Introduction
Gel wax is a translucent, synthetic candle wax. It is used in the production of perfumed, decorative, and molded candles. One advantage of using gel wax in candle making is that it does not require additives such as vybar to make its scent last longer or for the candles to hold their shape. It burns with a clear flame, much like other waxes, but has an increased transparency compared to beeswax and paraffin. The burning temperature of gel wax is also lower than that of other waxes, thus creating little to no soot. Additionally, as it’s heat-tolerant, multiple colors can be added with ease, allowing for creative plays on color combinations and designs. Gel wax may actually be the safest type of candle wax due to the lack of toxic chemicals present in them when burned. They are made mostly out of mineral oil which passes off as fumes after burning without causing any threat to human health. Gels help create more intricate designs than traditional paraffin or soy and tend to last longer due to their higher melting point and superior softening/harden points percentages ratio; this also means they have less pooling when burned at appropriate temperatures.
Properties of Gel Wax
Gel wax is a unique material that has become popular among candle makers and other craft enthusiasts, thanks to its range of properties. Generally composed of mineral oil, polymers and resins, gel wax creates attractive effects when used in certain applications. The melting point of this type of wax generally falls between 130°F to 140°F (54°C to 60°C), which makes it relatively easy to mould into different shapes and sizes. Gel candles are often available in specialty stores or online outlets such as Amazon and eBay, however more experienced hobbyists have been known to source their materials from wholesale suppliers or even create them from scratch. While some candle makers prefer just one type, several varieties are available, with differences in opacity/transparency, coloration and compression types. Furthermore, some manufacturers offer premixed scents or additives for scenting the gel.
Pros and Cons of Using Gel Wax For Candle Making
Pros:
Gel wax is one of the most flexible materials used in candle making because it can be colored, scented, and modified to fit any desired shape. Gel candles also usually burn longer than traditional paraffin wax or soy candles, so you won’t have to worry about your creations running out before guests are finished admiring them. Additionally, many people find that gel candles create beautiful visual effects such as lava flows or encasing objects like shells, rocks or moss which can add an extra layer of beauty and uniqueness to a candle. Finally, since gel candles don’t contain a large amount of smoke when burning, they are often recommended for people with allergies or asthma who might not react as well to traditional paraffin wax.
Cons:
Gel wax does cost more than paraffin or soy for candle making projects due to its unique properties. There is also a learning curve involved in getting successful results with this material; if too much liquid dye is added then the gel may start to leak from your wick when lit so care must be taken when creating these types of candles. Additionally, gel melts at a lower temperature than other waxes so some molds need extra reinforcement in order to keep their shape while the gel is cooling after being poured into them. Finally, because of its low melting point you always want to make sure that your ambient room temperature isn’t too high prior to pouring your wax otherwise you may need a double-boiler arrangement for setting up an effective working environment.
Best Practices For Working With Gel Wax
When making candles with gel wax, there are certain best practices you should adhere to for the best results. Firstly, it is important to use a wick that is strong enough and specifically designed for gel wax. This will ensure the candle burns cleanly and evenly and has a long burning time. Secondly, work in an area with good ventilation as the fumes produced can be harmful. Thirdly, make sure your containers are heat-proof and non-flammable when using higher temperatures. Lastly, it is best to pour gel wax at the lowest possible temperature that will still allow it to pour without clumping up or reaching velcro stage (which is when the top of the melted wax starts to ripple). Take extra care when filling your containers as too high of a liquid level can cause tunnelling which means air bubbles form where the wax won’t totally fill up every section resulting in tunnels and broken wicks once cooled.
Creative Ideas For Gel Wax Candle Making
Adding color to gel wax is a great way to customize and add flair to your homemade candles. Gel waxes are very transparent and respond well to almost any type of dye, as long as it is oil based. Try experimenting with combining several colors, layering them in the bottom of the jar or dipping the finished candle. There are even specially-formulated oil bases that change color when they are heated – perfect for capping with decorative items.
For an interesting look, you can supplement your candle with items like dried flowers, herbs, shells, beads or specialty items like crushed pearls or glitter. For extra stability while adding items suspend the object in gel before sealing the jar. When working with delicate items such as petals or leaves use a plastic dropper to drop small amounts of gel around them into the container allowing them to maintain their shape and texture inside the candle once it has set.
You can also personalize your candles by attaching personalized labels or stickers directly onto the jar itself. If you want something special for that extra individual touch try etching a personalized message into a glass container before pouring in gel wax.
Finally, don’t forget about scents! Essential oils provide some incredible aromas that blend nicely with many different types of waxes including gels. Take some time to be creative and blend multiple fragrances together for one-of-a-kind scent combinations unique to your candles only!
Safety Tips For Using Gel Wax
Gel wax for candle making is becoming ever more popular in the UK. As such, it’s important for candle-makers to ensure their safety when using this type of wax. Here are some tips for safely working with gel wax:
1. Carefully follow manufacturer instructions on product packaging ” Gel wax has a high melting point, and incorrect procedures can lead to health and fire risk.
2. Do not mix gel wax with other types of wax or with fragrances/dyes ” this could cause unexpected reactions and potentially ruin your candle!
3. Ensure adequate ventilation in the area in which you’re working ” use fans to draw up any fumes, and open windows if possible.
4. Wear protective workwear such as gloves, an apron and safety goggles ” this will help protect your skin from any hot splatters of gel wax.
5. Do not leave candles unattended while they’re burning ” hot gel wax burns at a higher temperature than non-gel counterparts, so taking normal precautions when burning is extra important!
6. Store jars and containers filled with gel wax out of direct sunlight or heat sources ” exposure to warm temperatures could damage the structure of the gel wax and change its form entirely!
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Working With Gel Wax
One of the most difficult parts of working with gel wax for candle making can be troubleshooting common issues. This is especially true when it comes to gel wax, which tends to have a more fluid consistency and is much harder to control than other waxes. The following tips will help you when you encounter difficulty while using gel wax while candle making in the UK.
• Make sure that the temperature of your melt point does not exceed the recommended range for your type of gel wax. A temperature that’s too high can cause bubbles, streaking, and other problems with finished candles.
• Stir continuously throughout the melting process. Not stirring regularly can create an uneven heating process which will cause more bubbles in the final product.
• Use enough dye or fragrance oil when coloring or scenting your gel candles. Too little add-in can result in a colorless or unscented candle despite adding substantial amounts of colored dye or fragrance oil during production.
• When adding wicks, make sure they are embedded completely into the gel wax without touching any sides or corners of the container as this can alter burning capabilities and decrease burning duration.
• Monitor your candles during long-term storage to ensure they remain intact. Gel wax is particularly sensitive to hot and cold environments and may need additional reenergizing before use if stored improperly for an extended period of time.
Where to Buy Gel Wax For Candle Making in the UK
When it comes to buying gel wax for candle making in the UK, there are a few different options available. The most common and convenient method is to purchase directly online. Many online stores offer a variety of melt point and fragrance selection which can help the consumer find exactly what they are looking for. If you’re just starting out, most candle-making supply stores and craft stores also tend to carry a smaller selection of gel wax, as well as other essential supplies needed to get started with your project. Some of the larger craft stores like Hobbycraft and The Range even have a dedicated section in their store full of all the materials you could need. Additionally, if you know anyone who has been involved with handmade candles before or has expertise in this area, speaking with them may prove helpful in gaining access to higher quality wax or exclusive sources for harder to find varieties.
Conclusion
Gel wax is becoming increasingly popular among candle makers as it offers a unique and dynamic approach to the craft. Gel wax is non-flammable and allows for creative designs to be incorporated into candle making projects. The transparent nature of the wax also allows for special effects including layering different colors and materials inside of their candles. One of the main benefits of using gel wax is that it burns much longer than traditional paraffin or soy waxes, which can save time in production costs. Additionally, gel wax does not emit any smoke when burned, making it more environmentally friendly than other options.
However, there are some disadvantages associated with using gel wax when creating candles. It can be expensive compared to some traditional candle making ingredients, and its higher melting point requires higher temperatures for melting which means more energy usage. In addition, some people find the smell and consistency of this type of wax unappealing or off-putting, which may affect sales in some cases.
In conclusion, while there are advantages and drawbacks to using gel wax in candle making, its differences offer a unique opportunity for creativity and experimentation that cannot be done with other types of waxes. As long as proper safety measures are taken into account due to its higher melting points, gel wax could become a staple in the craft of candle making in the UK.
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
