Candle Molds

No matter how much of an artist you are, candle molds still hold some control over how your candles will look like. You probably have desired shapes and sizes in mind, but there are actually factors to consider when choosing candle molds.

In order to come up with a beautiful homemade candle, you need to select the most appropriate candle mold. This can only be done if you understand how each one works. Some are capable of producing shiny candles, while others come up with candles that have matted finish.

Glass, metal, or plastic molds are sometimes known as rigid molds. These types are mostly used to obtain a gloss finish. Candles that are glossy emit a professional appearance. A candle mold that is made from plastic is the cheapest among the rigid molds and is the best choice for those who are still starting to get into the art of candle making. The glass ones offer the best cooling rate. The metal molds feature fast cooling rate and are most likely to last longer than the other two because of their sturdiness. If you plan on buying any of these rigid molds, you are actually limited to making candles with cylindrical shapes.

If you’d rather let your candles have more details with regards to its shape, you can give it a more interesting appearance by choosing flexible molds instead of the rigid ones. This type of mold is usually made from PVC or rubber which allows you to create a more intricate candle design. Rubber molds though are not such a practical choice as they easily deteriorate and are not as efficient when reused. Silicone candle molds fall into this category as well.

Whatever you will be using your candles for, there a lot of candle molds to choose from. The various molds are generally compatible with any type of wax. However, if you want to give your works of art a more charming look, you can opt for those flexible molds that allow you be creative.

Aluminum molds are some of the most commonly used among the metal molds. Aside from being durable and heat resistant, these do not leave seams on your finished product. This type is perfect for standard shapes such as square, round, or oval.

Polyurethane molds are the usual choice for those who want to achieve specially-shaped candles. These are very ideal for use if you want candles in fruit or animal shapes. As a tip, make sure that you leave a few feet of candle wick protruding from the candle mold bottom. This makes it possible to have a fresh wick through the hole after the finished candle is removed. Also, when you’re molding the second candle, this prevents the inconvenience of having to push the wick through its hole again.

Polycarbonate molds are considered as designer candle molds. This type of mold is used in candles that have unique geometrical shapes. Generally, the polycarbonates work to enhance the candles’ gloss. Before you choose this particular mold type though, make sure that you are using a compatible wax. The appropriate wax choice would be those specially-designed for self-standing candles. Also, never pour melted wax over 200 degrees into the polycarbonate molds since these are not capable of handling wax at such a high temperature.

There are really no definite requirements when it comes to the selection of candle making mold. One can even make use of any reusable containers in the kitchen. As a safety reminder though, some wax melt at very high temperatures, so if you’re not sure your molds can handle that, then it’s best not to risk using it. After all, part of the success of candle making lies in adhering to its safety measures.