Gel candle making can be done for fun or profit. They have become popular because they do not include any by-products of oil. Gel candles can commonly be found at markets such as farmers markets, flea markets, and swap meets and are usually home made. In this article you will find tips on candle making products, what is needed and safety tips to keep in mind.

Gel candles are made up of 95% of mineral oil and 5% polymer which is what gives the candle is gel-like consistency in its finished state. There are three different thicknesses of polymer. Of the three, CLP is the least thickest, CMP is medium, and the thickest is CHP. Because of its thickness, CHP is the best to use if you want to use a fragrance or embed anything into the gel.

Some supplies you will need to make your homemade gel candles include a double boiler, a thermometer to test when the gel is ready and a long metal or plastic spoon. Wooden spoons are not recommended, as they might form bubbles in the gel. Additionally, you will need some containers into which the mix can be poured. One of the best ways you can prevent heat related accidents is to use glass or metal containers. You can douse chemical fires with fire extinguishers, which are a good all-purpose addition to your basic kitchen equipment.  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. Handcrafted gifts are always treasured by the people who receive them. 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.

 

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