| Gel candle is gaining popularity of late, among users | | | | bubbles which may spoil the making of the candle. |
| and manufacturers, the main reason being that it is | | | | Gel candles are easily combustible and therefore, as a |
| ideal for scented candles and is translucent. The | | | | safety measure, a fire extinguisher should be kept |
| making of gel candle is slightly different from the | | | | handy. Clear glass containers are preferred for |
| process of other types of traditional candles because | | | | making since they can take the high heat of melted |
| there are three density levels to gel: low, medium and | | | | wax. Colored candles are very common and while |
| high. It is crucial to know the density levels because | | | | preparing them, just one drop would be enough for a |
| the right gel has to be chosen. | | | | large number of candles. |
| For scented candles, a higher density level is needed | | | | Of all the various types of color dyes, like food |
| and for other aesthetic purposes, a lower density | | | | coloring dyes, clothing dyes and soap dyes, crayons |
| would suffice. A gel candle contains 5% polymer resin | | | | are the best as the others are not fit for making gel |
| and 95% mineral oil and as such, the resin, which is in | | | | candle. To make the candles more decorative, |
| powder form, changes to a solid form when | | | | embeds can be placed around the inside of the |
| combined with mineral oil. | | | | containers. They can be made in many different |
| Obviously, high density gel is strong and hard to melt, | | | | forms like fruits, replica fish, glass and any imaginative |
| medium consistency contains the right amount of | | | | form. This gives a great aesthetic value and can be |
| fragrance and lower density gel is capable of storing | | | | placed as a decorative piece in any room. |
| only a small amount of fragrance in it. | | | | Further, other inserts like small sea shells, pieces of |
| While making gel candles, the difference lies in making | | | | dry fruit, seeds, and bits of colored glass can be |
| use of a deep fryer to heat, as against the | | | | placed in gel candles to give them a spectacular look. |
| commonly used 'double boiler', in order to save time. | | | | The shapes are also widely varied from grape shaped |
| Deep fryer is a variety of non-sticking pan, | | | | to ordinary rectangular pieces. The safety measures |
| resembling a multi cooker and has a temperature dial | | | | that have to be taken in making gel candles are to |
| so that the temperature of the pan can be | | | | never burn to the bottom of the container in case it |
| measured. While stirring or mixing the wax, it is | | | | breaks and allows liquid gel to flow out and since the |
| advisable not to use a wooden spoon but a metal or | | | | gel is slightly toxic, it is better to wash your hands |
| plastic spoon instead. This is done to help avoid | | | | after completing the make. |