Gel candle making has recently become such a hit.
You would notice that there would be little or no difference between gel candles and regular wax candles with the way they burn.
It just so happened that the ingredients they are made of give gel candles a little flair than usual.
Both types of candles have oil in their components.
However, there is a percentage of resin mixed with the mineral oil that is found in gel candles.
Five percent of polymer resin in powdered form is mixed with 95 % mineral oil.
This results in a solid gel form that varies in the density, namely, high, medium and low.
The difference in density is also the factor that affects the amount of fragrance that the mineral oil retains.
The higher it is, the more fragrant it becomes.
You would also notice that if your gel is thicker, the decorations stay firmly suspended in the gel candle.
Still, if your gel candle is made thick, it would also take a while for it to melt and you would find it difficult to pour.
If you are interested to start practicing gel candle making, there are procedures that you would need to study which is no different than that of making regular wax candles.
Basically, the steps are similar, from the melting of the wax up to the placing the liquid in to a mold and left to dry.
The variation would be found with the tools and some of the skills you would be applying with the method itself.
Now, with regular candle wax, the usual thing to do is to melt it down in a double boiler, however, this will not work with gel wax or it would but it would take much time.
A better way to do this is to invest in a multi-cooker.
This type of equipment is similar to your deep fryer with a non-stick surface.
This is very convenient to get the proper temperature of the heat while melting down the gel wax since it has a temperature dial.
It is indeed quite practical because you would be able to heat water while melting wax at the same time instead of the usual two separate pots.
It is also advisable that you use your thermometer rather than relying much on the temperature dial when you start the melting process.
Instead of wooden utensils, it is best to use hard plastic or metal when you stir in the wax to avoid bubbles forming in the gel.
A word to the wise, be cautious since gel candle wax is easily flammable so it is best to have an extinguisher on standby.
Remember, safety is always first.
To add some more life to your gel candles, you might as well use dyes to color it in.
Gel candles often make use of liquid candle dyes because aside from giving them a hint of color, they still preserve the candles' luminous appearance.
Make sure that you measure your dye content properly because using too much might also be disastrous.
In truth, you would only need a few drops for a big batch of candles.
If you are thinking about using crayons, food and clothing dyes, then you should stop right there.
These were never made for candles thereby would cause more damage than harm to your craft.
Gel candle making is indeed one way of putting your creative abilities to work without all the fuss.
Aside from the fact that it is quick and effortless to actually do, the finished product would showcase your own design and it makes a perfect present to someone.
It is easy to make, wonderful to look at, and definitely would last a while.