Gel candles are a great item to make. Not only are they beautiful, but they are very easy to light. They also burn more slowly, giving your candles a longer life for you. Gel candles are very easy to make as well as inexpensive. You can also add your favorite fragrance to it. The supplies you need to get started include gel, zinc wicks, scented oil if you wish, and dye to add color. Some people prefer the look of a clear gel candle and prefer not to use any dye. It is important that you only use zinc wicks for gel candles because the cotton wick absorbs the gel, making them not light or burn well. You can buy these supplies at a craft store or online.
Gel candles can be made into a variety of holders. You will get the best results by using things made of glass. However, as long as the container isn't flammable, you'll be fine. To add uniqueness to gel candles, some manufacturers choose to make them into fancy glasses, wine glasses and vases. To add color and theme to candles, consider using embeds. It could be glitter, marbles, colored rocks, sea shells, crystals or anything else that doesn't burn.
You will need a hot glue gun to affix the wick to the bottom of the holder you plan to use. Hold firmly until the wick sticks. To make centering easier, mark the bottom of the holder with a red or black marker in the center. Then the wick should be placed over the mark. Leave the wick long enough to reach the outside of the holder. You'll trim it later. To melt the gel, cut it into small strips. For best results melt it in a double boiler on medium heat. The gel should be heated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. A quality thermometer is a great investment because if you don't heat it enough the gel won't set properly and it will lose its bright color if the temperature is too high.
If you want to add color to your gel candles, add it slowly. Colors appear more vibrantly in gel candles than in beeswax candles, so you'll need much less than what you use if you make beeswax candles. Slowly add color to the melted wax. If you are not happy with the color you can gradually add more. If you are planning to use objects embedded in the candle, it is suggested that you keep the color of the gel candle very light. After that add fragrance if you want. You only need 1/3 teaspoon for each glass of melted gel.
For best results, heat your container in the microwave for about a minute. This will eliminate unsightly bubbles that can form on gel candles. Immediately after removing the holder from the microwave, start adding your embeds. You'll want to dip them in hot gel to stick them in the holder. You can arrange the embeds as you wish. For best results push them towards the sides of the holder so that they are easily visible. You can create embed patterns or combine them loosely.
It is important not to keep the gel too hot while completing the embedding process. Once you've done that, pour the gel into the holder. If you let the gel cool before pouring it into the holder you will have clumps of gel all over the candle. Make sure the wick is hanging over the holder before putting it in the gel. Once the gel has set, trim it to the size you want.
Gel candles are easy, fun, and inexpensive to make. This is a great way to make your own beautiful candles to give as gifts, or to sell. There are wonderful books with lots of pictures of gel candle designs that you can try out, or just make up your own.
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