Gel Wax

Overview:

A high-polymer gel suitable for clear candles with medium- to high-fragrance loads, 0 - 5%, and the ability to suspend dense pigments or decorative particles. Also, depending on the design and shape of the candle, this gel can be made into a free-standing form.

To effectively use High Density Penreco Gel Candle Wax, follow these steps:

1. Preparation:

• Ensure your workspace is clean and free from flammable materials.

• Gather all necessary equipment: a double boiler or melting pot, thermometer, wicks suitable for gel candles, containers, and any embeds or dyes you plan to use.

2. Melting the Gel Wax:

• Cut the gel wax into small pieces for even melting.

• Using a double boiler, heat the gel wax to its melting point of approximately 200°F (93°C).

• Monitor the temperature closely with a thermometer to prevent overheating.

3. Adding Fragrance and Dye:

• For High Density Gel Wax, you can add fragrance oils up to a load of 5-7%. Ensure the fragrance oil has a flash point of at least 170°F (77°C) to maintain safety and compatibility. 

• If desired, add liquid dye specifically formulated for gel candles to achieve your preferred color.

4. Pouring the Gel Wax:

• Allow the melted gel to cool slightly to a pouring temperature between 215-225°F (102-107°C) for maximum clarity. If you’re embedding objects, pour at around 200°F (93°C) to minimize bubbles around the embeds. 

• Secure the wick in the center of your container.

• Carefully pour the gel into the container, leaving appropriate space at the top.

5. Incorporating Embeds:

• High Density Gel Wax is capable of suspending decorative objects, wax chunks, or embeds. 

• Place embeds into the gel after pouring, ensuring they are fully submerged and not in contact with the wick to avoid fire hazards.

6. Cooling and Curing:

• Allow the candle to cool undisturbed at room temperature.

• Gel wax doesn’t shrink, so re-pouring is unnecessary.

7. Wicking Considerations:

• High Density Gel Wax requires larger wicks due to its viscosity. 

• Conduct burn tests to determine the appropriate wick size for your specific candle design.

Safety Precautions:

• Always work in a well-ventilated area away from open flames.

• Use a thermometer to monitor temperatures and prevent overheating.

• Ensure all embeds are non-flammable and positioned safely within the gel.

• Never leave melting wax unattended.