Do you prefer to make a candle in a mold rather than a container/cast scented candle ? You are in the right place ! The molded candle is made in molds. Candles in various shapes are thus possible.
The principle is very simple: The liquid wax is poured into a mold, then unmolded once hardened.
Discover our video of unmolding molded creations!
Which wax should I choose for my molded candle?
You must use suitable waxes to make your molded candles successful. The most used are soy wax for molded candles & melts (4120) or rapeseed wax for molded candles & melts (RAPS-9562) . However, other uses exist!
Mineral waxes (paraffin wax)
Pure paraffin wax or mixed with stearin (candle mixture) allows you to obtain an optimal result.
The paraffin gives a transparent effect to the wax, while the candle mixture will make your candle opaque.
The + : Paraffin wax and candle mix support coloring and the addition of a little fragrance.
The - : The burning time is reduced compared to vegetable waxes. Despite the good quality of our paraffin, it is a wax made from petroleum.
Vegetable waxes (soy, rapeseed and palm wax)
Vegetable waxes for molded candles allow you to create beautiful creations. The color of these waxes is mostly ivory.
- Cast soy wax (4120) allows you to obtain magnificent results, but it remains brittle on small creations.
- Cast rapeseed wax (RAPS-9562) is a little oilier than cast soy wax. It helps to make small creations (candles) and it does not break when unmolding.
- Molded olive wax or coconut wax ensures molded candles or scented pebbles with a beautiful shine.
The + : For vegetable waxes, the burning time is significantly longer than paraffin wax. Additionally, the drying time is much shorter than paraffin.
The - : Soy and rapeseed waxes work moderately with too much added coloring. If you want to make colored candles, we advise you to use palm wax instead.
Animal waxes (beeswax)
Beeswax for candles is suitable for creating molded candles. It allows you to obtain superb details on your candles. You can use C3 soy with beeswax as well to create your molded candles.
The + : It is an animal wax, the implementation is simple. It is essential to use silicone or latex molds with this type of wax. You can use coloring supplements.
The - : Bees are becoming rare and beeswax guaranteed to be 100% of animal origin too! Which implies a significant price per kg. You cannot use it with any type of mold. Only silicone and latex molds are suitable so as not to have any problems when unmolding.
The different types of molds
We offer a very varied range of molds for creating molded candles. Explore our category, you will be surprised!
- Polycarbonate mold : they are heat resistant (120°). They are transparent, which is very practical for coloring.
- Plastic mold : they are not very resistant to heat, since they melt from 60°C.
- Aluminum mold : they are very resistant and allow you to obtain effects on waxes at high temperatures.
- Latex mold : they allow you to make candles with original shapes. However, it is not recommended to use them with stearin.
- Silicone mold : these are high-end molds for making superb candles. It is recommended to use beeswax or rapeseed wax to obtain a highly detailed look on your candles.
Coloring, dare to color!
Tint your candles as you wish. Only paraffin wax is really suitable for mass coloring.
It is possible to tint a vegetable or animal wax, but a significant coloring will make the candle burning more difficult.
Can I put perfume in a molded candle?
It is possible to scent a molded candle . Only the wax on the surface of your candle will diffuse the cold scent into the room.
However, the olfactory output will decrease quite quickly. Even if you light your candle, the effect will be minimal compared to a scented candle in a container.
Highlights
The choice of wick is very important in creating a candle: too thick, the flame will be too high and will cause smoke... Conversely, if the wick is too thin, your candle will burn poorly and will cause a small flame that will not be powerful enough to keep your candle burning. It will eventually die out.
Please take flat wicks for paraffin and vegetable waxes. Only beeswax requires a round wick .
To avoid errors, you will see on each mold sheet which bit is compatible. The wick size may be one size larger when adding dye, fragrance or wax blend.
The case of a silicone mold without a “hole” for the wick
If you want to make a candle in a silicone mold without a "hole" for the wick, there are two simple methods to make at home.
The first method consists of pouring the wax into the mold, allowing it to harden, removing it from the mold and piercing the hole for the wick with a heated skewer before inserting the pre-waxed wick.
The second method is to insert a skewer into the wax poured into the mold, once it starts to get mushy this will pre-form the hole. After letting the candle harden, simply unmold it and insert the pre-waxed wick.
Example recipe for a molded candle
To ensure the success of your molded candle , please use Soy Wax for Molded Candles (4120) or Rapeseed Wax for Molded Candles (RAPS-9562) . You can also design your creation with paraffin or beeswax pastilles.
What materials should I use to make a candle in a mold?
- Soy wax (4120) or molded rapeseed wax (RAPS-9562).
- A piece of flat or round wick in a braided spool.
- Grain coloring.
- A piece of sealant.
- The mold of your choice (+ possibly its needle).
- A stick to stir the wax.
Recipe & steps for making this molded candle
Refer to the “product” sheet of the wax chosen to find out the specifics of its use.
- To begin, melt the wax in a bain-marie .
- Prepare the mold by inserting the wick from the bottom towards the top of the mold.
- Adjust the length of the wick according to the height of the mold. At the bottom of the wick, tie a knot then pass this wick through the hole at the bottom of the mold towards the top of the candle (let your wick protrude a length equivalent to the diameter of the mold) then cut.
- Put a piece of sealant over the knot so that the wax does not flow to the bottom of the mold when filling.
- Add a needle if necessary (depending on the choice of your mold) to the top of the mold then fold the wick onto the exterior side of the mold.
- Once the candle mixture is liquid, you can add grain color (about ten will be enough) according to the desired dosage.
- It is possible to add a few drops of perfume, but molded candles are generally not scented.
- Stir everything together.
- Carefully pour the mixture into the mold.
- Let the wax cool.
- If a crater forms, just top it off with a little leftover mixture and allow the wax to dry again.
- Once the candle is dry, cut the knot and remove the candle from the mold by pulling on the top wick (if unmolding is difficult, simply chill your candle for 1 hour then unmold again).
There you go, your molded candle is finished! Well done !
Further information :
Application time: 30 minutes (excluding drying).
Level of achievement: easy.
In conclusion,
If you want to start making a molded candle, you will need to carefully choose the type of mold and wick depending on the wax you want to use.
Creating a molded candle is fun and very simple. More advanced candle making like homemade massage candle is within your reach.
We are available to support you: contact us and we will advise you in your choices!
Participate in our workshops to master the techniques of creating molded or scented candles in our audience.
