Can we buy gel candles from you?
Penreco does not manufacture gel candles. We supply an unfragranced, non-dyed gel material that is suitable for use in making gel candles.

Which candle gel do I need to use?
Penreco manufacturers and markets three different Versagel C grades, CLP, CMP and CHP. Viscosity and price is the key difference between the grades. Recommended use is as follows:
CLP: A low-polymer gel for clear candles with low fragrance load (0-3%).
CMP: A medium-polymer gel for clear candles with medium to high fragrance loads (0-5%).
CHP: A high-polymer gel for clear candles with medium- to high-fragrance loads (0-5%) and the ability to suspend dense pigments or non-flammable decorative particles. Depending on the design and shape of the candle, this gel can be made into a freestanding form.

What does the statement secondary products at the bottom of the spec sheet mean?
Secondary products are the products that our customers make using our candle gel products. The statement simply means that our customers must bear the responsibility of their own products. We have demonstrated that many factors influence the safety of the finished candle. The candlemaker makes the ultimate decision on each of these factors and bears the liability of those decisions.

What does your patent cover?
Penreco has a family of patents as they relate to candles, including: US Patent Nos. 5,879,694; 6,006,329 and 5,578,089. These patents cover combinations of hydrocarbon oils and a variety of polymer thickening agents. There are many subclaims that discuss the addition of common candle additives, such as fragrances, dye, decorative particles and extinguishants.

It is important to note that the person who makes the gel into a candle is the actual party that is infringing on the patent. If a customer believes his/her candles fall outside our patent coverage and would like a complete copy of the text to review, we'll be happy to supply copies. These are available online at: www.uspto.gov/web/menu/search.aspl. If a customer believes their candle does fall within the scope of the patents, we will grant an implied license through the sale of Versagel® C products. We will also be happy to provide a letter specifying that we have granted this customer license to our patent. We encourage our customers to use our patent number or numbers on their candle labels.

Additionally, it is Penreco's position that offering material for sale as described in the patent coverage with the knowledge that it will be used in candles represents inducing infringement and is a violation of U.S. patent law.

Which candle burns the longest — gel candles or wax candles?
Versagel candle gel burns approximately twice as long as wax candles.

What are the benefits of gel candles versus wax candles?
Versagel candle gel burns approximately twice as long as wax candles and offers a novel look to the candle industry.

How much fragrance can be added?
CLP: 0-3%
CMP: 0-5%
CHP: 0-5% with the ability to suspend dense particles (glitter, beads, etc.) and non-flammable decorative particles. Depending on the design and shape of the candle, this gel can be made into a freestanding form.

Do the same fragrances used in wax candles work in the gels?
In general, gel candles use fragrances that are comprised of oil soluble components (non-polar) that would also work in wax candles. However, wax candles can also utilize fragrances that are not completely soluble in gel candles. For more information, see Penreco Candle Safety Factors Bulletin.

How do I know what type of fragrance to use?
Add fragrance to mineral oil and mix thoroughly, then let it cool. If you witness a separation, cloudiness or haziness in the mixture, then your fragrance is not compatible and is too polar. See Candle Safety Factors Bulletin for details on this test.

What are the ideal characteristics of a safe fragrance?
A preferred fragrance should be non-polar — as defined in the test described in our Candle Safety Factors Bulletin — with a flash point of 170° F or above.

How do I stop cold flow?
Keep the candle upright during shipping, or insert a plastic custom-fit cover. Reduced fragrance levels can reduce the amount of cold flow.

What is the melt point of your gel products?
These materials do not have a melt point like waxes and other crystalline substances do. As the temperature is increased, the materials gradually decrease in viscosity. In the temperature range of 180° F to 220° F they become fluid enough to flow. For more information, see our Candle Safety Factors Bulletin.

Do gel candles burn hotter than wax candles?
Yes. Unfragranced Versagel CLP, CMP and CHP have a pool temperature ranging from 230° F to 270° F (CLP lowest, CHP highest). Most wax candles have pool temperatures of 180° F or lower.

At what temperature do I need to pour?
Approximately 190 - 205° F.

How do I get rid of bubbles?
Try one or a combination of the following techniques:

• Pour slower and/or at a higher pour temperature
• Let final product sit in a 60° C oven over a period of time
• Pre-heat glass container
• Heat final product on production line, usually with a heatgun

How do I get the gel out of the drum?
The simplest and least expensive way is to remove the drumhead and cut out small chunks of material as needed. A better alternative is to heat the drum until the material is fluid enough to pump or pour. See our handling brochure for more information.

How long should I mix fragrance and dyes before filling?
Mix until uniform. Time depends on the method of mixing — hand vs. mixer — and torque. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is completely uniform and homogeneous.

Where can I get fragrance?
Penreco has no exclusive arrangements with any fragrance supplier. We are happy to work with your preferred fragrance supplier.

What type of wick is recommended? Who are the manufacturers of these wicks?
We highly recommend testing wicks for candles. Wick requirement varies with container size, dye and fragrance. We suggest working with wick suppliers to determine the best wick for the candle you are making.

What type of container should be used? Glass, plastic, etc.?
Glass.

What diameter container would be best?
We recommend a container in which the diameter is large enough to dissipate heat properly — same as wax.

What are the pros and cons of gel candle size?
We believe that a gel candle that is big enough to contain two wicks is not desirable. A large candle creates a very high pool temperature that may cause an unsafe condition.

What dyes work best and in what amounts?
Oil soluble dyes work the best. Dilute a small amount of dye (0.1 - 1%) in mineral oil, and add drop wise to the desired color.

Do you have any formulas for gel candles to get started?
It's easy. Simply completely melt 96 grams of CMP (210-215 F), add 4 grams of non-polar fragrance and mix thoroughly until uniform and homogenous.

Can we obtain suggested handling procedures for drums?
See our Product Handling Bulletin or Safety Factors Bulletin.

Does Penreco publish any data on the safety of gelled candles?
See our Product Handling Bulletin or Safety Factors Bulletin.

PENRECO EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE SUITABILITY OF VERSAGEL® C GELLED HYDROCARBONS FOR USE IN ANY SECONDARY PRODUCTS INCLUDING THE ACTUAL RESULTS OF ITS USE IN ANY SUCH PRODUCTS. PENRECO ALSO EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE ABOVE WARRANTIES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT OR ANY SAMPLE OF THIS PRODUCT IN ANY SECONDARY PRODUCTS.