly on low to medium heat to prevent overheating.
2. Choose The Right Wicks:
Use the wicks specially designed for the gel wax for proper burning and to avoid any possible problems with burning. Use a wick that burns at a high heat.
3. Embed Objects Carefully:
If you are adding any decorative items, please be sure that they are non-inflammable. Place them properly when the gel wax is still warm but not that hot.
4. Avoid Air Bubbles:
Pour the gel wax slowly into the container, so that there are no air bubbles, which may affect the look of the candle.
5. Use Gel Wax Safe Fragrances:
As not all fragrances go well with gel wax, use the specific scents that suit the gel wax and mix well without cuddling it.
6. Work In Layers For Effects:
If you want a layered or suspended effect, pour the gel wax in layers such that each layer has to be cooled a little bit before adding the next.
7. Cool Gradually:
Let the gel wax cool slowly at room temperature to avoid cracking or cuddling in the final product.
Suitable Wicks For Gel Wax:
Not every wick is suitable for gel wax. You need a specific wick that burns at a higher temperature while making gel candles. As gel wax for making candles is denser and has a higher melting point, you need a wick that produces more heat to melt the gel wax as it burns. So using a wick that is specifically designed for gel wax candles guarantees that the candle burns properly and safely. These wicks are usually thicker or made from substances that can resist the higher heat provided for gel wax candles.
How To Make Gel Wax Candles?
When you are using gel wax for making candles, you need the following supplies.
- Gel Wax: The first and most important supply for making a gel wax candle is a clear wax that has a jelly-like structure and is made from mineral oil and polymer resin. Gel wax is preferred for making transparent candles.
- Wicks: You need a specific wick prepared for gel wax that helps in the proper burning of the candle with an even flame.
- Candle Fragrance: The scents that are gel wax safe and mix thoroughly with the gel wax are preferable so that they shouldn’t cloud or affect the clarity.
- Liquid Candle Dye: If you want to color your gel wax candles, use dyes that are made particularly for gel wax and that don’t disturb its transparency.
- Candle Containers: The glass containers with heat-resisting properties and hold the gel wax firmly, are the best for gel wax candles. A small mason jar can also be used as it can bear the high heat of the wax.
- Thermometer: A thermometer is needed to check the temperature of g wax as it melts so that it shouldn’t overheat.
- Dried Orange Slices Or Flowers: Embedding natural decorative items in gel wax candles gives it an aromatic and aesthetic touch.
- Double Boiler or Melting Pot:
Use a double boiler, melting pot, or any other utensil for melting the gel safely and without exposing it to direct heat.
- Wick Centering Tool:
You need a tool that helps in keeping your wick aligned to the center as the gel wax cools and sets.
- Glue Dots Or Wick Stickers:
Use adhesives to properly adhere the wick to the bottom of the container just before pouring in the gel wax.
- Skewers Or Chopsticks:
These help in placing decorative items like dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks etc inside the gel wax.
Step-By-Step Procedures For Using Gel Wax For Making Candles:
Step 1: Prepare Your Supplies:
Collect all the materials for making gel wax candles. These include gel wax, dried orange slices, candle containers, cinnamon sticks, flowers, natural substances, a thermometer, a double boiler or melting pot, and all the tools for positioning your decorations.
Step 2: Measure And Melt The Gel Wax:
Before preparing the candles using gel wax, cut the gel wax into small pieces and measure the suitable amount of gel wax required for your container. Slowly melt the gel wax using a double boiler while keeping the heat low to medium. You can monitor the temperature by using a thermometer so that it doesn’t cross above 230°F (110°C).
Step 3: Pour The Gel Wax Layer By Layer:
While the wax is still melting, pour a small amount of wax into the bottom of the Mason Jar, just to cover the base of the container. Allow this to cool down slightly and start to set but still sticky.
Step 4: Position The Dried Oranges, Cinnamon Sticks, Or Any Other Items
As the bottom layer becomes sticky, press the dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks or any other substances gently to the sides of the containers with the help of skewers or chopsticks to place them properly. The sticky wax will hold these items in place.
Step 5: Secure The Wick:
Make your wick straight and make sure that it is placed properly at the center. With the help of a wick centering tool, or tie it to a skewer or a chopstick placed at the top of the container.
Step 7: Remove Air Bubbles:
With the help of a fork or any other tools, poke the air bubbles. You can even scrape them with the help of a fork.
Step 8: Allow The Gel Wax To Cool:
Allow your gel wax candle to cool and let it set fully at room temperature. It may take some time. Don’t try to move the container as it may affect the wax.
Step 9: Trim The Wick:
Cut the wick of a candle after the candle has set properly. Let the height of the wick be about ¼ inch above the wax surface.
Final Thoughts:
Have you ever seen a candle that is too clear and transparent? These candles are made from gel wax. These are creative and enhance the ambiance of your space. You can even embed any natural things inside this candle to make them naturally scented and attractive. So, in this blog, we have covered everything about the gel wax for making the candle, hope it’s helpful! Your Feedback Is Welcomed.