Gel Candle Making Supply

There have been some stories about gel candles causing fires or exploding.  It caused some concerns in the gel candle making supply industry as to the safety of gel wax.  This needs to be addressed before you or anyone else begins making this type of candle.

A recall was issued for Nature's Finest Gel Candles by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.  About 727,000 units of gel candles, in 5.5 or 11 ounce containers, were recalled because the gel would catch fire and cause a high flame.  No injuries were reported, but four incidents occurred that were reported to the company.

The candles were sold by grocery and drug stores between June 2001 and February 2005.  If you have any of these candles, return them to Nature's Finest Candles for a refund.  If you have any of their products, but are not sure what product it is, look at the UPC code on the bottom of the container.  Numbers 3863300100 through 3863300114 and 3863300200 through 3863300214 are the candles in question.
 
One of the problems with candles in general is the lack of standards within the industry.  Every candle producer is responsible for testing its product, by whatever means it deems necessary.  Some have independent testing done for their products, and it will usually state that on the packaging.

When you look closely at problems with gel candles, you will see that the real trouble is not the gel, but the container.  Gel expands just like any candle wax when it gets hot.  Any container has to be designed for use with hot materials.  Probably the mistake made most often with container candles is the use of inferior glass containers.

These stories about exploding candles should only jolt you to be safer with candles in general.  Anytime you are around an open fire, there can be danger if you don't take the proper precautions.  If you are the candle maker, you should never make a container candle without knowing if the container is appropriate.

Penreco, a manufacturer of gels for candles, cautions that gel gets hotter than regular candle wax.  Even though this sounds like a problem, there have been no findings to substantiate that gel candles present any unusual hazard.  Penreco has issued documentation as to the reactions of gel when heated, and what can go wrong.  You may want to check their website for more information.

A properly made gel candle is beautiful to watch when it burns.  The light reflects through the gel giving off different colors, depending on the dyes you add.  To achieve these effects, you need a glass container.

Gel candles are easy and fun to make.  They present an opportunity for you to be creative, and each one can be unique.  If the embeds you put in your gel are non-combustible, and your container is heat tempered, you should have no safety problems.  Countless people in gel candle making have not had problems related to combustion, and you won't either if you obey the safety rules.  Be sure to read labels, instructions, and hazard warnings included with any of your gel candle making supply products.