What Are Gel Candles?

Gel candles are made from a gel wax that's a mix of mineral oil and polymer resin. The cool thing about gel is that it’s clear, allowing you to get creative with embeds and colors while still being able to see through the candle. Imagine all the possibilities—beach scenes, floral arrangements, or even themed candles for holidays!

Gel wax comes in 3 different densities, so choose based on the type of candle you are making and how much embedding you want to do. Heavier objects to embed (nuts or bolts) require a higher density or thicker gel. The higher the density, the better it holds objects in place. Basic gel candles or fruit pies that do not have items suspended in the gel can use a lower density. Medium Density gel is our best seller because it can be used for regular gel candles and it's also thick enough to suspend objects in your candle.

Gel Candle Making Supplies

• Gel wax (HP, MP, or LP)
• Wicks (zinc or ultra cores) 
• Fragrance oil (gel safe)
• Liquid Candle Dye
• Embeds (optional) - Think of things like wax fruit, seashells, glass beads, or other non-flammable objects that can withstand heat
• Glass jar or container

NOTE on Fragrance Oil: Be sure to use fragrance oils specifically for gel candles to avoid cloudiness and ensure proper burning. Usually, a 1-3% fragrance load works well. Do not use more than the recommended amount of scent in your gel candle. The gel will not fully absorb the fragrance oil leaving "scent pockets" that could catch on fire with the candle burns.

Note on Dye: Gel candles require liquid dye, not solid diamond dyes, to maintain their transparency. 

Gel Candle Making Instructions

Step 1 - Prepare Your Workspace

• Gel wax can be sticky, so be sure to cover your work area with parchment paper or a heat-resistant mat.
• Gather all your tools and materials beforehand to make the process smooth.

Step 2 - Measure and Melt the Gel Wax

• Cut your gel wax into small chunks and place them in a heat-resistant pot
• You’ll need a thermometer for this part because gel wax needs to be melted slowly at around 200-225°F (93-107°C)
• Stir gently to avoid creating bubbles in the wax
• Bubbles can add a fun effect to your candle, but if you're aiming for a clear look, you’ll want to avoid too much stirring
• Never use a wooden spoon or wooden stirring stick to mix your gel, it will foam and bubble like crazy.

Step 3 - Attach the Wick

• While your gel wax is melting, attach your wick to the bottom of the glass container
• You can use a wick tape, glue dot or hot glue to secure it
• Make sure the wick is centered and straight by using a wick holder or wrapping it around a pencil to hold it in place across the top of the container

Step 4 - Fragrance Oil

• Once the gel is fully melted and clear, it’s time to add fragrance oil
• Stir in your fragrance oil (around 1-3% of the total weight)
• Gel wax takes about half the amount of fragrance oil as traditional waxes
• Remember to stir slowly to not create bubbles

Step 5 - Color 

• Using liquid candle dye add your desired color
• Remember, a little goes a long way with dye in gel
• PRO TIP - Use a toothpick to add in color, sometimes even a drop is too much!

Step 6 - Pour the Gel Wax & Adding Embeds

• Take the temperature of the wax to make sure it is in the range you want to pour
• Carefully pour the gel wax into your container
• If you add embeds, you can place them in the container before or after you pour, depending on how you want them arranged
• To avoid air bubbles, pour the wax slowly down the side of the container

NOTE: If you want your embeds to "float" in the middle of the gel, pour the candle in layers. Let the first layer cool, place your embeds on top, and then pour the next layer of gel.

Step 7 - Let it Cool & Enjoy!

Let your candle cool completely. Depending on the size of your container, this could take a few hours. Once cooled, trim the wick to about ¼ inches, and your gel candle is ready to burn or display!

Safety Tips for Gel Candles

• Use Only Gel-Safe Fragrances: Some fragrance oils can cause your gel candle to become cloudy or burn improperly. Always make sure the fragrance you use is labeled as safe for gel candles.
• Test Burn: Before you start making large batches, it’s a good idea to do a test burn to make sure your wick size is correct and the candle burns evenly.
• No Flammable Embeds: This one is crucial—never put anything flammable inside your gel candles. Only use materials that can handle the heat, like glass or metal.

Why You'll Love Gel Candles

 Not only are gel candles stunning to look at, but they also burn longer than regular wax candles. The transparent design allows for creativity beyond just color—you can create little scenes within the candle, making them a great gift or product to sell.

And there you have it! Gel candles are a fun way to branch out from traditional wax candles and unleash your creativity. Plus, with their longer burn times, they’re a customer favorite!