Gel candle making can be done for fun or profit. Gel candles have gained popularity because they do not contain any of the by-products of oil that standard candles have. Gel candles can commonly be found at markets such as farmers markets, flea markets, and swap meets and are usually home made. This article will give you a good overview of what gel candle making products are needed and some safety precautions, however, no specific recipes to make gel candles.
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. CLP is the least thick, while CMP is thicker, and CHP is the thickest. If you are planning on adding fragrances or embed any objects into your gel candle for additional decorations, the thickest polymer, CHP is recommended.
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. Lastly, have available containers to pour the mixture into. To prevent heat related mishaps, use glass or metal containers opposed to plastic or paper. In case of a chemical fire, have a fire extinguisher ready in your kitchen. This is actually a good fixture to have in your home at all times. For additional precaution when dealing with heat and chemicals, wear safety glasses, and apron and gloves. Most of these are just precautions, but always remember: safety first.
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. Clothing, food and soap dye will not work, could spoil the looks and might make it burn improperly. The same goes with choosing a fragrance, use one that is meant for gel candles.
Gel candle creations have a primary ingredient of mineral oil and will burn longer than wax that is traditionally used in candles. Because standard candles are consisted of by-products from the oil industry, they can be quite expenses, so gel is a great alternative. Handcrafted gifts are always treasured by the people who receive them. But try to use caution when learning how to make gel candles, including common sense, no embedding of flammable objects, and test and label them correctly before giving. Have fun and be careful.
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