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Topic: Gel Newbie with lots of questions. :) (Read 306 times) |
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Kittie
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Posts: 52
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Gel Newbie with lots of questions. :)
« on: Jul 8th, 2005, 11:57am » |
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Hi Everyone!  I am trying to learn about making gel candles and more specifically making canning jars and pies. I have lots of questions if someone could be so kind as to help.
Here are my questions:
1. Gel should be melted on direct heat? Are Presto pots appropriate? Stove top? Any certain container?
2. What dyes do I use? I have tons of liquid dyes for my other candles. Can I use those in gel?
3. What wick line is the best for gels?
4. I want to do fruit embeds. Can I make them out of my regular paraffin pillar/votive blend? Do I have to use gel-safe fo's in them since they are going in the gel? I guess this would also apply to the pie crusts.
5. Suggestions for reducing bubbles?
6. I keep reading about crimping?
7. Do you have to let a gel candle cure like you do a paraffin candle?
Anyone who is brave enough to take on this list of questions.....THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!! 
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| « Last Edit: Jul 8th, 2005, 12:05pm by Kittie » |
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Trae
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Go Phillies!
Posts: 253
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Re: Gel Newbie with lots of questions. :)
« Reply #1 on: Jul 8th, 2005, 2:28pm » |
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I'll try to answer everything as best as I can for ya!!
1. Presto pots are your best bet for gel. I usually set mine at 250 degrees to melt, then let cool a bit before scenting and coloring.
2. You can use your regular liquid dyes.
3. You really have to experiment with wicks to see what works best for you. I prefer zinc because I always got a more consistent burn. All gels must be kept trimmed a bit shorter than paraffin candles.
4. You should use hurricane wax for embeds. Pillar/votive wax won't have a high enough melt point. Yes, you need to use gel safe FO's since they will be melting into the gel.
5. The best way I've found to reduce bubbles is to let the gel cool until it's like syrup, then pour VERY slowly. I also sit my candles in a sunny window or on my deck in the sun (if it's not too hot). That usually clears them up pretty well.
6. Crimping is good for seascapes so you can crimp the wick above the sand level to prevent the customer from burning the wick too low. This can apply to any gel candle. Just crim above the wick tab. PM me if you need a supplier for the crimps.
7. I normally don't cure my gel candles but some do.
Hope this helped you somewhat! Have fun! Gels are a blast once you get the hang of it. You'll have many mistakes so don't get discouraged.
Trae
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"Ya Gotta Believe".....Tug McGraw
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Kittie
Full Member
Posts: 52
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Re: Gel Newbie with lots of questions. :)
« Reply #2 on: Jul 8th, 2005, 3:26pm » |
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WOW!! Great information!! Thank you so much!!
Also, I have a Presto post for my container wax, and my pillar/votive wax, but not one for gel yet. I was going to hold off and see how it went. So can I use a standard pouring pot on the stove?
Thanks again! 
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