Gel Candle Article: Using Wax Inserts

by Bill Binder of CANDLEWIC
www.candlewic.com

What's amazing about gel candles is the endless potential for new and exciting projects. The Gel candle is very well suited for all holidays, seasons and occasions whether it's a prom, wedding, birthday party or that special event.

The Gel candle allows for the independent creativity that candle makers express with those artistic ideas that are used to embellish the candle. This is a major reason that candles made with Gel are so popular. The designs can be very simple such as a standard Gel candle with color and fragrance or very sophisticated designs that include beach scenes complete with fish, coral and boats.

CANDLEWIC has focused on this creativity factor by offering a large assortment of wax embeds that are guaranteed to bring out the artist in candle makers. Some favorites are strawberries, peach slices, hearts and daises.

A favorite project of ours has been using single embeds to make a Gel candle. A popular theme on this has been placing a small single red rose (CANDLEWIC Mold #M-22) in a glass container and pouring the Gel around the rose giving the impression the rose is suspended in the container. In some instances, the slight melting of the rose can add impact to the candle. A final touch to this candle is then accomplished by adding rose scent, wedding day or other appropriate fragrances.

Many Gel candle makers prefer to make their own embeds and such items as candy and cookies molds are good tools to use for this application.

When making wax embeds it is important to develop a formula which can withstand the higher
pouring temperatures of the Gel. This will reduce the amount of clouding in the Gel. CANDLEWIC recommends a formula using a 141 degree F melt point wax (CANDLEWIC wax # 4144) and 2-3% of an additive containing a polyethylene with a 240 degree F melt point(CANDLEWIC#A-2A). This formula works very well with most pouring procedures. When using a Gel at hotter temperatures the formula can be adjusted.

Each holiday presents its own special meaning and Gel candles reflect these occasions with special touches and designs. A project for any social occasion is a champagne glass Gel candle, embedding a wax strawberry for special effect. The champagne Gel candle is one project that air bubbles do not present a problem. They add to the design.

For Valentines Day add hearts instead of the strawberry.

CANDLEWIC is most pleased to be a participant in this newsletter and looks forward to making contributions in the future. For those unfamiliar with our company, we have been in the Candle Making Supply business for over 30 years offering a complete line of supplies and waxes. We pride ourselves on the quality and pricing of our products and encourage you to visit us often at www.candlewic.com.

So, until next time,

LET's POUR.

www.candlewic.com

This information is provided with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional advice. Laws and practices often vary from state to state and if legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a professional should be sought. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any liability that is incurred from the use or application of the contents of this publication / website.

Gel candles may resemble a beverage or food product. All pictures and references are "non-edible" items made of nonfood (wax, glass, etc.) components. Be certain that you understand the steps and precautions in making any gel candle design and in using the gel candles. Failure to follow instructions could result in fire, injury or smoke damage. If you have any questions contact your Supplier.

It is not recommend to use flammable items, dead sea creatures, or real food items in gel candles. It is recommended that you double glass your designs, with the wick and gel in the inner glass, away from the design and gel in the outer glass. It is up to the designer to ensure that the design is safe for the end user. You/Designer should provide instructional warnings to end user, especially to not leave any burning candle unattended.

Never leave a burning candle unattended. This material is NOT intended to be used by or made by children under 18 years of age without close adult supervision. Keep all candles (gel, soy, wax) away from children. Anyone younger than 18 years of age needs adult supervision to make or handle Gel Candles. safety

Burn candle only on a stable, heat-resistant surface for no more than four hours at a time. If flame gets too large or exposed wick is greater than 1/4 inch, extinguish flame and trim wick. Keep away from drafts and flammable material. Do not allow matches or wick trimmings to fall into melt pool. Never burn the last half of a candle. Do not move while burning or if gel is still hot. Keep wick centered and trimmed to 1/4 inch to prevent smoke and soot buildup. Do not extinquish gel with water -- if possible smother the flame, or use baking soda for small flames, or a fire extrinquisher.

Get updated information about the gel from Penreco, Before lighting any candle (gel or wax) review safety precautions here. If you have any questions contact your Supplier; if you are the end user contact your Gel Candle Maker.

The opinions expressed by the authors and advertisers are not necessarily those of this website, corporate directors, officers and employees; nor is website endorsing any product or company, nor is it responsible for any information presented herein. More....

Suppliers

Scottscrew Enterprises LLC is a family run business and one of the largest suppliers of specialty molds in the candle & soap making industry. Scottcrew is dedicated to bringing Chandlers and Soapers the best in molds, candle and soap making supplies, packaging supplies, gift certificates, wholesale ordering and various sale items. Scottcrew specializes in the manufacture of silicone molds for embeds, candles & soaps, as well as various other industries. Our silicone molds are crafted from the finest custom blended silicone, creating molds that are soft and easy to use, producing beautiful 3-D pieces.

Wick's Wares offers Gel, wax, body, bath and soap making supplies of the highest quality and at the lowest cost possible. All of Wicks' Ware products are created and tested in an environmentally friendly manner, providing the best that you can buy from all over the world. For what started out as a husband and wife team making candles in their "Candle Cabin" in the woods, the couple has expanded operations to a large candle supply outlet facility in Pittsburg, Texas. Wicks' Wares prides itself on outstanding customer service and products that are reasonably priced and shipped at the lowest possible cost to you.

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