What is a gel candle?
Gel is essentially a combination of polymer resin and mineral oil that is cut with exceptional safety in respect of the flash point. When combined in a container with a wick it can produce exquisite transparent candles. Because of the clarity of gel, it gives off about 40% more luminescence than regular paraffin wax.
Are gel candles safe?
Yes! If you are using non-polar fragrance oils with Penreco gel, tested for the correct wick, and also followed the recommended procedures for making gel candles, then the safety factor is no different from any other candle (ADC Candles have followed all procedures)
It can be argued that all candles are unsafe because of the naked flame, so use due care and caution when burning all types of candles and educate others on the safety aspects of burning them with candle maintenance tips.
Safety Candle Care Tips:
Before Lighting:
Before burning your candle for the first time, TRIM YOUR WICK 1/4 inch. You can use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or scissors. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning,dripping, or flaring.
KEEP THE WAX POOL CLEAR of wick trimmings, matches, and debris at all times.
Burn candles in a well-ventilated room:
Avoid drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping.
Do not burn candle longer than four hours and cool for at least two hours before relighting.
When lighting a candle, use long matches or a long reach lighter. Keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame.
While Burning:
NEVER LEAVE A CANDLE UNATTENDED.
Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep burning candles away from from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.
Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place lit candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets, or anyone else.
Don’t burn a candle all the way down. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 1/2-1 inch remains in the container.
Place burning candles at least three inches apart from one another. This is to make sure they don’t melt one another, or create their own drafts that will cause the candles to burn improperly.
Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for unwanted drafts before relighting.
Never use a candle as a night light or while you may fall asleep.
Be very careful if using candles during a power outage. Flashlights and other battery powered lights are safer sources of light during a power failure. Never use a candle during a power outage to look for things in a closet, or when fueling equipment- such as lantern or kerosene heater.
When Extinguishing a Candle:
Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle. It’s the safest way to prevent hot wax from splattering.
Never use water to extinguish a candle. Water can cause the hot wax to splatter and might break the glass container.
Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room.
Don’t touch or move the candle until it has completely cooled.
Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax drippings from glass holder. It might scratch, weaken, or cause the glass to break upon subsequent use.
