2) When adding gellants to a batch, add slowly enough to mix without making puddles on the surface of the varnish. Puddles of gellant provide high local concentrations of aluminum which tend to cause seeds. Slow addition into an area of high turbulence is ideal.

3) Cooking times and temperatures vary according to preference, equipment limitations, resins, etc. Manalox aluminum gellants thicken via a chemical reaction with the resins in the varnish formula. As with most chemical reactions, peak viscosity achievement depends upon a combination of time and temperature. The higher the temperature, the less time it takes to reach peak viscosity; and when time restrictions or lower temperature requirements are an issue, the more reactive products (see above) should be considered.

4) Many Manalox gellants are “alcohol free” products that do not produce a volatile alcohol as a byproduct of the reaction with the resin.

5) When Manalox is stored in open containers, its aluminum compounds react with moisture very rapidly and can reduce the product's overall effectiveness. Be sure all containers are tightly closed.

6) If only a partial drum of Manalox gellant is needed for a given batch, the bung should be replaced as soon as the required amount is drawn out.

7) When making a dilution, it is usually best to dilute entire drums and save any excess solution in closed containers.