Craftlobby.com does not sell CP9000 for the purpose of making gel candles. We sell Penreco finished gel for candle making projects due to the Penreco gel candle patents (U.S. Patent Numbers: 5,578,089; 6,066,329; 5,879,694). Gel can be used for many decorative projects listed below. Utensils Required: a) A metal spoon with a long handle (an insulated handle may be best). b) A kitchen scale that measures ounces and grams by weight. c) A measuring cup. d) A crock pot (best if it is electrical with a built in thermostat) or a stove top pot and thermometer. Step 1) You will need mineral oil and CP9000 Resin (In Craftlobby kit)and a container (glass works best). Oil based fragrance and color are optional. Measure 2 fluid cups of mineral oil, 25 grams of CP9000 resin. Mix in crock pot and let set at room temperature for one hour. Stir every 20 min. Step 2) Slowly begin to heat mixture until it reaches 200 - 210 degrees F. Hold this temperature for approximately one hour or until the gel is completely smooth and flowing. It should have the consistency of corn syrup. Note: Do not allow the gel to heat higher than 210 degrees F. If the gel gets hotter than 230 degrees F. it might scorch. This makes the gel worthless. Step 3) Stir the mix often while it cooks. The gel might smoke slightly during the process. Do not be alarmed. This is not a problem unless the smoke is excessive or if the temperture is rising to high. Step 4) If you decide to add oil based fragrance or color, add it to the mixture just before you are ready to pour. (Do not exceed 3% fragrance by weight.) Step 5) The pour! You can achieve different effects by pouring at various temperatures. If you would like lots of bubbles let the gel cool to 180 - 190 degrees F. before pouring. 190 - 200 degrees will have less...but larger bubbles. 200 - 210 degrees will have fewer bubbles and 210 - 220 degrees will have almost no bubbles. (Remember not to scorch the gel when pouring at higher temperatures.) Pre-heating your glass to 150 degrees F. in the oven may help reduce bubbles. Step 6) To embed objects wait 2 - 5 min. after the intitial pour. Drop the embeds into place. Some embeds have air pockets. To reduce bubbles pre-emerse these items in hot gel and turn to release air. Use extreme caution when working with gel. Enjoy your Craftlobby project! Great Gel Projects to Consider: 1) Gel can be used for many decorations. Simply add embeds to the gel and pour into a clear or semi-clear container. 2) Embedding souvenirs. Some people embed souvenirs...such as their favorite motor sports car into a gel base. 3) Floral vase. Gel can be made to look like water in a vase to enhance the appearence of dried or silk floral arrangements. 4) Natural or Paraffin Wax candle holder. Pour gel into a large glass container along with embeds if desired. Place a wide mouth glass container into the top of the gel. The embeded glass container will hold votives or natural wax candles...avoiding the soot associated with Gel Candles. |