Gel Candle Wicks

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Type of Wicks for Gel Candles

Cotton and paper cored wicks are generally not used in gel candles, whereas zinc cored wicks stand straight in hot gel during both the manufacturing process and while the candle is burning. The gel wick should be a size larger than the wick used in the same size wax candle. The 51-32-18-zinc wick appears to be the wick of choice. Please check with your Supplier for their recommendations.

Pre-Waxed: Heated gel can melt a pre-waxed wick, causing the gel to cloud. However, the waxed wick is easier to work with, as it stands rigid in the glass while you work. A light coating of gel on the wick can prevent cloudiness; also not pouring while the gel is too hot. It is best to ask your Supplier for advice, and test the wicks yourself.

Pre-Tabbed Wicks: Pre-tabbed wicks with a long neck are best, as they prevent the wick from burning to the bottom of the glass, ensuring that your customer cannot burn the glass dry. This prevents the flame from heating the glass without the insulation of the gel. The flame should extinguish upon hitting the high-necked tab, protecting the container from heat related breakage. Adding a base such as gravel, sand, glass beads or shells will hide the tab.

How many wicks: Different sized containers plus the gel composition, color and scent can affect how the candle will burn. Tunneling can be one of the problems due to insufficient wicks. For example, for a 9" opening, you should use 5 wicks; a 6" opening uses 3 wicks; and 2 wicks for a 4" opening. As a rule, one wick should be used for every 3 to 4 inches of candle diameter. Please speak with your Supplier about wick usage and placement.

To Secure Your Wick: Some Gellers secure the wick to the bottom of the candle by dipping the tab in some gel and then pressing the tab to the bottom of your container. Another procedure is to place the wick in the glass, pour a base around it and let it set. Caution: Using such a procedure can cause the loose wick to wreak havoc as it slides about the burning candle.

To secure the wick to the bottom of the glass, place a little hot melted glue on the tab with your glue gun. Press down on the tab with a skewer, securing the wick to the bottom of the glass while the glue is still warm. Or, if you prefer, use Wick-Stickum (See: Suppliers below ).

Keep the wick trimmed to about 1/8" to combat smoking, ash and mushrooming and to keep the gel clean. It should be just a tiny nub. One of the best ways to trim a wick that has been burned is to turn the cooled candle upside down and trim with very sharp scissors or toenail clippers. This will keep the trimmed wick from falling into the gel.

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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