Past times such as Gel Candle making can be for fun or even for a profit. They have become popular because they do not include any by-products of oil. They are often available at farmer’s markets, flea markets, craft shows and swap meets as a handcrafted item made by someone who is creating a home-based business. 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. Because of its thickness, CHP is the best to use if you want to use a fragrance or embed anything into the gel.
Gel candle making supplies consist of a double boiler, a good thermometer (which tests the gel temperature to ensure it is ready) and a long spoon, which can be made of metal or plastic. Wooden spoons are not recommended, as they might form bubbles in the gel. Additionally, you will need some containers into which the mix can be poured. To prevent heat related mishaps, use glass or metal containers opposed to plastic or paper. 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. Most of these are just precautions, but always remember: safety first.
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. If you are using fragrance this too should be purchased from someone who has already tested the fragrance to mix with the gel mix.
Gel candle creations have a primary ingredient of mineral oil and will burn longer than wax that is traditionally used in candles. Traditional candle wax is a by-product of the oil industry and with the prices so high these are a great alternative. Handcrafted gifts are always treasured by the people who receive them. 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.