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Learn all about Molds For Candle Making
By admin | November 6, 2007
In this article we discuss candle molds and their many uses. If you ever wanted to know anything about candle molds, this is the place to go!
Molds
A candle mold is simply the container that holds the wax while it cools. Ice cube trays are an example of the most common household mold.
When you pour water into an ice cube tray, you are basically using a mold. The end result is frozen water shaped like the cavity in the tray. Candle molds range in appearance, size, materials and styles. Molds can be very simple household items such as a paper cup or they can be very large and made from wood. I have seen molds that produce candles that are 3 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter. I never understood why someone would need a candle that size but if that’s what you want you can make it. With candle making you are really only limited by your imagination.
Candle molds have changed a lot in the past few years.
Advances in the polymer industry have produced flexible molds that can be used to create just about anything you could imagine. The most common candle molds are listed below.
Metal molds or aluminum molds.
Metal molds are widely available in today’s candle making market. They range dramatically in sizes and basic shapes. You can find metal candle molds that will produce square candles, round candles, oval candles, star shaped candles, heart shaped candles and many many more. Metal molds are generally used for creating pillar and votive candles. They are relatively inexpensive when compared to rubber candle molds. They can require the use of a release agent. They are relatively easy to clean. The only down side to a metal candle mold is the fact they are not pliable, leaving very little choices in the final texture or shape of the candle. They can be difficult to demold.
Storing and cleaning of metal molds.
Metal molds should be stored upside down. This prevents dust and dirt from collecting inside the mold.
Cleaning metal molds is a simple process and requires a baking sheet and your oven. Line the baking sheet with foil. Put the molds upside-down onto the baking sheet and heat them at around 150 degrees for about ten to fifteen minutes. This will cause the left over wax and residue to melt and run out of the mold and onto the foil lined pan. Be careful when you remove them from the oven, as they will still be hot. While wearing oven mitts you can simply wipe the inside of the mold with a paper towel.
Plastic molds or polystyrene vacuum formed molds are by far the cheapest of all the molds but they do have drawbacks. They can be brittle, they have a short lifespan and they can cut your hands and fingers. They also allow more surface detail than metal molds. They can be one-piece molds (think ice cube tray) or two-piece molds that require a little more skill and leave a parting line. In general they are a great mold for the beginner but when your candle making hobby turns into a profitable business you will most likely move on to metal or rubber molds
Storing and cleaning of plastic molds
Plastic molds should be stored upside down. This prevents dust and dirt from collecting inside the mold. Warm water and soap and an old toothbrush will be sufficient to clean these molds. Make sure that the water has either dried or evaporated before using the molds again.
Water and wax do not mix!
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Topics: Candle Molds |