Question: What is the benefit of gel wax?
Answer: Gel wax has two distinct differences from traditional paraffin or vegetable waxes:
- 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 float. 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.
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?
