Gel Candle Making... Certainly Fun and Potentially Profitable

Although candles are admired by both young and old, gel candles are rapidly becoming the rage. One of the attractions of gel candles is possibility to get creative and artistic. With virtually no difficulty, gel candles can be personalized...thereby adding an extra touch when giving them as everyday or seasonal presents. Another explanation is the fact that they simply are longer lasting than paraffin or wax candles because they burn off at a slower rate.

When buying the wax for making gel candles be aware that gel wax is normally available in three densities - high, medium and low. If you would like an especially fragrant candle, choose high density gel because the oil will embrace the fragrance much better than the medium or low density waxes. This means that the candle will produce a more powerful aroma.

When melting wax to make gel candles make sure you make use of a non-stick multi-cooker rather than the usual double boiler, fry pan or saucepan. Reason being that gel wax is heavier than other waxes therefore the multi-cooker is going to accelerate the melting process.

To avoid bubbles forming in the gel wax, don't use anything that is made of wood when stirring your gel wax. Alternatively, use anything made of hard plastic or perhaps metal.

Since gel has a higher viscosity than other candling waxes, pouring it into the mold will be more challenging. Furthermore, because of the wax density, molding time will increase.

One of the wonderful benefits of a gel candle is the thickness of the gel and the way you can "suspend" or "float" different objects in a candle. You can even be resourceful and customize colors by making your gel candles using vibrant, rich liquid dyes. Liquid dyes retain the translucency of the gel wax. Only a few drops of dye are required, so be careful and meticulous when adding dye to the wax. You wouldn't want to spoil your candles by overdosing. Never use clothing dye, childrens crayons, soap dyes or food coloring with gel candles. None of these are made specifically for candles and may cause them to burn improperly.

If you're not completely satisfied with your finished product, never fear..

If the scent is too strong...re-melt the gel, adding additional gel for the new pour..

Candle shade too dark? ...re-melt the gel, adding additional clear gel for the new pour..

If the shade is too light...re-melt the gel adding additional color, then pour..

Candle Design doesn’t look quite right? ...re-melt your gel and remove the embeds. Then reheat the gel and replace embeds..

With a bit of experimenting, you'll be gel candle proficient sooner than you may think. By using different variations of embeds, colors and fragrances, your only limitation is your imagination.

These pointers will allow you to make gel candles safely and at a rapid pace while having lots of fun.

So, let's get on with it!

Do you have a proper candle making set-up? If not, read the guidelines above very carefully and get yourself to an arts and crafts shop or the online version...and, as you can see, much of the apparatus can be purchased inexpensively at a Walmart or Target in your neighborhood.

Now its just a matter of getting off the couch and putting your plan into action.

Enjoy yourself! Josephine C. Johnstan is the creator of How to Make Beeswax Candles, an info-rich website that discusses how to make candles at home. For more info on making candles, visit => Gel Candle Making