Ben Carter
Candle-making can be an enjoyable activity for both kids and adults. However, candle-making supplies can be expensive, and one of the most costly items is often the candle moulds. Fortunately, it is possible to make DIY candle moulds using materials you already have at home, such as empty toilet paper rolls, metal tubes, glass jars, or sand. This allows you to save money and upcycle materials that would otherwise be wasted. There are various methods and materials you can use to create your own candle moulds, and with some creativity and patience, you can make unique and beautiful candles.
Do-It-Yourself Candle Molds
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Glass, paper, plastic, silicone, metal, sand, cardboard, toilet paper rolls |
| Cost | Varies; some DIY options use recycled materials, but silicone moulding materials can be expensive |
| Process | Clean and prepare the mould, insert wick, pour in wax, allow to cool and set, remove finished candle |
| Customisation | DIY moulds can be customised to create candles of different shapes and sizes |
| Reusability | Moulds can be reused, and leftover wax can be repurposed for future candles |
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What You'll Learn
Glass jars as candle moulds
Glass jars are a popular choice for candle moulds, as they are easy to use and heat resistant. When using glass, you don't need to remove the candle from the jar before burning it. There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a glass jar for candle-making:
First, ensure the jar has an open mouth with no inward tapering. Inward tapering will restrict airflow and sustain the candle's flame. Second, choose a jar made from tempered glass that is thick, smooth, and able to withstand high heat. Avoid using recycled glass, drinking glasses, wine glasses, glass vases, and other thin, delicate decorative glass containers, as these may shatter due to heat or pressure. Mason jars are a good option, as they are designed for pressure canning and can withstand temperatures up to 250°F (121°C).
When preparing a glass jar for candle-making, thoroughly clean the jar to remove any residual grease, food bits, or liquids that may interfere with the final product. If the jar had a lid, consider keeping it to cap your homemade candle, especially if you plan to gift it.
To make a candle using a glass jar mould, follow these general steps:
- Prepare your wick: Centre a wick in the jar using a toothpick, pencil, or similar object. Ensure the wick is thick enough for the size of your jar—thicker wicks are generally better for larger candles.
- Melt your wax: Use a double boiler or melt the wax in a tin can over a hot water bath. You can reuse old candle wax scraps for this purpose.
- Pour and set: Once the wax is melted, carefully pour it into the prepared jar and wick assembly. Allow the wax to cool and set completely.
- Finish and test: Remove any visible residue or imperfections on the surface of the candle. Light your homemade candle and enjoy!
Remember, when working with hot wax, always exercise caution to avoid burns or spills.
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Plastic containers as candle moulds
Plastic containers can be used as candle moulds, but only if you plan to remove the candle from the mould for free-standing candles. Flimsy plastic water bottles are not suitable as they are not thick enough to deal with hot wax. Plastic containers with too many ribs are also not ideal, as the candle will be difficult to remove.
To make a candle using a plastic container, start by cutting off the top of the bottle. Insert a wick—using a candle wick with its own metal base will help keep the wick stable. If you need to create your own hole for the wick, you can use a sharp knife or scissors. Pour in the wax and allow it to cool.
Other household items that can be used as candle moulds include cardboard, glass jars, coffee cups, salad bowls, tin cans, silicone, and even empty toilet paper rolls. When using glass, you don't need to remove the candle from the container before burning it, as glass is heat resistant.
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Metal containers as candle moulds
Metal containers can be used as candle moulds and are a good long-term investment. They are available in a wide variety of shapes, such as cylindrical, oval, square, conical, star-shaped, pentagonal, hexagonal, triangular, and more. Metal moulds are suitable for making pillar candles with a simple, traditional design. They are great for highlighting specific design techniques, such as multi-coloured layered candles or ice candles. They can also be used to create candles with beautiful simplicity or for decoration.
To use a metal container as a candle mould, start by spraying the inside with a light coating of silicone release spray. This will help ensure that the candle can be easily removed from the mould later. Then, prepare your wick by threading it through the pre-drilled hole at the bottom of the mould. Cover the wick, screw, and wick hole with a generous amount of mould sealer to prevent any leaks.
Once your mould is prepared, you can start pouring your wax. For beeswax and soy wax, the recommended pouring temperature is approximately 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not heat above 170 degrees Fahrenheit, and never leave melting wax unattended as it is highly flammable. If you wish to add colour and scent to your candle, do so once the wax has reached the desired pouring temperature. Before pouring, prepare your surface by covering it with newspaper or cloth to catch any leaks or spills, as wax can be challenging to remove from hard surfaces.
Slowly pour the melted wax into your prepared mould until it reaches the top, being careful not to pour over the edge. Allow the wax to cool, checking it every hour for the first 3 to 4 hours. If a well starts to form around the wick, gently poke a hole in the surface of the congealed wax near the wick. Once your candle is completely dry, remove the wick bar from the top, and the magnetised mould sealer and sealing putty from the bottom. Gently pull the candle out of the mould, and trim the wicks as needed.
It is important to clean and store your metal moulds properly to ensure they last a lifetime. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to melt any remaining wax, and wipe the mould clean with kitchen paper or a paper towel. Avoid concentrating heat where the metal is welded, as this can weaken the weld. Store your moulds in a dry place, as humidity can cause corrosion. Keep them inside a box to protect them from dust and accidental blows, and always handle them with care to avoid dents or drops, which can make it difficult to remove candles from the mould.
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Sand as a candle mould
Sand can be used as a candle mould to create unique, personalised candles. The process involves using damp sand to create a mould, into which melted wax is poured and allowed to set. The sand takes on the shape of an object of your choice, which can be anything from a flat-bottomed drinking glass to a cookie cutter, with the wax then taking on the shape and contours of the mould.
To make a sand candle, first collect clean, dry beach sand, ensuring it is free of debris such as shells or rocks. The sand needs to be damp to form a mould, so add water and squish it together in your hand—it should clump together. Put some sand into a container and press it flat. Choose an object to be your candle form, such as a drinking glass, and press it into the sand, then slowly and carefully remove it, keeping the shape of the mould intact.
Next, place a wick into the centre of the sand mould. If your wick doesn't have a base, you can either stick a wax-coated wick into the sand at the bottom, or tie it to a pencil and hang it in the centre. Then, melt your wax in a double boiler or using a candle warmer, and add any colouring or fragrance. Very carefully pour the wax into your sand mould, being mindful not to pour too quickly, as this could create an indentation in the sand. Allow the candle to rest undisturbed until it cools completely and solidifies, ideally overnight.
Finally, slowly and carefully remove your candle from the sand mould. You can add decorations to your candle by pressing items like glass gems, sea glass, or small shells into the sides of the mould before pouring in the wax. You can also add multiple wicks for a wider candle, or vary the colours of wax you use, pouring them in layers or different shapes.
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Silicone moulds
Silicone candle moulds are a great option for creating intricate designs and geometric shapes. They are durable and long-lasting, making them a cost-effective choice as you won't need to keep replacing them. Silicone moulds can withstand hot wax and cold-pour techniques, and they retain their shape and flexibility over time.
To make your own silicone candle moulds at home, you will need:
- A base for the mould: This can be made of wood, plastic, or foil.
- A model to attach to the base: For example, a wooden dowel.
- A container for the mould rubber: Use a plastic container and seal all seams to prevent liquid rubber from escaping.
- Silicone rubber: Dispense the silicone rubber according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Construct your base and attach the model.
- Seal the model if it is porous.
- Set up your container for the mould rubber and seal the seams.
- Dispense the silicone rubber into the container.
- Mix the silicone using the 'Double Mix and Pour Technique'. Ensure the mixture is well combined by checking for colour streaks.
- Pour the mixed rubber over the model in the mould container.
- Allow the rubber to cure for 6 hours, then remove the plastic mould box.
- Remove the model to create a negative mould cavity, and trim any excess rubber.
Once you have created your silicone mould, you can use it to make candles. Here are the steps:
- Prepare your wax by melting it in a double boiler.
- Place the wick in the mould.
- Pour the wax into the mould and allow it to cool around the wick.
- Trim the wick, and add more wax to the top if necessary to create a level surface.
- Allow the wax to cool completely.
- Gently peel away the mould to reveal your finished candle.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a variety of materials to make your own candle moulds, including glass jars, paper or plastic containers, empty toilet paper rolls, metal tubes, and sand.
To make a candle mould using a glass jar, choose a jar with an open mouth and no inward tapering to ensure proper airflow. Thoroughly clean the jar to remove any residual grease, food bits, or liquids that may interfere with the final product. You can then insert a wick, pour in the wax, and allow it to cool.
To create a custom-shaped candle mould, you can use pourable silicone molding material or putty. You can also try 3D scanning and printing your desired shape, but be sure to check for compatibility with your chosen mould-making medium. Alternatively, you can shape sand around a cookie cutter, remove the cookie cutter, and pour the wax into the sand mould.
