You can make gel candles for fun or for profit. This has become a very popular thing being you can do it yourself with by-products of oil. These oil's are normally found at farmer's markets, flea markets, swap meets, and craft shows as a handcrafted item which is made by someone who is building a home-based business. The article here will provide you with an overview of exactly what gel candle making products are needed, a number of safety precautions, but no exact recipes for making gel candles.

Made up of 95% mineral oil and making gel candles have become very popular among the "green crowd". The remainder is a polymer that comes in a powder form and when mixed with the oil, and heated, becomes thick. The polymer comes in 3 thicknesses; CLP (least thick), CMP (thicker), and CHP which is the thickest and most desirable if you want to imbed anything or use a fragrance.

The gel candle making supplies include a double boiler, sturdy thermometer to test the gel's temperature for readiness, and a long plastic or metal spoon. Don't use any wooden spoons, as some say that it will make unwanted bubbles. Certainly, you will also need some containers that you can pour your mixture into.

For safety you will want to make sure that you have heat resistant containers; usually glass or metal. In addition you should have a fire extinguisher near by that is good for chemical. Fire extinguishers come in two different types, and are not bad investment for your kitchen under any circumstances. You will also want to wear safety glasses, gloves and an apron that is heat and liquid resistant. If you are careful with everything these things will probably not be needed; but it is always better to err on the side of safety.

You will probably want to add color and aroma to your original work. You must use a liquid dye and it is recommended that you purchase the dye with your polymer. Do not use clothing, food, or soap dye, as it could spoil the appearance and might make it burn improperly. If you use fragrance, you should make sure it is purchased from someone who has already tested the mix of gel and fragrance.

Your original creation made of mineral oil will usually burn than tradition wax and with oil prices so high might be a great alternative to the wax we are accustomed to. They make great gifts for almost any occasion and for many people handcrafted are more desirable than something made overseas. Use caution in creating these marvelous long burning marvels and common sense. Remember do not imbed anything that would burn, this is common sense. Most of all have fun, try to be careful, and be sure to test and label all your handcrafted creation.