How To Make Gel Candles

Step 1: Choose the Proper Gel

Each type of candle requires different materials, and making gel candles is no exception, but does take a few more precautions, so be sure to follow all instructions closely.  Additives are not needed for making gel candles. Here’s what you’ll need:

CG-1 Low Density Gel
Holds between 0-3% scent. Will allow the maximum burning pool.

CG-2 Medium Density Gel
Holds between 0-4% scent. The most widely used gel.

CG-3 High Density Gel
Holds between 0-5% scent.

Step 2: Selecting Scents

You need to use scents that are non-polar and have a flash point of 170 degrees F when making gel candles. Other fragrances can migrate out of the gel and cause problems. Our candle fragrances that are compatible with gel are marked with.

Step 3: Coloring Gel Candles

For gel candles only liquid dyes should be used. Most other dyes are wax-based, which can cause the gel to become cloudy. Very little dye is needed when making gel candles. Generally one ounce can color nearly 100 pounds of gel. If using the clear container base (CCB-1), check out our pre-made color squares. The clear container color squares are not designed for use in CG-1, CG-2 or CG-3.Remember, it’s very easy to over color gels.

Step 4: Working with Wicks

Selecting the proper wick is critical with gel candles due to the higher burning temperatures of this product. It is also very important to select the proper sustainer base for the pre-wick assembly. The key element in the sustainer base is the “neck height,” which is the part that holds the wick upright. A longer neck helps to ensure that the flame is extinguished before reaching the bottom of the container. View all zinc cored wick spools.

Step 5: Getting Glassware

Candlewic’s offering of glassware continues to grow. The standard apothecary jars are always available in 15 oz., 22 oz. and 32 oz. sizes. Additionally, we are always looking for new and exciting glassware so make sure you check out the glassware section.

Step 6: Assembling Your Gel Candle

When making your gel candle, you can choose any glass container such as a mason jar or drinking glass. If you want to add inserts to your candle, there are many from which to choose. For example, paraffin wax cut into blocks can make great “ice cubes” for your candle, and wax fruit also works well as items to embed in your gel candle. Because gel for candles comes in varying densities, you’ll want to choose the one that best corresponds with the amount of scent throw that you’d like your candle to offer. When choosing your scent, be sure to choose a non-polar fragrance with a flash point higher than 170⁰F. Choose a liquid candle dye that will give your gel candle the color that you want to achieve, and select a wick that is designed for use with gel candles to accommodate the higher burning temperature of the gel. Be sure to follow directions for the products you’re using regarding the temperatures at which to add your fragrance and dye and at which to pour your gel candle.