How to Make Gel Candles Easily

One of the newest candle making materials to work with these days is gel. This revolutionary material will change up your process just a little bit. Gel wax also gives you a chance to really get creative with your candles by placing decorations inside of them. High density gel is of a thick enough consistency that it can hold up suspended decorations inside the candle.

Gel candles are perfect for scented candles. Gel wax comes in low, medium, and high densities. The higher the density of the gel, the more fragrance it will hold. You'll need a half ounce per pound if you use low density gel, .8 ounce per pound for medium density, and one ounce per pound for high density gel.

The process to make gel candles is just a little different than it is to make wax candles. Just use a multi-cooker instead of a double boiler.

1. Melt the gel wax in the multi-cooker, stirring it often with a metal or plastic stirrer.
2. Check the temperature of the gel often, and heat it to 180 - 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Just remember that gel wax takes longer to melt than conventional wax.
3. Take the gel off the heat and add dye, if desired. Use just a small amount of liquid candle dye. Only the smallest drop will probably be enough.
4. This is also the time to add fragrance. Remember, the amount of fragrance oil you add depends on whether you used low, medium, or high density gel.
5. If you wish to use decorations inside your gel candle, place them into your mold before you pour the gel into it. Also don't forget to place the wick at this time.
6. Let the gel cool before you remove it from the mold.