How do I work with candle gel?
Short answer
Gel needs far more heat than wax: melt it over intensely boiling water to 90–105 °C (never above 110 °C) and stir with a glass rod.
Explanation
Gel is pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil with a gelling agent: transparent, odorless and remeltable. It conducts heat poorly and is very thick, so at 85 °C it stays too viscous and traps bubbles. Use a narrow metal cup with the boiling water at least as high as the gel. Plastic softens and wood releases moisture that clouds the gel, so stir with glass.
To size a batch, fill the vessel with water (including any decorations), weigh the water and multiply by 0.9.
What to do
- Pre-warm the vessel so it doesn't crack and the gel doesn't set on contact.
- Use only oil-based dyes in gel.
Source: The Big Book of Sweet Dessert Candles — Gel Candles · Gel Candle Combined with Coconut Wax