Glassware for Gel Candles

Home

Use caution in selecting your glassware

Do not use super-thin expensive crystal or glassware.

Do not use plastic or wood containers or any container that can melt, leak or crack or is flammable.

Do not use any glassware that has a crack in it. Do not use glassware that has a mouth more narrow than its base.

Be certain that the container you select is stable and will not tip over easily and will contain the melting gel.

Avoid those that look too fragile or are marked “hand wash only”. The glass you select must be able to withstand a hot pour of candle gel, with tempered glass being best.

A very narrow glass should be avoided. Besides potential blackening of the glass from the flame, a factor known as gel pool comes into play. This is the area around the candle flame of melted gel. Too much or too little of a pool will cause incomplete combustion which creates a lot of smoke.

Mouth openings should be a minimum of two to three inches wide.

Many Gellers enjoy shopping for unusual glassware at thrift stores and garage sales. These items are okay for limited shows, gifts and personal sales. However, they provide no uniformity when selling from your catalog or website.

While not ruling out the use of metal, clay or even seashells (all of which may require special sealants and preparation), glass containers are preferred for showing off the gel candle’s true beauty and effects.

Beware of trademark issues with specialty glasses.

You should be aware that in order to make and sell, for example, Coca Cola® glasses you are required by their corporation to be licensed to use their product. There are some Gellers who are not concerned about using these items without license. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.  And each has to abide by his own comfort level. You are individuals who have to make up your own mind as to what is best for you, your company and your clients.

As with all gel candle designs, the issue of the copyright/trademark comes to this: You will be the one ultimately responsible for what you do.

The issue is not whether Coca Cola® will come after you (they may or they may not); the issue is what is legal and safe in gel candle making.

Our books, website and forum promote legal and safe gel candle making and as such our official stand is this: If it is unsafe or if it infringes on a copyright/trademark... don't do it.

If in doubt... you need to check it out.

There are alternate ways of designing that will let you sleep at night ... look into those ideas.

• Beware of buying used glassware with cracks, chips, water stains or other imperfections.

• You can save money on second-hand purchases, but you may end up with unusable items that are a total waste of money. See: Appendix for new glassware sources.

• You may be able to order larger quantities of glassware and split the cost with another candle maker.

• A popular store among Gellers is their local Wal-Mart. They carry a variety of Anchor Hocking, Libbey and other brands. They can also be a good source for experimenting with glassware items prior to ordering in quantity.

• Some Gellers have spoken with their local Wal-Mart managers about buying glassware from them by the case at reasonable prices.

Popular Glassware Ideas

• Glass flowerpots filled with gel are very popular and can burn about 34 hours.

• Glass champagne glasses, glass coffee mugs, beer glasses, ivy glasses, roly-poly glasses and votive glassware are popular.

• Multi-faceted glassware reflects the embedded items, giving the illusion it contains more than it does, or the objects appear larger than they are.

• Clear glass-canning jars are popular, especially with the Fruit Preserve candles.

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. Disclaimer.