Past times such as Gel Candle making can be for fun or even for a profit. They have become popular because they do not include any by-products of oil. Gel candles can commonly be found at markets such as farmers markets, flea markets, and swap meets and are usually home made. In this article you will find tips on candle making products, what is needed and safety tips to keep in mind.

Gel candles are made up of 95% of mineral oil and 5% polymer which is what gives the candle is gel-like consistency in its finished state. There are three different thicknesses of polymer. CLP is the least thick, while CMP is thicker, and CHP is the thickest. If you are planning on adding fragrances or embed any objects into your gel candle for additional decorations, the thickest polymer, CHP is recommended.

Some supplies you will need to make your homemade gel candles include a double boiler, a thermometer to test when the gel is ready and a long metal or plastic spoon. Avoid using wooden spoons in this process as the could form bubbles in the gel, unless that is the desired effect you are going for. Lastly, have available containers to pour the mixture into. One of the best ways you can prevent heat related accidents is to use glass or metal containers. In case of a chemical fire, have a fire extinguisher ready in your kitchen. This is actually a good fixture to have in your home at all times.  You can also protect your body from heat and chemical spills by wearing safety glasses, gloves, and an apron. Most of these are just precautions, but always remember: safety first.

You will more than likely want to add color and possibly fragrance to your original craft. When choosing a dye, the best recommendation is buying it with the polymer you choose and make sure it is a liquid. Clothing, food and soap dye will not work, could spoil the looks and might make it burn improperly. If you are using fragrance this too should be purchased from someone who has already tested the fragrance to mix with the gel mix.

Because the main ingredient in gel candles is mineral oil, they burn longer than traditional candles. Because standard candles are consisted of by-products from the oil industry, they can be quite expenses, so gel is a great alternative. Additionally, handcrafted gifts are always a great way to go when choosing what to give someone. But try to use caution when learning how to make gel candles, including common sense, no embedding of flammable objects, and test and label them correctly before giving. Have fun and be careful.