Gel candle making is a great hobby and can be a way to make extra money. Making gel candles is a relatively simple process once you have some basic instructions and gel candle supplies. Finding supplies shouldn’t be hard; you can either order them from the Internet or visit your local craft store. Some supplies can even be found in thrift stores, once you know what it is you need.
Basic Supplies
Candle Gel
Candle gel is the basis for your candles and comes in three types CLP, CMP, and CHP.
CLP is a low density gel that work well for light to medium scented candles. It is useful for making plain candles that are not going to have embellishments added to the gel and only a light scent.
CMP is a medium density gel that is slightly thicker which gives it the ability to hold more fragrant oil for a stronger scent.
CHP is the heaviest of the gels therefore it will hold the most scent and should be used if your plan on adding embellishments to your candles. It also takes the longest to melt.
Candle gel is more expensive than standard paraffin wax for making wax candles. If you are planning to make a lot of candles it is best to purchase the gel in bulk.
Equipment
The equipment needed for candle making is essentially the container for melting the wax. You can use a specialty cook pot like the Presto Kitchen Kettle or a metal pan used for camping, it all depends on how much money you want to spend.
No matter what pot you use you should also get a thermometer. You should get one that clips to the side of the pot without touching the bottom (like a candy thermometer). Digital Alarm thermometers are great because they will alert you when the set temperature is reached; this allows you to be working on other aspects of your candle making.
Glass, heat resistant measuring cup (such as Pyrex) for scooping out and pouring the gel into your containers.
Metal stirrers, you can use a long metal spoon, or very hard plastic spoon, even knitting needle work well. Do not use wooden utensils as they cause bubbles to get in the gel.
Dyes
The beauty in gel candles is their translucency so any dye used should maintain that effect. Liquid dyes work best and it only takes a very small amount. The dye should be made for candles as other dyes will not burn properly. Do not use crayons, cloth dye, food coloring or soap dyes. You will ruin your candles.
Dye also comes in chips, buds, flakes, and solids. Be careful using these as it is easy to overpower your candle.
Fragrance
Choosing your fragrance is extremely important, this cannot be emphasized enough. Fragrant oils must be non-polar and have a flash point over 170. To insure that you are using the proper fragrant oil, purchase it from a gel candle supplier or craft store. If it does not say “gel safe”, ask for the MSDS sheet and look for the flash point.
Wicking
Choosing your wick is important in order to maintain a small, steady flame. Zinc core wicks work well with gel candles, as do Gelwick™, a wick designed for use with Penreco’s gel. Most people also tend to go one size larger in diameter with gel candles because the gel burns slower.
Wax coated wicks should be avoided. When the gel and the wick come in contact the gel becomes contaminated and cloudy. If you use wax wicks they should say impregnated not coated. This lessens the chance of clouding the gel.
Embeds
Embeds or decorative items put in gel candles must be non-flammable. The perfect embeds are seashells, glass items, marbles, stones, ceramic materials, and wax items. You should not put resin or plastic s, potpourri or dried fruit as they are not safe. Sand can be used on the bottom but do not let the wick burn all the way to the sand.
If you have an embed that you truly must use but it is on the unsafe list, you can use the double glass method. Put the item in a glass bowl and then put a smaller glass dish inside the larger one. Fill the outer bowl that contains the embed with unscented gel and the inner bowl with the wick and your scented gel. This keeps the flame from ever touching the embed.
Gathering supplies for your candle making should not take long. There are many websites devoted to gel candle making and many craft stores have areas devoted to the process. Of course, you can always buy a kit that has everything you need all in one place.
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