Gel Candle Information
What is a Gel Wax Candle?
It's clear. This visual characteristic allows for most of the creative, unique applications that gel wax is used for - everything from Iced Tea candles to aquarium scenes to wire swirls floating in the gel. Because it's clear and thick, you can suspend items in it, which seem to be "floating". Also, since it's clear, it has a unique "glow" to it from the flame. If you have never had the pleasure of using a gel candle, or even seeing one, a gel candle usually comes in some type of glass container. Wine glasses, jars, shot glasses, you name it and if it is glass, it is probably made for gel. Gel wax is an amazing wax that can take custom candles to a whole new level. Unlike many other candles that use paraffin or beeswax, gel wax is completely transparent. That means there is no film or opaqueness to the gel candle when it finally sets. It is simply a blank canvas that can be used to create with.
How do you create with gel?
Well that is really the beauty of it. Gel wax is generally soft and pliable. This makes it an excellent gel to use if you want to add things to the candle. One of the best examples of how to use gel successfully is to look at Gel Fruit Candles. These little candles use gel wax and wax embeds, which are little wax sculptures. You can find embeds of just about everything and you can make anything from a fruit jar to an ocean scene at the bottom of a candle. Since you can add things with ease to gel candles, it should be no surprise that gel candles hold color and fragrance very well. That’s right, since gel candles start out transparent; any addition of wax dye will work through the wax completely and will create a pure color, one that is not muddied by the opaque hue of regular paraffin wax.
Are gel candles safe?
Yes! If you are using non-polar fragrance oils with Penreco gel, tested for the correct wick, and also followed the recommended procedures for making gel candles, then the safety factor is no different from any other candle. It can be argued that all candles are unsafe because of the naked flame, so use due care and caution when burning all types of candles and educate others on the safety aspects of burning them with candle maintenance tips.
What are embeds and how do I use them?
Embeds are items that can be put into the gel wax to add creativity, character, and stunning beauty to the candle. Items such as seashells, glass figures, marbles, stones, ceramic/porcelain figures, and brass charms are all examples of embeds.
How long do gel candles burn?
Gel will burn at least twice as long as paraffin wax. It burns about twice as slowly as traditional wax. While I wouldn't call this a benefit or liability - it certainly is a distinct difference. The flames are much smaller on gel candles, and you have to trim the wicks very diligently!
What is a full burn candle?
Let me explain. This is a candle that you are able to fully burn. The majority of my full burn candles that have embeds in them are made out of glass or ceramic, so there is no chance of them catching on fire. I also, have some embeds that are made out of gel wax, and these will burn just like the rest of the candle.
What is a forever burn candle?
Let me tell, this is a candle that has a separate container embedded in the candle that you burn. Once this candle has been burned you can replace it with a votive or tea light candle of your choice, and continue enjoying your candle for years to come. Another use for the “forever burn” candles is to use a battery operated tea light instead of the votive candle, and you can use it in a child’s room as a nightlight.
Can I customize my candle to my personal taste?
ABSOLUTELY!!! Each candle can be ordered with the color and scent as pictured on my website. Or you can choose to personalize your candle by choosing the color and/or scent from the drop down list with each candle. Also, you can also choose to have a battery operated tea light candle sent instead of burning candle. With this option a good example is to be able to use the candle as a night light in a nursery.
CANDLE CONTAINERS
The style of the candle container may differ slightly from what is pictured due to my suppliers stock. If the container is slightly different under NO circumstance will the container be smaller!!! Most likely it will be the same size just a slightly different shape.
CANDLE SAND
The shade of the sand that is pictured in the bottom of the candles may also slightly differ as it comes in different shades from my supplier.
CANDLE COLOR
May vary slightly from candle to candle as each candle is made individually by hand.
CANDLE BUBBLES
The amount of bubbles is your candle can vary from just a few bubbles to many bubbles. This is what makes gel candles unique from other candles, and cannot be controlled.
JAR COVER
It is NOT recommended to burn your candle with the cover still on it as the cover MAY burn, melt, or catch on fire.
CANDLE BURNING WARNING
Gel Candles may resemble a beverage or food product! Keep away from children & pets! CAUTIONS: READ CAREFULLY!!! Failure to follow instructions could result in fire, injury, or smoke damage. Wick must be kept centered & trimmed to 1/8-1/4" to prevent smoking & soot build-up. Burn only on a stable, heat resistant surface, no more than 4 hours at a time. If flame gets too large or exposed wick is taller than 1/4", extinguish & trim. Keep away from drafts and flammable materials. Do not allow matches or wick trimmings to fall into melt pool. Discontinue use when only 1/2" of Gel remains in bottom. Do not move while burning or Gel is still hot. Never leave a burning candle unattended!!