UV Stabilizer

[pcbrook]

I bought some gel wax to play around with.  I found and tested a couple FO's for non-polarity and ready to make a couple candles.  I have done a search but nothing came up on this.  Do we need to add UV stabilizer to gel?  

 

TIA

[birdcharm]

From my experience in not using a UV stabilizer in gel, for the most part, the colors have not faded much over time, but I think they can yellow if you keep them around for years.  I have one that I've kept for decoration as an emergency candle that used to be bluer than it is now, as it turned a little greener, but that candle is several years old; it gets some daylight, but no direct sun. 

 

Also, just to mention, I don't know if an additive would cloud the gel, as other things, such as pre-waxed wicks, can create a clouding problem.

 

 

[pcbrook]

Thank you for the response.  I didn't use it today but I was also wondering about the clouding up with an additive.  But I am planning on coloring them so that might not be an issue.  

[birdcharm]

19 hours ago, pcbrook said:

Thank you for the response.  I didn't use it today but I was also wondering about the clouding up with an additive.  But I am planning on coloring them so that might not be an issue.  

 

I'm sure you'll have fun with them.  Just remember to use very little liquid colorant, it goes a long way!  It's very easy to make them too dark, esp. if you're starting off making a candle or two at a time.  If you want to color them in swirls after pouring, use a metal pick to add a little color, don't use a dropper bottle, it'll come out way too dark. 

 

P.S.  The area where you live looks beautiful!

[pcbrook]

I found that out about the color.  The green one got too dark.  

[birdcharm]

It can happen so easily, but the nice thing about gel is that if you're really unhappy with it, you can scoop it out and do something else with it if you want to.