How to Make Gel Candles

When making one's own gel candles, one first has to make the candle gel and then one can fashion the candle. Well, here goes:

The Candle Gel Formula:

  • 95% White Mineral Oil 375* Degrees F Flash Point 200 Viscosity
  • 5% CP9000 Thermoplastic Resin Powder

The Procedure:

  • Mix Oil and Resin together and allow to stand for 60 minutes at room temperature.
  • Begin heating slowly to 200° F.
  • Cook at 200° F for 1 hour or until all lumps have dissolved, stirring as needed. (Never exceed 220° F.)
  • Add fragrance and color if desired and pour.
  • This formula and procedure will yield a crystal clear gel that burns five to seven times longer than normal candle wax.

Ingredients

These ingredients you will probably all find available in your kitchen.

  • A scale
  • A crock pot with a thermostat
  • OR
  • A stovetop pan and a thermometer
  • Mineral Oil – measured as 2 Fluid Cups mineral oil
  • CP9000 Resin – measured as 25 Grams CP9000 Resin
  • Wick and base
  • Candle scents and color (Optional)

Method

  • Mix the Mineral Oil, CP9000 Resin, Wick and base.
  • You may add the candle scents and color if so desired.
  • Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to set at room temperature for 1 hour.
  • Stir occasionally.
  • Begin heating ingredients slowly bringing to 200 to 210° F (Never exceed 220° F) and hold at this temperature for 1 hour or until the gel is completely smooth flowing. (It should have the consistency of corn syrup.)
  • Be sure to never let the temperature exceed 220° F as this may scorch the gel.
  • If gel does scorch it is worthless and no amount of candle scents can save it. Give up and start over.
  • Stir the mixture often while cooking so as to assure proper mixture.
  • If you don't have a crock pot be sure to watch your temp on a thermometer.
  • The gel may smoke slightly during the process; this is not a cause for alarm unless smoke is excessive.
  • Just before you are ready to pour add candle scents to suit (do not exceed 3%) as this will lower your flash point to an unsafe level.
  • Color should be added now if desired.

A Note of Caution:

  • Candle Gel will flashover – burn - catch fire when hot enough (Approximately 225° F).
  • Always keep a fire extinguisher handy.
  • You are working with some very hot solutions. These solutions can scald or burn skin.
  • Protect your eyes and skin against splashes.
  • Keep small children, pets and annoying people away from your work area.
  • If you should get burned, treat it like any other burn and of course if you should get some in your eyes or enough of burn on your skin, see a doctor immediately.
  • We can not be held liable for any of these instructions. Use them at YOUR OWN RISK!
  • Burn pillars only on a designated candle holder.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended.
  • Avoid drafts.