Gel candles are an extremely popular and versatile type of candle. They allow for a lot of artistic possibility. One popular gel candle creation you've probably seen is the "Fruit Preserve." This is where a jelly jar is filled with wax fruit inserts (shown right), then filled with gel. You can even create champagne glasses, beer mugs and other "drink" candle creations with gel. In some respects, gel can be easier to learn with than most candle materials. It's important to know the requirements and properties of gel,
however, before you venture into the process.

Gel, as previously defined by Penreco and now Calumet, is:

A specially selected, processed mineral oil that is gelled with copolymers that give them a clear rubbery texture. Similar to traditional wax candles, clear gel candles are commonly produced from a hydrocarbon base stock.

Instructions for Selecting the Proper Gel

The selection of the proper gel is limited to three different densities. The determination of the proper gel for your application will be dependent upon the type of gel candle you will be making and how much fragrance will be used.

1. 

   The low density (Candlewic's CG-1) is generally suited for gel candles with 0-3% fragrance loads. Generally, the low density can be poured at lower temperatures, ideally 195°-205°F.
2. The medium density (Candlewic's CG-2) is generally suited for candles with 3-5% fragrance. This density is a good gel for embedding many of the wax inserts. This particular gel is quickly becoming the most popular gel.
3. The high density (Candlewic's CG-3) is best suited when embedding heavier wax inserts and higher scent loads.

When making gel candles there are no additives needed, and in most instances, anything you add to the gel, including fragrance sometimes, can cloud the finished product.

Safety Precautions for Making Gel Candles

Before making gel candles for resale it is important that you review all of the safety precautions for manufacturing these candles. These safety precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Must use fragrances that are non-polar. (If you are not sure, check with your fragrance supplier)
• Fragrances must have a flash point higher then 170° F
• Proper wick selection is critical. In some instances you may want to undersize your wick. This can create a unique "glowing" effect as the candle burns. It is important to test burn wicks in all your containers.
• A wick assembly should have a wick base that has a 9mm neck.
• Depending upon density, do not go over the recommended percent usage for fragrance.
• Always have burning instructions.
• Make sure gel embeds are not flammable. (It can be surprising at times what objects are flammable.)

One of the most intriguing aspects of the gel candle is its endless ability to create new and interesting designs. The gel candle has brought a whole new level of "art" to candle making. Glass containers filled with "scenes" and other designs make this product as popular as ever.

Want to know more? Check out our Gel Candle Making Tips for Beginners.

One of the looks most often associated with heavily fragranced candles is the mottled look. This look can be easily accomplished with containers, pillars and votives. It requires starting with the right wax. Not all waxes will mottle, so using the right wax is essential.

The first step is to decide what type of candle you will be making and choosing the appropriate wax for that application.

Materials

• Containers – Use 2530H
• Votives – Use 3035H
• Pillars – Use 4045H
• Color blocks
• Scent

Step 1
Select, clean, wick, and prepare your jars or molds as you normally do.

Step 2

Melt your wax, add color and 5% fragrance.

Step 3
Once the candle has been poured and is completely cooled, remove it from the mold.

Step 4
Pour your wax between 165-175°F.

Step 5

Pillars and votives: Top off your candle. When the top off completely hardens, remove it from the mold.

Containers: Top off candle.

Special Notes on Mottled Candles:

The reaction between the fragrance and the wax (causing it to fracture) is what causes the mottling. The fragrance and the process can have an impact on the level of mottling. If you do not achieve the desired mottling, try pouring cooler first and then hotter until the desired result is achieved.

Need a good gift for the holidays? What about a home-made candle? Tri-color candle jars are easy to make and beautiful too!

Materials Needed:

• 2 lb of Palm 1 wax
• Pouring pitcher
• Thermometer
• Burgundy liquid dye
• EVO-12
• Apothecary jar
• RRD-50 wick
• Wooden popsicle sticks

Step 1

Add 1 lb of the Palm 1 wax into the pouring pitcher.

Step 2

Clip the thermometer onto the top of the pouring pitcher with the thermometer inside.

Step 3

Place the wax filled pouring pitcher into a large pan of boiling water. This will create a double boiler for you to heat your wax. Do not allow the water to boil dry.

NEVER HEAT WAX DIRECTLY ON A HEAT SOURCE. Heating wax on direct heat can cause the wax to overheat and possibly ignite.

Step 4

As the wax melts, monitor the temperature with the thermometer. For accuracy do not allow the bottom of the thermometer to touch the bottom or sides of the pouring pot. Tip the pouring pot until the bottom of the thermometer is covered with the liquid wax. When the wax temperature reaches 185° F add two teaspoons of the liquid EVO-12 Burgundy color and stir.

Step 5

Now you are ready to pour the first layer into the Apothecary jar. Monitor the temperature making sure it is at the pouring temperature of 180° F. Pour the first layer of colored wax into your jar to a height of 1”. After approximately 5 minutes place the RRD-50 wick into the jar. Make sure the wick tab is centered on the bottom of the container. The hot wax will cause the wick to lean so use wooden popsicle sticks or wooden coffee stirrers to prevent the wick from falling toward the sides of the jar. Place the stick across the top of the jar to support the wick. Two sticks may be needed. Place the wick between each stick until it is centered.

Step 6

Allow the wax to cool for approximately 3 hours or until the layer is solid and firm.

Step 7

To prepare your second layer you will add 4 oz of Palm 1 wax to the colored wax that remains in your pour pitcher and repeat the melting and pouring process above (remember do not add any color).  We are increasing the wax amount so that the original color will decrease in intensity.

Step 8

Repeat the cooling time for the second layer.

Step 9

Last layer, add 4oz. of Palm 1 wax to the remaining wax in the pour pitcher and repeat the melt and pour processes, making sure that the pour temp is at 180° F. Repeat the cooling process.

A unique candle project sure to hypnotize buyers!

Ingredients

• Polycarb Pyramid Mold
• 6" (15 cm) – 2/0 Wick
• General Purpose Wax
• Gel Wax
• Liquid Gel Dye – Red
• Mold Release
• Mold Sealer

Instructions

STEP 1

In separate pots melt the General Purpose Wax and the Gel Wax.

STEP 2
Prepare mold by securing wick, applying Mold Sealer on the bottom and spraying the mold with Mold Release.

STEP 3
When the paraffin wax is approximately 175-200°F (80- 93°C), pour into mold. Fill the mold one-half to three-quarters full to leave room to pour the Gel Wax into your candle.

STEP 4

While the paraffin wax is cooling, prepare the Gel Wax. Add approximately two to three drops of red dye to 1/4 of a cup of Gel Wax and stir. You may want to dye your gel wax in a separate measuring cup, so that you only have to dye a small amount of your Gel Wax. Make sure the Gel Wax is quite hot before dying because you do not want it to harden before you have time to dye it and pour it into your mold. Make sure to dye your gel only after the paraffin wax has cooled for several minutes.

STEP 5
Let the paraffin wax cool until there is about 1/4 inch (6 mm) of hardened wax on the top. Puncture this skin on the wax and pour your dyed Gel Wax through the hole.

STEP 6
Let the candle cool completely, and remove it from your mold. No two candles will ever look the same, so every time you complete this project, you will make a 100% unique candle!

ALTERNATIVES
Try dying your parrafin wax before you add

your Gel Wax to the candle. Be sure to use complementary colors as the waxes will mix as they cool!

Use this swirl method as a layer in a container candle!

Add glitter to your Gel Wax before pouring,and watch the sparkle spread throughout your candle!