Remember that glitter needs to be as safe as any other embedded item used in a gel candle. You don’t want your sparkling glitter to create actual flaming sparks later on.

Regular craft glitter may not be your best choice, though it really depends on what its made out of. And trying to find out exactly what the material is can be tricky sometimes. When it doubt, don’t use it.

Some glitter is made of fine paper foil, which may be a hazard once your candle starts to heat up. Don’t assume that any glitter safe for wax candles is naturally OK for gel candles. Gel candles heat up quite a bit more than a wax candle, which will create different safety issues.

High-quality glitter products made from crushed glass are your best bet for use in a gel candle. It’s more expensive, but its both safer and more dramatic in your candle.

When adding glitter to your candle, stir it through the liquid candle gel before you pour it. It distributes better in the finished candle that way.

The transparency of gel candle wax makes is terrific for creating very decorative candles, with other objects “floating” inside. It looks much like water, and works particularly well for candles resembling small aquariums or ocean scenes.

With a bit of colouring, the gel can be tinted and made into some very realistic looking drink candles, too. They are especially popular when made to look like glasses of champagne, as wedding decorations.

The gel is really only made by one company at the moment, and you should seek the authentic product to ensure a safe product. It’s made by Penreco, and the brand name is Versagel.

Gel candle wax is made up of about 95% mineral oil, and 5% polymer resin. It comes in three types: low, medium and high density gels. They are usually labeled CLP, CMP and CHP.

For making the fancy candles with little embedded decorations, you need to use the high density gel (CHP). It’s firm enough to support the items without having them slowly settle through the gel to the bottom of the container. CHP candle gel can also take a higher dose of fragrance oil for scented candles. When making candles, it’s melted down to a liquid, and poured into containers with a wick fastened in the center.

Containers used for making gel candles should be thick and solid glass. Candle gel is hotter than wax once it starts burning and can crack thin glass. Candles made in delicate wine glasses or martini glasses may look nice, but may not be that safe. So keep your candles safe by using quality heavy glassware. You can use the same types of wicks used in wax candles.

What makes gel candles unique is that other decorations can be embedded in the clear gel, making very realistic aquarium and other water scenes. So a very important gel candle supply would be these little decorations, usually just called “embeds”. For safety sake, only use embeds that are glass, wax or stone. Seashells would work also. Anything flammable like herbs, flowers (real or silk) or plastic must be avoided.

Some companies offer gel candle making kits, so you can get all the appropriate supplies together. A nice option if you are new to making gel candles. Some are themed, so you can make a certain type of candle. There are also more generic kits available which would allow you to be a bit more creative and design something yourself.

The gel used in making these types of candles is a new product, created by a company called Penreco. The brand name is Versagel, and it comes in low, medium and high density.

Look for the product name so you know you are getting authentic and safe candle gel. Bitter Creek has a good selection of Versagel and other gel candle supplies. More and more craft stores that carry candle supplies are starting to also carry candle gel. You might want to ask about it, if they don’t.

Candle gel is mostly mineral oil with a little polymer resin added to it. The result is a soft jelly-like product, used for making any number of unique and interesting candles. The gel is heated to a liquid state, and then poured into jars to create a candle.

There are basically 3 types of candle gel, based on their thickness or density. Low, medium or high density gel are also sometimes referred to as CLP, CMP or CHP respectively.

The high density gel is the most useful because it will hold more fragrance oil, and it can also be used when making candles with other decorations embedded within it. The lower density gels aren’t firm enough to keep the objects “afloat”.

Because of it’s watery appearance, candle gel is usually used to make candles with themes like aquariums or seascapes. The gel is left clear in these cases. Care should be taken when using either solid or liquid dyes. Use only a tiny amount or you can over-colour your candle gel.

If you are making any products with candle gel, make sure you use sturdy glassware and the proper wicking material. Gel burns hotter than regular candle wax and could shatter flimsy glass jars or holders.

Candle gel was invented by Penreco, and the main brand available is Versagel C. Other brands may be available, but they are not genuine candle gel and may not burn safely.