Gel Candle Article: Using Wax Inserts

by Bill Binder of CANDLEWIC
www.candlewic.com

What's amazing about gel candles is the endless potential for new and exciting projects. The Gel candle is very well suited for all holidays, seasons and occasions whether it's a prom, wedding, birthday party or that special event.

The Gel candle allows for the independent creativity that candle makers express with those artistic ideas that are used to embellish the candle. This is a major reason that candles made with Gel are so popular. The designs can be very simple such as a standard Gel candle with color and fragrance or very sophisticated designs that include beach scenes complete with fish, coral and boats.

CANDLEWIC has focused on this creativity factor by offering a large assortment of wax embeds that are guaranteed to bring out the artist in candle makers. Some favorites are strawberries, peach slices, hearts and daises.

A favorite project of ours has been using single embeds to make a Gel candle. A popular theme on this has been placing a small single red rose (CANDLEWIC Mold #M-22) in a glass container and pouring the Gel around the rose giving the impression the rose is suspended in the container. In some instances, the slight melting of the rose can add impact to the candle. A final touch to this candle is then accomplished by adding rose scent, wedding day or other appropriate fragrances.

Many Gel candle makers prefer to make their own embeds and such items as candy and cookies molds are good tools to use for this application.

When making wax embeds it is important to develop a formula which can withstand the higher
pouring temperatures of the Gel. This will reduce the amount of clouding in the Gel. CANDLEWIC recommends a formula using a 141 degree F melt point wax (CANDLEWIC wax # 4144) and 2-3% of an additive containing a polyethylene with a 240 degree F melt point(CANDLEWIC#A-2A). This formula works very well with most pouring procedures. When using a Gel at hotter temperatures the formula can be adjusted.

Each holiday presents its own special meaning and Gel candles reflect these occasions with special touches and designs. A project for any social occasion is a champagne glass Gel candle, embedding a wax strawberry for special effect. The champagne Gel candle is one project that air bubbles do not present a problem. They add to the design.

For Valentines Day add hearts instead of the strawberry.

CANDLEWIC is most pleased to be a participant in this newsletter and looks forward to making contributions in the future. For those unfamiliar with our company, we have been in the Candle Making Supply business for over 30 years offering a complete line of supplies and waxes. We pride ourselves on the quality and pricing of our products and encourage you to visit us often at www.candlewic.com.

So, until next time,

LET's POUR.

www.candlewic.com