Question: How is Gel Wax different from Paraffin or Vegetable Waxes?
Answer: Gel wax is different from traditional paraffin or vegetable waxes in several ways:
- It's clear. This visual characteristic allows for most of the creative, unique applications that gel wax is used for - everything from Iced Tea candles to aquarium scenes to wire swirls floating in the gel. Because it's clear and thick, you can suspend items in it, which seem to be "floating". Also, since it's clear, it has a unique "glow" to it from the flame.
- It burns about twice as slowly as traditional wax. While I wouldn't call this a benefit or liability - it certainly is a distinct difference. The flames are much smaller on gel candles, and you have to trim the wicks very diligently!
- It will hold about the same about of fragrance oil as traditional waxes, and many (though not all) candle fragrances can be used in gel as well as traditional wax.
- It melts at a much higher temperature - 180° to 220° - depending on the grade (thickness) you are using. It must be melted over direct heat, or in a Presto Pot - which means you have to be much more careful with it.
- It also burns at a much hotter temperature - from 250° to 280°. Most traditional wax candles have a melt pool about 180° or lower. This means you have to be extra careful with the containers you choose to use.
- It is only used to make container candles. (Though there is a new "clear pillar" wax out on the market that is different from the regular gel wax.)
- Only completely oil-soluble (non-polar) fragrance oils can be used with gel candles. If you don't know for sure (from your supplier) that the fragrance is suitable for gel candles, there is an easy test you can do to check.
More Gel Candle Making FAQs
- What is gel wax?
- Are there different kinds of gel wax?
- How do I melt gel wax?
- What are the benefits of gel wax?
- How is it different from traditional waxes?
- Can I use the same fragrances in gel wax?
- How do I get the gel out of the bucket?
- What type of wicks should I use?
- What kind of containers can I use?
- Can I make my own gel wax?
- How much fragrance can I use in gel wax?
- Can I embed anything in gel wax candles?
- What is "cold flow"?
- What kind of colorants can I use in gel candles?
- Are gel candles dangerous?
