Past times such as Gel Candle making can be for fun or even for a profit. Gel candles have gained popularity because they do not contain any of the by-products of oil that standard candles have. Gel candles can commonly be found at markets such as farmers markets, flea markets, and swap meets and are usually home made. In this article you will find tips on candle making products, what is needed and safety tips to keep in mind.

Making gel candles is very popular with environmentalists, as 95% of the gel is made from mineral oil; the remainder is made from a powdered polymer which turns to gel when mixed with the oil and heated. According to your preference, there are three different levels of thickness available in polymer. CLP is the least thick, while CMP is thicker, and CHP is the thickest. If you are planning on adding fragrances or embed any objects into your gel candle for additional decorations, the thickest polymer, CHP is recommended.

Some supplies you will need to make your homemade gel candles include a double boiler, a thermometer to test when the gel is ready and a long metal or plastic spoon. Avoid using wooden spoons in this process as the could form bubbles in the gel, unless that is the desired effect you are going for. Additionally, you will need some containers into which the mix can be poured. One of the best ways you can prevent heat related accidents is to use glass or metal containers. You can douse chemical fires with fire extinguishers, which are a good all-purpose addition to your basic kitchen equipment.  You can also protect your body from heat and chemical spills by wearing safety glasses, gloves, and an apron. Hopefully you won’t actually need all of these precautions but it is always a good rule of thumb to be safe.

To personalize your candle, you may want to add a fragrance or color to the gel. When choosing a dye, the best recommendation is buying it with the polymer you choose and make sure it is a liquid. Don’t plan on using food colorings, clothing dye or even soap dye as they could ruin your candle and not burn properly. The same goes with choosing a fragrance, use one that is meant for gel candles.

Gel candle creations have a primary ingredient of mineral oil and will burn longer than wax that is traditionally used in candles. Because standard candles are consisted of by-products from the oil industry, they can be quite expenses, so gel is a great alternative. Additionally, handcrafted gifts are always a great way to go when choosing what to give someone. But try to use caution when learning how to make gel candles, including common sense, no embedding of flammable objects, and test and label them correctly before giving. Have fun and be careful.

 

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