GEL Candles

We have to thank the people whose creative minds have conceived candles that not only provide illumination but can be used as art décor as well. A candle is not just a plain stick-like wax with flame on one end like it used to be. It can now be in various shapes, colors, and forms such as liquid, gel-like, or the traditional solid. Bottomline, candles are more than just your usual luminaries.

When you go through the different types of candles in the market, you will definitely agree that gel candles have their own unique appeal. The variety of colors available complements the gel candle’s jelly-like appearance. Most of the gel candles have scents as well. Perhaps their varied fragrances also contribute to their overall charm.

A gel candle allows a person to add embeds such as colored stones or seashells inside the candle’s glassware. The result – you get a translucent art which can accentuate any part of the house. Embeds are actually expression of one’s creative capabilities and are only bounded by his imagination.

There are a lot of pre-manufactured gel candles, and some are even available online. A number of gel candle sellers also accept orders for custom gel candles from people who want to give these out as gifts but would like the candles to have a very personal touch.

Gel candles are not hard to make at all. Thus, if you want these to be what you have in mind, try making them yourself. Gel candle supply kits are so varied, yet so easy to obtain. There are plenty of designs to choose from: beach gel candles, fruit gel candles, gel sea shell candles, wine gel candles, and drink gel candles, among others.

A gel candle is composed mainly of 2 ingredients, mineral oil and polymer resin, with the former making up 95%. Gel candles are not only known to be charming decorative ornaments, but practical candle choice as well. Because gel has high clarity, a gel candle is said to be 40% more luminescent than the traditional paraffin wax. Moreover, they burn longer – at least twice longer than the paraffin ones.

Fragrance seems to be a requisite of gel candles. However, you can’t simply use any type. When you make you own gel candles, check that the fragrance oils you are using are non-polar and possess flash point of at least 170 degrees. If this sounds too complicated, just make sure that you are buying the ones that are specially-made for gel candles. If you still feel you need to know more about it, the sales person at a reputable candle supply store is most likely going to be able to help you with it.

Dying your gel candles requires extra care too. You don’t need a lot of dye to change the gel candle’s color. Some people dip an end of the toothpick into the dye and use it to color the gel. A dab is mostly enough to give you the color you want. If you opt to use the powdered dyes, just ensure that you add small amounts at a time. Otherwise, your gel candles will have a cloudy appearance.

Glass wares do not have anything specific on them, except that they should be thick enough in order to withstand hot liquids. Otherwise, the heat from the “cooked” gel may cause strain and break the glassware.

Before you begin making your own gel candles, make sure that you have fully understood the process and have read all the precautionary tips. Only then can we truly come up with our very own gel candle masterpiece.