Gel Candles Part II

There are two ways to heat your gel for the gel candle; the first is to use an electric pot with a temperature control knob on it, heating your gel to 200-215 degrees. The other way is with stovetop Pyrex pan or coffeepot on a low heat using a candy or candle thermometer inserted in the melting gel to monitor the temperature. Be sure to keep a constant watch on the pan or coffeepot for this method, you do not want your gel to burn. Many Gellers use a variety of these clear coffee pots for making smaller batches of colored gel, as the clear glass makes it easier to control the exact shade of color that you want and the spout makes pouring a breeze.

Pouring Your Gel:

Heat the gel to 200-215 degrees for mixing and blending the gel any color, then cool to 185-203 degrees for pouring. Add any scent just prior to pouring the candle. The hotter you pour the gel the fewer bubbles, the cooler you pour the gel, the more bubbles. Stirring your gel will also create bubbles.

Pre-warming the glassware in a low 170 degrees oven can help prevent stress on the glass as well as cut down on the amount of bubbles in the gel. However, this step is optional.

Crystal Clear Process:

This process not only lets you have crystal clear gel, but also helps keep your suspended items from sinking. As soon as you have finished pouring the gel, carefully (gel will be hot) set the gel inside of your refrigerator to hasten cooling. As soon as the gel has cooled, remove the candle from the refrigerator. The candles that have been made with this technique have been crystal clear.

Other Clear Solutions:

Use Wick-Stickum to secure the wick to the container, rather than hot-gluing the wick tab.

Pre-dip any items to be embedded in the warm gel. Some items, like shells, have crevices and spaces where air gets trapped and consequently makes bubbles.

Be sure that your embedded items, such as seashells, are dry and clean.

Do not stir with a wooden spoon, as it creates bubbles and can cloud your gel.

I hope you have enjoyed this article, next time I will show you show you how to embed items in your gel candle, and different design techniques.

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