The candles have sure come a long way through history, from being made out of animal fats to today's gel candles.
Of course, along the way other materials have been used for candles, but nothing as innovative as the gel that is now being used.
The gel is a mix of 5 percent polymer resin and 95 percent mineral oil.
What makes the gel so unique is that it is glass-like clear.
The gel candles burn longer than some of the other wax candles.
Since they are clear they offer some unique decorating options that the other waxes do not.
You can even suspend certain things within the gel! Now there is one major difference between making gel candles and other candles, is the gel wax has to be heated to a much higher temperature.
While you could use a double boiler for the job, you will get better results with direct heat.
But you always need to make sure that any of the wax does not overheat.
You can heat the gel wax with a double boiler if you feel safer, but only if you get it to the right temperature.
Most people get better results using a stainless steel pot over direct heat to melt it in.
Cut up the gel wax into small sections put in the pot and place it over medium heat.
You need to make sure to melt the gel to 200 degrees Fahrenheit using a cooking thermometer to check the temperature.
Some people that make candles even use special heaters that are designed for heating the gel wax.
When the gel wax is hot enough it is time to add the fragrance and what color you desire.
The right amount of fragrance is about a half of an ounce for each pound of gel.
You will have to try this, and see if this amount gives you the degree of fragrance you need.
Make certain to use the right form of the fragrances too.
Ones that are meant to use with the gel wax.
The fragrances should have their flash point up to at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
After you add your fragrance you can add the desired color.
Add just a little bit of color at a time.
Use a toothpick to add liquid dyes so you do not add too much to the clear gel wax.
Mix in each bit of color to gradually until you get the desired tone.
Remember the gel is still hot at this stage.
After your fragrance and color has been added pour the gel into your prepared container.
Since these candles are not molded you pour the wax into heat-resistant clear glass containers or other clear non-flammable container.
With the gel candles zinc winks are recommended, due to the fact, that regular cotton wicks will not work properly when burning, due to the absorption of the gel.
Just use some hot glue to secure the bottom of the wick to the container in the position desired.
Make sure to pour the gel slowly to cut down on bubbles forming.
Make sure the wick is still in the center of your container.
Now you can add any non-flammable decoration you want into the gel.
These are called embeds.
The embeds really make the gel candles more unique compared to the other types of candles.
Of course, along the way other materials have been used for candles, but nothing as innovative as the gel that is now being used.
The gel is a mix of 5 percent polymer resin and 95 percent mineral oil.
What makes the gel so unique is that it is glass-like clear.
The gel candles burn longer than some of the other wax candles.
Since they are clear they offer some unique decorating options that the other waxes do not.
You can even suspend certain things within the gel! Now there is one major difference between making gel candles and other candles, is the gel wax has to be heated to a much higher temperature.
While you could use a double boiler for the job, you will get better results with direct heat.
But you always need to make sure that any of the wax does not overheat.
You can heat the gel wax with a double boiler if you feel safer, but only if you get it to the right temperature.
Most people get better results using a stainless steel pot over direct heat to melt it in.
Cut up the gel wax into small sections put in the pot and place it over medium heat.
You need to make sure to melt the gel to 200 degrees Fahrenheit using a cooking thermometer to check the temperature.
Some people that make candles even use special heaters that are designed for heating the gel wax.
When the gel wax is hot enough it is time to add the fragrance and what color you desire.
The right amount of fragrance is about a half of an ounce for each pound of gel.
You will have to try this, and see if this amount gives you the degree of fragrance you need.
Make certain to use the right form of the fragrances too.
Ones that are meant to use with the gel wax.
The fragrances should have their flash point up to at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
After you add your fragrance you can add the desired color.
Add just a little bit of color at a time.
Use a toothpick to add liquid dyes so you do not add too much to the clear gel wax.
Mix in each bit of color to gradually until you get the desired tone.
Remember the gel is still hot at this stage.
After your fragrance and color has been added pour the gel into your prepared container.
Since these candles are not molded you pour the wax into heat-resistant clear glass containers or other clear non-flammable container.
With the gel candles zinc winks are recommended, due to the fact, that regular cotton wicks will not work properly when burning, due to the absorption of the gel.
Just use some hot glue to secure the bottom of the wick to the container in the position desired.
Make sure to pour the gel slowly to cut down on bubbles forming.
Make sure the wick is still in the center of your container.
Now you can add any non-flammable decoration you want into the gel.
These are called embeds.
The embeds really make the gel candles more unique compared to the other types of candles.
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