You now know all the ways to personalize your craft creation. You probably want to make molded candles, but you are lost regarding the use and choice of your mold !? We now enlighten you!
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to size, shape and style. Molds can be quite expensive compared to containers and to get the most out of them, you need to choose a mold that will be useful, adaptable and last a long time. Here you will find a guide to learn everything about molds for candle making.
The different types of molds by material (silicone, latex, etc.)
- Polycarbonate mold: heat resistant (maximum 120°C) and transparent, ideal for colored candles. Not compatible with beeswax.
- Silicone mold: high-end molds, to be used with beeswax or rapeseed wax, very easy to release.
- Aluminum mold: very resistant to high temperatures, ideal for waxes that require a lot of heat. Not compatible with beeswax.
- Latex mold: useful for original candle shapes, not recommended for use with stearin.
Polycarbonate molds: Light & durable
Polycarbonate molds are one of the most popular molds for candle making. They are available in one or two pieces, depending on whether you want a standard shaped candle or a more complex candle. Polycarbonate molds are available in a wide variety of shapes. They are lightweight, durable and allow for simple release and a smooth, shiny finish to the candle. The mold is transparent.
They are not as strong as some plastic molds. These are more expensive than aluminum.
Silicone: the best known and easy to use
Silicone has had a huge impact on the candle making community. Silicone molds are extremely easy to use and clean, and they make very successful beeswax or vegetable wax candles. Silicone molds allow you to achieve levels of intricate detail that are not achievable with aluminum and polycarbonate.
You will need to maintain this type of mold much more than the others. They will last for hundreds of uses if cared for properly, but unlike other molds, they need to be handled with more care. You need to make sure they are stored properly in order to maintain their shape and they also need to be washed regularly.
Aluminum candle molds
Aluminum molds are generally one-piece, seamless molds. They produce high quality molded candles. Aluminum offers great release capacity, allowing you to obtain a candle with no joints on the sides.
The selling price of aluminum molds is higher than that of polycarbonate or plastic molds.
Aluminum is opaque and you can't actually see your candle until you unmold it.
Transcribe details with a latex mold
Latex candle molds allow you to make superb candles with very original shapes. The variety of these molds in their shapes and their precision in detail will offer an exceptional appearance to your candle creations.
The type of wax used for molding is important, but not only...
When choosing candle molds, you should consider several factors , including:
The type of wax you are going to use: Different types of wax have different melting points, so it is essential to choose a mold that is compatible with the wax you are going to use.
If you want to make a perfectly cast candle, wax plays a vital role. It is important to choose a sturdy wax. There are a variety of waxes available, such as paraffin, beeswax and vegetable waxes. For optimal results, be sure to select a wax with a minimum melting point of around 60°C.
It is beeswax that allows you to reproduce the most details, especially if you want to make a coin, for example.
Removal can be difficult or even impossible with unsuitable wax. Consult our wax guide to choose your wax
The size and shape of the candles you want to create : be sure to choose a mold whose size and shape are suitable for the candles you want to create.
If you intend to use a latex or silicone mold, avoid stearic acid at all costs . It will damage your mold. For safe use, opt for the Vybar instead.
My mold does not have the "hole" for the wick
There are two simple methods to do 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.
Unmold a candle
Be sure to let the wax cool completely in the mold before removing the candle. It is recommended to allow the wax to cool for at least 24 hours before unmolding. Otherwise the candle will stick to the mold and certain details of your rendering may be altered.
When you are ready to unmold the candle, gently flex the silicone mold until the candle comes loose. Once the candle is unmolded, remove excess wax from the bottom and enjoy your new candle!
Be careful, sudden cooling (in the refrigerator) could cause cracks in the wax.
How do I clean and store my candle molds?
It is essential to clean your candle molds to prevent wax buildup. Silicone molds can be washed with soap and water or placed in the dishwasher. Plastic molds should be washed with soap and water. Once your candle molds are clean, dry them thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place.
Although isopropyl alcohol has little effect on dried wax, it will still be a good ally for cleaning or even degreasing your molds.
Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. Moisture can cause molds to warp and become misshapen. If you must store them in a humid environment, consider placing them in an airtight container to prevent moisture damage.
Proper maintenance of your molds will allow you to reuse them many more times.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice of candle mold will depend on your specific needs. If you're looking for a heat-resistant pan, aluminum pans are a great choice. Polycarbonate molds are popular for their transparency and ease of use, but they are not as durable as aluminum. Silicone molds are very flexible and offer a high level of detail, but require a little more maintenance.
Finally, latex molds allow you to create original candles with varied shapes. When choosing a mold, be sure to consider the type of wax you will be using and the finishes you want for your candle.
Now discover how to use coloring in your homemade creations.
