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If you are beginning to make wax candles you already know that there are different kinds of candle waxes that can be used. There is paraffin wax, soy wax, bees wax and gel wax to name the most popular. All are similar, yet have their differences and advantages over the other waxes.
Before you start making gel wax candles, you should know these three things. Two of these items are something that you need to know before you buy the ingredients and the third thing is just a bonus "good thing" about gel candles.
First, gel wax can come in three densities or forms. There is high, medium and low density gel candle wax. Each has a particular use. For instance, in the high density, you can put more fragrance oil in to make it more fragrant. The higher density gel also makes it easier working with the "embeds" since the gel is thicker the "embeds" don't move around as much when you are placing them. On the downside, though, the higher density gel is more difficult to get melted and gives more problems when pouring.
Before you buy the gel wax, make sure you know what you are getting. Some places may only sell one kind of gel wax and you may not even know which density it is. On the other hand, if you do have the choice of the three density gels, the supplier will probably make it pretty clear as to the advantages (and disadvantages) of each.
Second, gel candle wax is more difficult to melt than paraffin or any of the other waxes. It doesn't matter if it is the high density gel or low density gel. Gel wax needs higher temperatures to melt. This means you might not be able to use your standard double boiler to melt the wax. If you are patient enough, you might be able to get it hot enough to melt. However, it will take time to do so.
So, some gel candle makers use a multi-cooker to melt the gel wax. A multi-cooker is similar to a deep fryer. It has a non-stick surface, a separate heating element and a dial to adjust the temperature to get the gel wax melted. Obviously, this cooker helps tremendously in getting your wax melted.
Thirdly, and lastly, gel candles burn longer than other candles. Most say that gel candles will burn at least twice as long as other candles, and some even say that they will burn three or four times as long. This is a nice thing cause it allows you to enjoy your creations a bit longer before they go up in smoke.
There you have it three things which are unique to gel candle wax. Knowing these first two items prepares you for your first gel candle making experience. Can you believe the frustration you might have if you just dove into gel candle making without knowing these first two important items. Why, you may have even given up before you got started. How sorrowful that would have been because you'd be missing out on a wonderful hobby.
Carol Short is a candle making enthusiast who enjoys candle making, talking about candle making and teaching candle making. Her new ebook "Secrets To Scentsational Candle Making" shows you everything you need to know to make candles.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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