Crafts Making

A topic that many people who have spent time making candles get intimidated by is how to make gel candles.  Because it seems like a different form, it tends to be scary, but in reality, it isn’t much different than normal wax candles.  The basic rules continue to be the same and as you learn how to make gel candles, you will quickly find that there aren’t too many things that you have to do differently in the process.  Here are a few pointers that can help you move along more quickly in the learning curve.

One of the first things that you have to decide when you learn how to make gel candles is how creative you want to be.  The advantage of gel is that its translucent color allows you to do things that you would normally have trouble doing with wax that you can’t see through.  Some examples are seascape candles, piggy banks for children in which you can “float” money that they receive as they burn the candle, and drink candles such as martinis and glasses of wine.

Once you have decided which route you are taking, it should be noted that gel candles normally work particularly well in glass.  The wax adheres to the glass better than attempting to release it from stainless steel or plastic, but it can be done.  Just remember as you learn how to make gel candles that you are working with a product that works in the same way as gelatin, and if you’ve ever tried to get it out of a Jell-O mold after its set you can understand that problem.  Gel candles are certainly firmer, but the scientific structure of the wax is the same.

Another thing to keep in mind as you learn how to make gel candles is the use of zinc wicks.  They are more expensive, but they will become your best find if you wish to be successful.  Cotton wicks work well with other waxes because on a molecular level, other types of wax are larger.  When you are working with gel, a cotton wick will absorb the wax more quickly, causing the wick to burn faster and unevenly.

When you work with gel candles, everything else is essentially the same as other types of wax.  As you learn how to make gel candles, it becomes easier from this point to remember the basics of normal candle making.  Never apply heat directly to gel wax.  The temperature goal is 200 degrees Fahrenheit.  Glue the wick to the base of the glass and use a prop to keep the wick in place as it dries.  Remember that with gel candles this is as much an aesthetic device as the way that the candle burns.  Pour like you normally would and allow it to set.  If the wax finishes cloudy or murky, simply remelt and re pour it.  Learning how to make gel candles is easy and not intimidating at all, you simply have to experiment with the right tools and you’ll be on your way.

Pat McTigue is a candle making enthusiast. For great information on
<a rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”““>http://candlemakingsuccessplan.com/how-to-make-gel-candles/””> how to make gel candles, visit <a rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”““>http://candlemakingsuccessplan.com/””> http://candlemakingsuccessplan.com/.

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