Maddie James
Candle-making is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to create unique and personalized candles in various shapes and sizes. One of the essential tools for making candles at home is candle molds, which can be made of metal or silicone. Using candle molds enables you to experiment with different wax types, colours, and fragrances to design candles that suit your taste and decor. In this discussion, we will delve into the process of using candle molds, from preparing the mold to removing the finished candle, and offer tips for a successful and enjoyable candle-making experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Supplies | Candle molds, wax, dye, oil, wick, wick thread, needle, heatproof bowl, fragrance oil, candle release spray |
| Mold Types | Metal, silicone |
| Mold Shapes | Pillar candle, shell, long spiral, various shapes, custom |
| Wick Types | Pre-threaded, roll of wick thread, pre-cut wicks with metal tab |
| Wax Types | Paraffin, beeswax, palm wax, soy wax |
| Wax Temperature | Heat wax to at least 140°F |
| Dye Types | Liquid dye, dry dye chips |
| Fragrance Types | Essential oil, fragrance oil |
| Mold Removal Techniques | Apply oil to inside of mold, use mold with removable base, use slit in side of mold, use candle release spray |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
The type of wax you choose for your candle moulds will depend on the type of mould, the desired burn time, and the level of detail you want to achieve.
Paraffin wax is a popular choice for candle-making due to its ease of use, affordability, and versatility. It has a high melting point, which results in a longer burn time. It also holds dyes well, making it ideal for brightly coloured candles. However, paraffin wax has a higher risk of sticking or cracking if temperatures are not carefully managed.
Beeswax is known for its natural, subtle scent and clean-burning qualities. It has a higher melting point, which contributes to longer burn times and maintains the shape of the candle in warmer conditions. Beeswax is also more rigid, making it suitable for candles that require structural integrity, such as those made with silicone moulds.
Soy wax is a natural option that offers a slow burn due to its lower melting point. While it can be used for silicone moulds, it may require blending with harder waxes to improve structure and ease of removal from the mould.
Coconut wax is another natural option that provides a slower and cleaner burn than many other waxes. Its soft and oily nature makes it well-suited for silicone moulds, but like soy wax, it may need to be blended with harder waxes for better structure and demoulding.
When choosing a wax, it's important to consider the type of mould you are using. For example, beeswax is recommended for silicone moulds, while paraffin wax is versatile and can be used for various types of candles, including pillars and votives.
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Threading the wick
For PVC Moulds:
- Cut the end of the wick at an angle to facilitate easier insertion.
- The wick should be inserted through the pre-drilled hole in the mould, leaving about a 2.5 cm or 1-inch overhang at both ends.
- Secure the wick in place by covering the wick hole with Blu-tack to prevent leakage before pouring in the melted wax.
- Ensure the wick is taut and centred using a wick holder.
For Silicone Moulds:
- If your silicone mould doesn't have a pre-made hole, create one in the centre.
- Using a wicking needle, thread the wick carefully through the mould, ensuring it remains straight.
- Secure the wick in place with a wick holder, maintaining tension and centring to ensure an even burn.
For Pillar Moulds:
- Select the proper wick size for your specific mould.
- Place the wick through the mould's hole, ensuring the tabbed end remains outside the mould, extending beyond where the candle will end.
- Secure the wick with a wick bar, ensuring it is straight.
For Complex Silicone Moulds:
- If your silicone mould requires a unique pouring method, such as pumpkins or other intricate shapes, you may need to insert the wick after the wax has hardened.
- In such cases, you can use the \"Jiffy Wick\" method or a wick pin.
- The wick pin method involves pushing the wick pin through the desired location, pouring wax around it, and then inserting a tabbed wick after removing the pin.
- Alternatively, you can slowly drill a hole into the hardened wax and insert the wick, but this carries a risk of crumbling the wax.
It is important to choose the correct wick size and type suited for your wax and mould to ensure a proper burn and avoid issues like excess melting or tunnelling.
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Adding colour and fragrance
Adding Colour
First, it is important to note that the type of dye you use matters. It is best to use dyes specifically made for colouring candles. Avoid using crayons as the primary colourant, as they tend to glob around the wick, affecting the candle's burn. Candle wax lightens considerably as it cools, so it is important to test the colour by dripping a small amount onto wax paper and allowing it to harden before pouring your candle.
Adding Fragrance
When it comes to adding fragrance, there are a few options. You can use essential oils, fragrance oils, or scented lamp oils. Essential oils are natural and smell beautiful, but they can be volatile when heated and have a lighter scent. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, tend to produce a stronger and longer-lasting scent and are easier to work with. If using fragrance oils, add about 1/8 oz. of undiluted candle scent for every pound of wax. Shave off a few pieces from a scent block if you are using one, then stir the wax to distribute the fragrance evenly.
You can also add fragrance by using natural ingredients such as herbs, spices, flowers, or fruits. Pressed flower candles, for example, add a natural, artisanal touch. Just be sure to place the dried flowers on the outside of the container so they don't interfere with the burn.
Combining Colour and Fragrance
Once your mould is prepared, melt your wax to the recommended temperature. Then, remove it from the heat source and add your chosen fragrance oil and/or dye. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to create bubbles. Finally, slowly and carefully pour the wax into your mould.
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Removing the candle from the mould
Removing the candle from its mould can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Patience and efficiency are required. The type of mould you are using will determine the best method for removing the candle.
Silicone moulds
Silicone moulds are fun because they come in several different shapes and colours. Before pouring the wax, lubricate the interior of the mould with a releasing agent. Allow the wax to cool fully, then remove the mould sealant and wick screw. The candle should slip out easily, but if it doesn't, gently pull on the wick bar.
Glass or plastic moulds
Wax and glass have very different rates of thermal expansion, so putting the mould in the freezer will cause the wax to pop loose. If it doesn't, rinsing the mould in warm water should release the wax. Alternatively, submerging the mould in boiling water for a few minutes will cause the wax to separate from the mould. Turn it upside down and be ready to catch the candle when it falls out.
Metal moulds
Metal moulds can be put in the freezer for 5 minutes to help dislodge the candle. Take it out and try to remove the candle. If it doesn't work, put it back in the freezer for another 5 minutes, but no longer, or the candle will crack.
Putty-type sealers
Removing putty-type sealers is as simple as peeling them off.
Magnetic mould sealers
Magnetic mould sealers are metal sheets that snap onto the bottom of a mould. They are easy to remove by simply pulling them off.
Rubber mould plugs
Rubber mould plugs are shaped like spinning tops. To remove them, grab the base and pull them out. The wick may be wrapped around a wick bar, so you'll need to unwrap it before removing the candle.
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Where to buy candle moulds
There are many online retailers that sell candle moulds. Candlewic offers an extensive collection of high-quality wax moulds, including standard aluminium candle moulds for pillars, votives, and squares, as well as tea light cups. They also have a wide range of polycarbonate and tin designer moulds, such as clam shells, tarts, flames, beehives, and pyramids. Candlewic also provides guides and tips for candle-making projects, techniques, and ideas.
Another option is Bulk Apothecary, which sells wholesale essential candle moulds. They offer a variety of shapes and sizes, although their website does not specify the types of moulds available.
Walmart also has a selection of candle moulds, including silicone moulds for DIY scented candles in various shapes, such as flowers, yarn balls, and 3D butterflies.
For those in Canada, Village Craft and Candle have the biggest selection of metal moulds and an okay selection of candle-specific silicone moulds.
Additionally, Siligrams offers custom silicone moulds for candles, soap, and crafts.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need candle molds, wax, a heat source, a pot, dye, fragrance, and wicks. You can find these supplies online on websites like Amazon and Etsy.
You can use paraffin, beeswax, palm wax, or soy wax for candle molds. Make sure to find a wax with a minimum melting point of around 140°F. Harder waxes with higher melting points are better for free-standing candles.
You can try putting the mold in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. You can also use a candle release spray, but this may not always work and can affect the shelf life of your mold.
