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Can I Make My Own Gel Wax?

By David Fisher, About.com

Question: Can I Make My Own Gel Wax?
Answer: The simple answer, no.

The more complex answer, no - but for a few reasons. First, while it is technically possible to make it yourself, it just isn't safe. The mineral oil used in the manufacture of gel wax by Penreco (they have the patent on gel wax) has very narrow flashpoint variability and high quality control. Varying either can make your gel unsafe and unpredictable.

A couple of years ago I saw a website of a man who made his own gel and sold the polymer to make it. But I can't find it any more. Either Penreco shut him down for patent infringement, or his barn burned down. It's not that expensive. Just buy it.

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