Gel Candle Articles: When Gel Meets Paraffin

by Bill Binder of CANDLEWIC
www.candlewic.com

Candle makers, prior to the introduction of Gel, usually focused on a particular type of paraffin candle such as a container candle, votive candle, taper candle or pillar candle.

In some instances candle companies would only make one type of paraffin candle while others would market several types. Whatever type of candle, it was always made from paraffin.

While many companies still use only paraffin some have now adopted gel into their product mix and have " crossed the line" and now make both paraffin and gel candles and in some cases a combination of both gel and paraffin.

With this crossover many new techniques are being developed using paraffin wax and gel. However, because the rules for using gel vary from using paraffin we see that there is a learning curve for each type of candle maker.

Some of the most common uses for paraffin wax for gel applications are wax inserts, whipped wax on top of gel candles, serving as a base for scenery and for sealing gel candles.

Choosing the right wax for each of these applications will depend on the desired result. In general when making wax inserts the highest melt point wax is desirable, in most instances the best waxes to use would be anywhere from a 141° F-156° F melt wax.

Candlewic offers a waxes such as our 4144 (141° F) or 5560 (156° F) which are both very good for this application. In addition, it would be best to use an additive to raise the melt point of the wax further. Our product A-2A, Gloss Poly, is excellent for this application with a melt point of 240° F this additive can be used in small percentages such as 1-2% and achieve very good results. If you are using whipped wax for the top of your candle the best wax to use would probably be the 4144 with about 5 % stearic. For further assistance on procedures to whip the wax please go to our website, www.candlewic.com

One of the newer techniques is a chunk candle with the chunks made from gel. The gel chunks are then placed in a container and paraffin wax is poured over the gel chunks. Designs for this application are endless.

As the gel candle market continues to expand the applications between gel and paraffin will continue to grow. Candlewic can provide assistance with any application you may choose.

As an authorized Distributor for Penreco Gel and our large selection of waxes and other candle making supplies, Candlewic is your one stop shopping destination.