Maddie James
Metal candle moulds are a great option for creating candles with basic shapes and smooth sides. They are durable and work well with high-melting-point waxes. Metal moulds are also relatively inexpensive and long-lasting. Before using a metal candle mould, it is important to ensure that it is clean and dry. The next step is to add the wick by threading it through the hole at the bottom of the mould and securing it with a knot and sealer. After preparing the mould, melted wax can be gently poured into it until it reaches the top. The wax is then allowed to cool and solidify, forming the candle. To remove the candle from the mould, it is recommended to place it in the freezer for easier release. Overall, metal candle moulds provide a simple and cost-effective method for creating smooth, traditional-style candles.
Preparing a Metal Candle Mold
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mold Type | Metal |
| Mold Shape | Basic shapes with smooth sides |
| Wax Type | Avoid extremely soft waxes like soy and coconut wax |
| Mold Preparation | Clean and dry |
| Wick Type | Square Braid Wicking |
| Wick Length | 1" overhang |
| Wick Placement | Thread through the pre-drilled hole on the bottom |
| Wick Securing | Mold Sealer, putty, or a damp sponge |
| Additional Supplies | Oil, release spray, duct tape |
| Pouring Temperature | Desired temperature, typically 140°F |
| Cooling Time | 3-4 hours initially, then 24 hours |
| Removal Technique | Push out, use freezer or hair dryer if difficult |
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What You'll Learn
Clean and dry the mould
Cleaning and drying your metal candle mould is a crucial step in the candle-making process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieving this:
First, ensure that you have removed any remaining wax from the mould. If the wax is still liquid, simply use a paper towel to wipe the area dry. If the wax has solidified, you have a few options to melt it. One method is to use heat to render the wax more malleable, and then use paper towels to wipe it away. Be cautious, as candle wax can be very hot. Alternatively, you can preheat your oven to 150°F and place the candle mould inside for about 15 minutes, or until the wax begins to melt. Once the wax is melted, use oven mitts or a thick towel to hold the mould and wipe away the wax with paper towels. Avoid direct skin contact with the hot mould.
Next, you can use a cleaning agent to eliminate any residual wax or stains. One option is to use a small amount of wiping ethanol or alcohol sprayed onto a paper napkin or towel, and then wipe the inside of the mould clean. Repeat this step 2-3 times if necessary, until the mould is completely clean.
Finally, allow the mould to cool down completely before using it again. It is important to be patient during this step, as stacking moulds while they are still warm may cause them to stick together. You can place the mould on a flat surface that won't be damaged by the heat. Once the mould is cool, you can proceed to the next steps of candle making.
Remember, cleaning and drying your metal candle mould is essential to ensure the best results for your candles. Taking the time to properly prepare your equipment will pay off in the final quality of your handmade candles.
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Thread the wick through the hole
Threading the wick is a crucial step in preparing a metal candle mold. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Turn the mold upside down and identify the pre-drilled hole at the bottom. This hole is specifically designed to accommodate the wick. Cut the wick at a slight angle at the base, leaving approximately one inch of length. This angled cut will make it easier to guide the wick through the hole.
Now, carefully thread the wick through the hole, ensuring that it fits snugly. Pull the wick through, maintaining that one-inch overhang. You can use a wire or similar tool to help guide and hold the wick in place, ensuring it remains centred and taut within the mold.
Once the wick is threaded, tie it securely in a slip knot, leaving a few inches of wick protruding from the bottom of the mold. This excess wick will be trimmed later, so don't worry about the exact length at this stage. The knot and the sealer will help secure the wick and prevent any leakage when you pour in the wax.
As an optional extra precaution, cover the knot and sealer with duct tape. This will further ensure that your mold is leak-proof and provide added security when handling the hot wax.
Finally, before you pour your wax, ensure that your wick is centred and secure. You can use mold sealer to secure the wick in place, and some recommend using a damp sponge to cool the tips of the mold and prevent leakage.
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Seal the hole around the wick
Sealing the hole around the wick is a crucial step in candle-making, as it prevents wax from leaking out of the mould. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a proper seal:
Firstly, if using a metal mould, ensure you have a wick suited to the type of wax and the size of the candle. Turn the mould upside down and thread the wick through the pre-drilled hole on the bottom. The wick should have about a 2.5 cm or 1-inch overhang at both ends. If using a PVC mould, cut the end of the wick at an angle to facilitate easier insertion. For a silicone mould, use a wicking needle to thread the wick, and if there is no pre-made hole, create one at the centre of the mould.
Next, seal the hole. You can use a variety of materials for this step, including blu-tack, duct tape, putty, or sticky tack. If using blu-tack, simply cover the wick hole with it, ensuring a tight seal. With duct tape, cut a piece and place it across the mould, smoothing from the centre out to remove any air pockets. Add another piece of tape perpendicular to the first for added security. If using putty or sticky tack, roll a small piece into a ball, then press it into the wick hole, smoothing out the edges to create a good seal.
Finally, secure the wick in the centre of the mould using a wick holder, keeping it taut and straight. This ensures the candle will burn evenly.
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Melt wax until it's liquid
Melting wax is a crucial step in candle-making. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to melt wax safely and effectively for your metal candle mold:
Preparing the Wax
Before melting, ensure your wax is prepared properly. If you are reusing old wax, start by removing it from its original vessel. To do this, try rubbing liquid paraffin on the wax, which can help release it from the jar. You can also place the candle in a small pot of simmering water to melt and remove the wax. For larger amounts of wax, place the jar or candle holder in the freezer. This will make the wax shrink, allowing you to easily pop it out.
Melting Methods
There are several methods to melt wax, each with its own advantages. The most popular method is the double boiler, which uses steam as a heat source. To do this, fill a large pot or pan halfway with water and place it on a heat source. Then, take a smaller pot, glass bowl, or pouring jug, and place your wax inside. Put this smaller container into the larger pot of water and heat it over medium heat until the wax melts.
Alternatively, you can use an oven, microwave, or stove. If using an oven, preheat it to the lowest temperature setting and place the wax inside, ensuring any labels or stickers are removed. For the microwave, place the wax in a microwave-safe bowl, heating until melted. On a stove, boil about 2 inches of water in a large pot, then place a smaller pot inside with the wax, heating for 10-15 minutes.
Temperature Control
Regardless of your melting method, temperature control is essential. Different types of wax have different melting points, typically ranging from 100 to 171°C (340°F). Ensure you do not exceed 340°F to prevent the wax from catching fire. If your wax exceeds this temperature, remove it from the heat until it cools down.
Adding Fragrances and Colours
Once your wax is melted, you can add fragrances and colours if desired. For fragrances, gently pour them into the melted wax and stir with a wooden spoon for about 30 seconds to distribute evenly. For colours, grate or shave crayon wax into the mixture. If using the double boiler method, add these extras once you've removed the wax from the heat source.
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Pour wax into the mould
When preparing to pour your wax, ensure your metal candle mould is prepared. You should have already threaded your wick through the pre-drilled hole at the bottom of the mould, with the other end tied to a skewer, chopstick, or pencil laid across the mould's top opening.
Now, gently and slowly pour your wax into the mould until it reaches the top, being careful not to pour over the edge. The wax should be at the desired pouring temperature. You can pre-heat your mould in an oven set between 120-140°Fahrenheit to ensure a smooth finish, removing it when you are ready to pour.
As you pour, protect your workspace with aluminium foil or wax paper to prevent any spills from causing damage. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax as you pour, and be sure to leave enough wax to top up the candle as it cools.
Once you have poured your wax, allow it to cool at room temperature. Check the candle regularly during the first 3-4 hours. If you notice a well forming around the wick, gently poke a hole in the wax near the wick to release any air bubbles. Then, gently pour more melted wax into the well, ensuring the liquid wax doesn't go over the dried wax on the edges. Repeat this process as needed, bearing in mind that beeswax doesn't shrink much upon cooling, so you may only need to do this once or twice.
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Frequently asked questions
First, ensure your mold is clean and dry. Next, add your wick by sliding it through the pre-drilled hole in the bottom of the mold. Tie the wick in a slip knot, leaving a few inches at the end. Apply mold sealer around the hole and gently pull the wick up from the top of the mold so that the knot and sealer cover the hole. Finally, cover the knot and sealer with duct tape, and place the mold on a tray.
Metal candle molds are best used with waxes that have a high melting point. Avoid extremely soft waxes like soy and coconut wax, as these can be difficult to remove from the mold. Instead, opt for a wax that is specifically meant for molded candles to ensure your candle holds its form.
Once the wax has set, gently remove the bottom of the mold and push the candle out. If the candle does not slide out smoothly, try putting the mold in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or gently warming the outside of the mold with a hair dryer.
