| Most people prefer gel candles for various reasons. | | | | and separate heating element, however most people |
| Although gel candles are similar to wax candles in their | | | | still use a thermometer to be safe and doubly sure of |
| working and burning, their production method is a bit | | | | the correct melting and pouring temperatures. Wooden |
| different. | | | | spoons are avoided since they may introduce air, |
| Gel candles are made from a combination of 5% | | | | hence hard plastic or metal is used to stir the mixture. |
| polymer resin and 95% mineral oil, whereas wax | | | | Noteworthy point here is that since gel wax is more |
| candles that are produced from oil. The resin used | | | | combustible than wax, keeping a fire extinguisher close |
| begins in powder form and it solidifies when it comes in | | | | is a good idea. |
| contact with the mineral oil. Available in low, medium | | | | If you choose to color your gel candles you can use |
| and high density, gel wax can be combined with the | | | | liquid candle dyes. Dyes such as this can give your |
| appropriate amount of fragrance oil. When the | | | | candle the color while still allowing the candle to remain |
| decorations and the fragrance oil is more, then a higher | | | | translucent. A small amount almost less than a drop is |
| density gel is used. The only drawback here is that the | | | | needed. Avoid clothing dye, food dye, soap dyes and |
| more dense the gel is, the longer it will take to set and | | | | crayons since they won't let the candle burn properly |
| it is even much tougher to pour. | | | | as they are not meant for this purpose. In addition to |
| When making gel candles the procedures followed are | | | | adding color to gel candles you can add other |
| the same as those used in making wax candles. The | | | | decorations to the gel that give the appearance of |
| same steps are involved like melting and pouring into | | | | floating inside the candle. When it comes to making gel |
| the mold etc. However, the method and equipment | | | | candles to give as gifts, adding decorations is a great |
| needed for making gel candles is different than wax | | | | way to personalize them. The potential and ideas for |
| candle equipment. For example if you were to try and | | | | candles possibilities are endless. |
| use the standard double boiler, you would be at it a | | | | One of the benefits of a gel candle is that gel takes |
| whole lot longer than necessary. Instead of using a | | | | longer to burn as compared to wax candles, which |
| double boiler, gel melts much quicker and more easily in | | | | means that your gift will last longer! Gel candle making |
| a multi-cooker. This cooker resembles a deep | | | | is not only fun, it is easy and can be learned quickly. So |
| non-stick coated fryer. It has a temperature control | | | | what are you waiting for? |