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Candle Pixie > Gel Candle Supplies
Gel Candle Supplies
Apart from the usual candle making supplies, making gel candles requires a few specific ingredients. Luckily, there's only a few of them and all are easily found, so you won't have any trouble getting them.
1. Finding the right container - Any non flammable container will do the work, but have in mind that glass is the most used material. If you're wondering why, just think of all the shiny things that you could embed in your candle - if you're going to put marbles in your candle or color it with pretty colors, you'll also want it to be see-through.
2. Choosing the right gel - You won't have to worry much about the manufacturer, as Perneco™ is the company that both holds the patent and manufactures the gel. The thing to think about is the density of the gel. There are three types of gel: low density, medium density and high density gel, and you'll want to choose the type that suits you best. The thickest gel can hold the most scent and embedded items, but is also hardest to pour and takes longest to melt - if you're a beginner, you'll want to start with the low density gel and experiment from there.
3. Scents and colors - Gel candles use the same fragrances as wax candles, but the opposite is not always true. To make a good gel candle, you'll need a non-polar scent with a flash point of 170 degrees or above. Regarding the color, liquid dyes work best with gel candles, but be carefull not to put too much, as you're usually going to need even less than a single drop!
4. Gel candle wicks - As gel candles burn up to 5 times slower than paraffin wax candles, they also need larger wicks. While there are lots of different types of wicks to choose from, pre-tabbed zinc core wicks are the best choice for gel candles. These wicks will allow you to position them easily and will stay centered while the candle burns. Another good thing about them is that their tab neck will stop the flame from burning all the way to the bottom of the container, thus avoiding possible overheating of the glass.
That's it, we're done here - after you've gotten all the needed supplies, you'll be ready to start making gel candles on your own.