How to Make Gel Candles

Candle makers have become increasingly attracted to gel wax for making candles.  The process used in making gel candles provides some truly creative ways to make some incredibly unique candles.  Making gel candles is very easy, and it does not require a lot of money or time to learn this wonderful craft.

There are some differences between making gel candles and making other candles types.  Gel wax is used in making gel candles; it is transparent and has a rubbery texture making it soft to the touch.  The transparency of the gel is part of what makes the process of making gel candles so unique.

Gel candle making allows the candle maker to insert “embeds” into the candle wax before the gel sets.  The transparency of the gel allows the candle maker to create themed scenes within the candle.  Some common theme candle scenes include beaches, aquariums, night skies, butterfly gardens, and falling leaves.  Some embeds are made of glass; wax embeds are usually preferred because they melt right along with the candle.  Wax embeds come in a wide variety of shapes such as fish, shells, crabs, starfish, grapes, ladybugs, bumble bees, hearts, ducks, and many more.

Gel wax comes in different densities: low, medium and high.  Low density gel is easy to use, but it is too weak to support embeds and has a low fragrance load of 0-3% by weight.  Low density wax is fine if you do not plan to add embeds to your gel candle, and you do not require a heavy scent. Medium density gel wax will hold up to 5% fragrance oil and will support lighter weight embeds.  High density gel wax will also hold up to 5% fragrance oil and will support higher weight embeds.

Basic materials needed for making gel candles include:

  • Gel candle making wax in the desired density
  • Clear glass container for finished candle
  • Colorant or dye
  • Fragrance oil
  • Wick
  • Embeds
  • Pot for melting gel wax
  • Wax Thermometer

When choosing your candle container, consider whether or not you want the beautiful candle inside to show through the glass.  There is not much point to creating a beautiful embedded candle scene using a cloudy glass container.

Embeds can be added in various ways.  Some candle makers pour the candle into the container, then add the embeds using a sharp object to nudge them down into the candle taking care to avoid the wick area. Other candle makers prefer to layer the gel candle by adding a layer of wax, then a layer of embeds and so on.

The other steps in the process of making gel candles are similar to the steps used to make other candle types.  In summary, you melt the wax.  Then you add the color and fragrance.  You add the wick to the container, and pour the candle.  Embeds are optional.

All you need to start making gel candles is some very basic materials and supplies.  Gel candles are a lot of fun to make, and the embed possibilities allow your creative side to shine.  Have fun making gel candles!