The Truth About Candle Making Molds
Posted: Monday, September 28, 2009
by Bill Cash
Candle making molds come in quite a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Basically, all that is required in a candle mold is that it can withstand the hot wax and you can get the candle out after it is cooled. Because of these few requirements your options for candle molds are practically unlimited. However, if you are just starting out, here is a short summary of some of you options and the consequent problems that you might encounter with them.
The good thing about metal molds is that they last a long time and come in popular shapes.
The bad things about metal molds is that, 1.) they may be more expensive than some of your other molds (and seamless molds will be more expensive yet than seamed molds) 2.) if the metal molds dent, your candle will show it, 3.) the walls are usually smooth (this can be good or bad depending on the effect you are looking for or how you want to decorate it. 4.) metal molds need to be cleaned very well and 5.) the inside should be sprayed with a mold release so the candle slides out easier.
Plastic Plastic molds are popular and used by many. They are relatively cheap and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
They can warp after much use and will scratch easily which will show on your candle. Some plastics also need a mold release to assist the removal of the candle cause getting candles out of plastic molds can sometimes be a problem.
Rubber or Latex Molds Latex or rubber molds are popular too. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can show good detail. Removing candles from these molds is usually easier than some other types. If you want to pay for it, you can also get seamless latex molds.
Some drawbacks to rubber or latex molds are 1.) they have a limited life time and will wear out or tear after some use 2.) they have a memory so when they are being stored you need to store them correctly or they will deform and ruin your candle shape, and 3.) they will react with certain substances that are sometimes used in candle making like stearin.
Glass - Glass molds are also very common. You can buy them (although they are expensive) or you can find them at yard sales or your local thrift store. They produce nice and smooth walls and provide a nice gloss finish to your candle. Shapes and sizes are limited and you'll need a mold release agent on them to help get the candles out.
Polyurethane The polyurethane mold is often used by the professional candle makers and makes molds which are tough and flexible and last for hundreds (or thousands) of pours. They are one solid piece with no seam and offer great detail The only drawback is price. They can run from $20 to $50 or more for one mold.
So there you have the basic candle making mold options. As said in the beginning you can practically use almost anything, but beginners should really get their feet wet by using some of the standard basic molds and after they gain some experience move on to the more advanced molds and techniques.
Carol Short is a candle making enthusiast who enjoys candle making, talking about candle making and teaching candle making. Her new ebook Secrets To Scentsational Candle Making " shows you everything you need to know to make candles.
For more great information on candle making molds, visit www.ScentsationalCandleMaking.com
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