About the Gel

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Over the years there have been various companies offering candle gel, and there were even formulas for making your own gel.

You should be aware that at the time of this writing, the courts have upheld Penreco's gel patent. Penreco, a joint venture between Conoco Inc. and M.E. Zukerman Energy Investors, is the patent holder on this technology.

Penreco has several patents, US Patents 5,879,604, 6066,329 and 5,578,089 along with other patent pending applications that pertain to oil gels being used in candle products.

When you purchase one of these patented gels from Penreco or its Distributor and Resellers you gain an implied license to produce gel candles. If you have additional question, ask your Supplier or contact Penreco (http://www.Penreco.com)

Penreco’s Versagel™ C series of gels is based on gelling hydrocarbons suitable for use in clear candle gels. These products are formulated with narrow cut hydrocarbon oil of exceptional safety relative to the flash point. Penreco has also optimized the polymer type and concentration to produce a gel of superb clarity and maximized viscosity to resist cold flow of the gel in the container of choice.

Typical Properties of Penreco Candle Gels

Penreco’s Candle Gel Products

• Versagel™ CLP – A low-polymer gel suitable for clear candles with low fragrance loads, typically 0-3%. This is the easiest for the new Geller to use, but may not be thick (hard) enough for shipping your candle without a lid.
• Versagel™ CMP – A medium-polymer gel suitable for clear candles with a medium to high fragrance loads typically 3-5%. While it is difficult to determine which gel will work best for you, this is the most popular gel among Gellers.
• Versagel™ CHP – A high–polymer gel suitable for up to 5% fragrance loads and the ability to suspend dense pigments or decorative particles. It is also the most resistant to cold-flow (flow of the gel at room temperature). This thicker gel is popular among more experienced Gellers. It benefits the Geller who is familiar with embeds and candle making in general, but the novice may find it frustrating to work with this heavier gel.
• Some candle makers combine gel grades in their pour to produce certain layer effects.
• Penreco candle gels do not have a true melt point that is typically an important property in candle waxes. This is because the candle gels contain no crystalline components. They undergo no true first order transitions as they are heated from room temperature to over 212 F (100 C).
• Unlike waxes that go through melting transitions at specific temperatures, Versagels™ simple decrease in viscosity as they are heated.
• Where Versagel™ C can be found Penreco manufactures its Versagel products at its refinery in Karns City, PA. The material is stocked at this location, it’s second refinery in Dickinson, TX and it’s branch in Los Angeles.
• Penreco also markets these products through its national distributor, Vopak and a variety of candle supply houses located throughout the country (see Penreco's Website for updates on their Gel ).

Additional Information: Penreco has been around for over 100 years making a variety of high quality hydrocarbon products. Penreco first introduced oil gels for candles in the early 1990’s and has developed a wealth of quality and safety information that it has shared with the candle market. If you would like to know more about Penreco, it’s candle gels, handling and safety data you can visit the companies web site www.penreco.com.

There is also a list of frequently asked questions about these gels and candle making. It is advised to contact your candle gel supplier for updated and additional melting instructions. (See: Appendix )

Heating and Pouring  the Gel

Only the most patient candle makers should melt gel in a double boiler, since it takes forever and you must be careful not to get water or steam into the gel.

It is inefficient to melt the gel in a microwave oven, as it is difficult to control the temperature and this can lead to burning the gel.

So, “What is the best way?”

Using an electric pot with the temperature control at 200-215°F is recommended for the melting of your basic clear gel or for large batches of colored or fragrant gel.

Your choice could be:

• A Presto pot (as shown on the this page)
• A deep fryer
• An electric turkey roaster

Presto Pots (pictured at left) can be purchased from a garage sale, a thrift store, Wal-Mart or similar outlet.

Since you want a reliable temperature gauge, you may prefer to purchase a new pot.

Another way to heat the gel is with a stovetop Pyrex coffee pot on low heat, using a candy or candle thermometer inserted in the melting gel to monitor the temperature. Be sure to keep a constant watch on the coffee pot.

Many Gellers use a variety of these clear coffee pots for making smaller batches of colors, as the clear glass makes it easier to control shade, and the spout makes pouring a breeze.

 Remember: a low flame and a candy or candle thermometer are absolutely necessary.

 Heating the Gel

Important! Do not start heating the gel
and then walk away. You need to watch the gel.

Heat the gel to 203-221°F for mixing and blending the gel any color, then cool to 185-203°F for pouring. Add any scent just prior to pouring the candle.

The hotter you pour the gel the fewer the bubbles; the cooler you pour the gel, the more bubbles. Stirring your gel will also create bubbles.

Important! The gel should never exceed 230°F degrees, or its recommended temperature zone as noted by your Supplier. Higher temperatures cannot only burn the resin, but can cause the gel to ignite.

A candle making or candy thermometer is a must! The hotter you pour the gel the fewer the bubbles; the cooler you pour the gel, the more bubbles. For bubble control ~ See: No Bubbles Gel

Pre-warming the candle glassware in a low (170°F) oven can help prevent stress on the glass as well as cut down on the amount of bubbles in the gel. However, this step is optional. It is a good idea to weigh the glass container prior to pouring the gel, and then weigh it again after the pour to assist in your pricing. (See: Pricing ). An electronic postage scale works great for this.

Melt your base gel, adding scent and dye to the gel in the pouring pot.

For a pouring pot you can use any of the following:

• A coffee can with its rim bent into a spout
• A glass coffee pot
• A commercial metal pouring pot
• A Pyrex measuring cup

Pour the gel, leaving enough headroom above gel to protect the wick from direct drafts.

You can keep your pouring pots warming on low heat on an electric warming tray. (Pictured here)

Caution: keep from heating on your stovetop, as gel dripping onto your burners can make your kitchen smoky.

You can re-use most of the gel that has clung to the outside of glassware and pouring tools simply by re-melting.

Any gel dribbles should peel off as soon as they cool. There’s hardly any gel wasted.

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.

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