Gel candle wax is one of the most exciting products to arrive on the market for candlemakers in a long while. Gel wax is made from a combination of mineral oil and polymer resin. When the resin is mixed into the mineral oil, a solid jelly is formed, and that is the gel candle wax. This gel can then be heated to melting and poured into containers for candles. It must reach temperatures of around 200F degrees, so use caution with this wax.
Gel can be bought in different densities – high, medium and low. The difference in density determines its usability. High density gel wax can support decorations suspended in it better. It’s downside is it is more difficult to pour, and takes longer to meld or set. Gel candles must always be made and kept in a container, since the when the wax sets it looks and feels like jelly, so needs to be supported. Make sure the container can take the high heat of the liquid gel.
Gel candles can be made in containers of any material that can take the high heat of the melted wax. Clear glass containers are most commonly used, since the gel is clear, and can be colored in attractive and interesting ways. Gel candles, with their clear wax, can hold inserts such as small seashells, colored glass bits, pieces of dried fruit, and so on. Because of this clear characteristic, gel candles are quite spectacular.
Gel wax made into shapes are available in the marketplace, and with them you can make totally unique candles. Your choices are varied – from grape-shaped and colored gel pieces to simple rectangular chunks. It is also possible to make your own colored chunks or pieces to use. Simply melt the gel wax, following the manufacturer’s directions, add the color, pour into a flat tray with sides, and allow to cool and set. When cold, you can easily cut it into chunks to use by pressing down onto the gel with a sharp knife..
Use these pre-made gel shapes and chunks to make an interesting gel candle. First, glue the wick (with sustainer attached) to the base of your glass container. Now, add a layer of gel chunks into the container. Pour in liquefied gel wax in a contrasting or complementing color to fill in the gaps between the chunks. Add another layer of gel chunks, and repeat. When the container is filled to within a quarter inch of the top, it is complete. After the gel has cooled and set, trim the wick, and your candle is ready to use.
Gel wax can be used like other waxes – melted and poured into a container, where it cools and makes a simple container candle. It must be melted to 200F degrees, over direct heat. You can also use an electric pot with its own heating element and temperature control. Because of the high temperature required to melt it, always have a fire extinguisher near by. Pour the wax carefully into the heat-proof container, and while it is still molten, add some glitter for effect. Stir gently, so no bubbles form. Pour the wax at a faster rate into the container to give it a bubbly ocean water feel. When the candle is cool, snip off the wick so it doesn’t stick out of the container’s top.
Which ever method you use to make your gel candles, pay careful attention to safety, and wash after you make your candles, as the wax gel is slightly toxic. Never burn a gel candle down right to the container bottom, as the heat may cause the container to crack or break.
A long-time crafts enthusiast, Nicki Archer shares her candle making experience and knowledge with you in her free beginner candle making e-course.
Her on-site comprehensive e-book, Secrets to Creative Candlemaking., along with bonus e-books, will give you a full understanding of candle making.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/a-guide-to-gel-candle-making-1495331.html
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