Are Gel Candles Hard To Make?
Gel candles have become increasingly popular over the past decade thanks to their beautiful, vibrant colors and crystal clear appearance. Unlike traditional wax candles, gel candles contain a mineral oil gel base that provides luminous, jewel-toned colors when lit. While high-end gel candles can be purchased from specialty retailers, many people enjoy making DIY gel candles at home. Homemade gel candles allow you to customize colors, scents, and container shapes exactly to your liking. The gel consistency also makes homemade candles a fun, beginner-friendly craft.
What are gel candles?
Gel candles are a type of candle made from a mixture of mineral oil and polymer resin that results in a transparent, gel-like wax (source). The main difference from regular paraffin wax candles is that gel candles are see-through and can hold decorative items like seashells, glitter, flowers, etc.
Gel candle wax has a thicker, more viscous consistency than paraffin wax. It is flexible and holds its shape well, allowing for more intricate candle designs. Gel candles also burn slower and cooler than regular candles. Their transparency gives them a unique aesthetic appeal and allows light to pass through and illuminate objects inside the candle (source).
Unlike paraffin wax, gel candle wax will not adhere to the side of a container or candle mold. This allows gel candle containers to be reused and makes gel candles easier to remove from molds without damage.
Benefits of homemade gel candles
Making your own gel candles at home offers several advantages over buying pre-made gel candles:
Homemade gel candles cost a fraction of the price of store-bought gel candles. The materials like gel wax, fragrance oils, and candle jars can be purchased in bulk for very reasonable prices. This allows you to experiment with different scents and designs without breaking the bank.
You can fully customize gel candles when making them yourself. Choose your preferred colors, scents, shapes, styles, and décor elements. Express your creativity by designing beautiful, artistic candles.
The process of making DIY gel candles can be a satisfying creative outlet and relaxing hobby. Follow your inspiration to invent new candle varieties and make great handmade gifts for loved ones.
Overall, homemade gel candles give you the flexibility to make affordable, personalized candles exactly the way you envision them.
Materials Needed
Most of the materials needed to make gel candles can be purchased online or at craft stores. The main ingredients are gel wax, fragrance oils, wicks, and candle jars/containers.
Gel wax is the base of gel candles. It has a transparent, crystal-clear appearance when solidified. Popular gel wax options include crystal clear gel wax and pillar of bliss wax. Gel wax can be purchased from online retailers like Section 1. All About Gel.
Fragrance oils are mixed into the wax to provide scents. You can find a wide variety of fragrance oil options, from fruity scents to musky aromas. Measure fragrance oils carefully, as too much can cause the candle wax to sweat or the scent to be overpowering. Good suppliers for fragrance oils are sites like Alibaba.
Candle wicks are needed to draw the wax up while burning. Wicks specifically made for gel candles work best. Opt for larger wick sizes for wider containers. You can purchase wicks bundled with other gel candle making supplies at sites like AliExpress.
Candle jars, containers, and molds provide vessels to hold the gel wax. Glass and plastic containers meant for candles work well. Make sure containers have an opening wide enough for the wick.
Other handy supplies include a double boiler or crockpot for melting wax, a thermometer to check wax temperature, silicone molds for unique shapes, and dyes for color if desired.
Safety considerations
When making gel candles at home, there are some important safety precautions to keep in mind. According to the Central County Fire Department, proper ventilation is critical – fumes from melting wax can be dangerous in an enclosed space. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing in fumes directly. It’s also advised to wear gloves when pouring hot wax to avoid burns. Allow candles to cool completely before moving them.
The Central County Fire Department also provides gel candle fire safety tips. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains and books. Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Burn candles in containers that won’t melt or catch fire. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe burn times – generally no more than 4 hours at a time. Always trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent excess smoking and dangerous flare-ups.
Step-by-step instructions
Making gel candles at home is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:
First, prepare your candle making supplies. You’ll need paraffin or soy wax, candle fragrance oils, dye (optional), wicks, and containers like glass jars or tin cans. Make sure all materials are clean and dry before starting.
Next, melt the wax in a double boiler or microwave according to package directions. Heat the wax slowly to avoid scorching. Once melted, check the temperature – wax should be 140-160°F before adding fragrance. Then, stir in candle dye if using, a few drops at a time.
Now add the fragrance oil, about 1 oz per pound of wax. Stir the wax mixture well to fully incorporate the fragrance. Allow the wax to cool slightly, to 130-135°F. This ensures the fragrance fully binds to the wax.
While the wax cools, prepare the wicks and jars. Place wicks centered in the bottom of each container, using clothespins to hold them in place. Make sure wicks are straight and taut.
Once wax has cooled, carefully pour it into the waiting jars. Leave at least 1⁄4” of headspace to allow for expansion as the candle cures. Gently tap the jars to release any air bubbles.
Finally, allow candles to fully set up undisturbed, 12-24 hours. Then trim wicks to 1⁄4” before burning. Store finished gel candles in a cool, dry place out of direct light. With proper care, they can last for years.
For more details and tips, check out these step-by-step gel candle making tutorials: Learn how to make beautiful gel candles, How to make gel candles at home.
Design Ideas
One of the great things about homemade gel candles is that you can get really creative with the designs. Here are some fun ideas to try:
Layering Colors
You can layer multiple colors of gel wax to create cool effects. For example, you could pour blue gel wax on the bottom, let it set up, then add a white layer on top. The layers will remain separate for a unique look. Check out this video for inspiration: Marble Gel Candle
Embeds
Add interesting objects like seashells, coffee beans, or dried flowers into the gel wax to make one-of-a-kind candles. Just make sure any embeds are heat-safe. Get embed ideas in this video: Embedded Gel Candles
Glitter
For sparkle, mix glitter into the gel wax. Use cosmetic-grade glitter to ensure it is non-flammable. Add glitter on top of a base layer for a fun effect. See examples: Glitter Gel Candles
Seasonal Themes
Make gel candles fit for any holiday or season. Try red and green layers for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or brown and orange for fall. Get seasonal inspiration here: Seasonal Gel Candles
Troubleshooting
Making gel candles can be tricky at first. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Bubbles
Bubbles can form if you heat the gel wax too quickly or pour too vigorously. To fix, pour slower next time and preheat your candle containers. Lightly spritz bubbles with rubbing alcohol to pop them.
Frosting
Frosting happens when the oils resolidify on the candle surface. This can be caused by pouring too cool or not mixing well enough. Maintain wax at 185-190F while pouring to prevent frosting. Gently remelt the top later with a heat gun if needed.
Poor Scent Throw
Make sure to use the recommended usage rate for your fragrance oil. Adding oil at too low temperature can also limit scent. Mix your fragrance oil between 155-165F to maximize scent throw. Trim wicks to 1/4″ to prevent smoking which diminishes scent (Source).
Storing and Burning Gel Candles
Properly storing your homemade gel candles is important for performance and safety. Here are some tips:
Allowing to Cure: Freshly made gel candles need to cure for at least 1-2 weeks before burning. This allows the gel to settle and the candle to become denser. Burning too soon can cause the candle to overheat or the glass to break.
Wick Trimming: Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. Long wicks can cause sooting or a large flame. Trim as needed each time you burn the candle. Use wick trimmers specifically for candle wicks.
Burn Times: Expect gel candles to provide 45-60 hours of burn time. They typically last longer than paraffin candles. Don’t burn for more than 4 hours at a time and keep away from drafts which can make the candle burn unevenly.
With proper care, your homemade gel candles can provide hours of aroma and decor. Enjoy your handcrafted candles and make adjustments to perfect your technique over time.
Conclusion
Making gel candles at home is not especially difficult. As we’ve seen in the step-by-step instructions, the process mainly involves melting wax and adding fragrance and dye. While there are some safety considerations with working with hot wax, taking proper precautions makes the process very manageable.
For beginners, the most important tips are to use the right materials and double check your measurements. Having high quality wax and wicks designed for gel candles is key. Measuring out the wax, fragrance, and dye accurately will ensure your candle performs as expected. Taking your time and following all steps methodically is wise when trying gel candle making for the first time.
With some practice and patience, homemade gel candles can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. The finished candles make great gifts and home accents. Gel candles also provide an opportunity to customize scents and designs. Once you get the basics down, you’ll be ready to experiment with your own unique candle creations.
