Gel candle making can be done for fun or profit. Gel candles have gained popularity because they do not contain any of the by-products of oil that standard candles have. They are often available at farmer’s markets, flea markets, craft shows and swap meets as a handcrafted item made by someone who is creating a home-based business. In this article you will find tips on candle making products, what is needed and safety tips to keep in mind.
Making gel candles is very popular with environmentalists, as 95% of the gel is made from mineral oil; the remainder is made from a powdered polymer which turns to gel when mixed with the oil and heated. There are three different thicknesses of polymer. CLP is the least thick, while CMP is thicker, and CHP is the thickest. Because of its thickness, CHP is the best to use if you want to use a fragrance or embed anything into the gel.
Gel candle making supplies consist of a double boiler, a good thermometer (which tests the gel temperature to ensure it is ready) and a long spoon, which can be made of metal or plastic. Wooden spoons are not recommended, as they might form bubbles in the gel. Lastly, have available containers to pour the mixture into. To prevent heat related mishaps, use glass or metal containers opposed to plastic or paper. In case of a chemical fire, have a fire extinguisher ready in your kitchen. This is actually a good fixture to have in your home at all times. You can also protect your body from heat and chemical spills by wearing safety glasses, gloves, and an apron. Hopefully you won’t actually need all of these precautions but it is always a good rule of thumb to be safe.
To personalize your candle, you may want to add a fragrance or color to the gel. When choosing a dye, the best recommendation is buying it with the polymer you choose and make sure it is a liquid. Don’t plan on using food colorings, clothing dye or even soap dye as they could ruin your candle and not burn properly. The same goes with choosing a fragrance, use one that is meant for gel candles.
Because the main ingredient in gel candles is mineral oil, they burn longer than traditional candles. Traditional candle wax is a by-product of the oil industry and with the prices so high these are a great alternative. Additionally, handcrafted gifts are always a great way to go when choosing what to give someone. When mastering how to make gel candles, use caution and common sense, don’t embed flammable objects into the candles and always test and label them correctly, especially if you plan on giving them as a gift. Have fun and be careful.