Jessie Taylor
Candle-making is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can be frustrating when your melted wax escapes through the wick hole and creates a mess. This is where a candle mold sealer comes in. Whether you're using a rigid pillar mold, a flexible mold, or a silicone mold, you'll need to find a way to seal the wick hole to prevent leaks and create a smooth, even candle. In this guide, we'll explore different methods for sealing candle molds, including using putty, tape, and sealants, to ensure your candle-making process is mess-free and successful.
Characteristics and Values of Sealing a Candle Mold
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mold Sealer Type | Putty-like substance, usually white, slightly sticky, and completely waterproof |
| Where to Buy | DIY superstore or store specializing in candlemaking supplies |
| Cost | Around $8 for a 14-ounce pot of plumber's putty |
| Mold Sealer Usage | Prevent wax from escaping through the wick hole, prevent water from entering the mold, cover the joint when using two-piece molds |
| Wick Hole Location | Center of the bottom surface of the candle mold (will be the top of the finished candle) |
| Wick Hole Sealing Process | Use a small ball of sealing putty, press over the wick hole, wrap wick tail around mold sealer putty, place magnetized mold sealer over it |
| Mold Types | Metal, silicone, plastic |
| Mold Release | Use mold release spray for easier removal of the finished candle |
| Candle Removal | Ensure the candle is completely cool before removing, use a hair dryer if necessary to gently warm the mold, place in the fridge to help the wax contract from the mold |
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What You'll Learn
Use mold sealer putty to seal the wick hole
If you're making candles using moulds, you'll need to prevent the melted wax from escaping through the wick hole. One way to do this is by using mould sealer putty, which is a putty-like substance that is usually white, slightly sticky, and completely waterproof.
To use mould sealer putty to seal the wick hole, start by taking a small chunk of the putty, about the size of your fingertip or a small ball no larger than an inch in diameter. Roll it into a ball and then press it over the wick hole, making sure to cover both the wick and the hole. Smooth out the putty and ensure that there are no gaps or cracks for the wax to seep through. You can also wrap the excess wick around the top of the putty and press it into the mould sealer.
It is important to note that not all putties are suitable for candle-making. Plumbers putty is recommended as it does not harden and keeps its elasticity. Other putties, like glazier's putty, will harden after being exposed to air, making them unsuitable for candle-making.
Additionally, when using two-piece moulds, it is recommended to cover the entire joint with a generous amount of mould sealer to prevent leaks and ensure a complete seal.
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Prevent wax from escaping through the wick hole
Preventing wax from escaping through the wick hole is a crucial step in the candle-making process. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve a successful seal:
Choose the Right Sealing Material
The most commonly recommended material for sealing the wick hole is a mold sealer or candle mold sealer putty. This putty is usually white, slightly sticky, and completely waterproof. It is important to choose a type of putty that does not harden over time, such as plumber's putty, to ensure it remains elastic and reusable.
Prepare the Wick and Mold
Before sealing the wick hole, prepare your wick by threading it through the hole in the mold. Ensure that the wick is straight and taut, allowing for a little extra length at the top to wrap around the wick holder. If your mold does not have a pre-made hole, create one at the centre of the mold using a wick needle or a sharp craft knife.
Apply the Sealing Putty
Take a small ball of sealing putty, about the size of your fingertip or no larger than an inch in diameter. Press the putty firmly over the wick hole, ensuring that it is flat and that there are no gaps or spaces along the sides. Wrap the remaining tail of the wick around the top of the mold sealer putty and press it into the putty to secure it in place.
Use Additional Sealants
For added security, you can use a magnetized mold sealer, placing it over the putty-sealed wick hole. Make sure the edges of the magnet are securely attached to the mold. You can also use duct tape to reinforce the seal. Cut a piece of duct tape and place it across the mold, smoothing it outwards from the centre to remove any air pockets. Add another piece of tape perpendicular to the first for added strength.
Final Steps
Once the wick hole is sealed, pull the wick gently to ensure it is tight and straight without releasing the seal. Secure the wick by placing the wick bar on top of the mold and following the specific instructions for your type of mold. Finally, you can pour your melted wax into the mold, being careful not to overfill it.
By following these steps and paying close attention to the sealing process, you can effectively prevent wax from escaping through the wick hole and create beautifully crafted candles.
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Use plumbers putty, not regular putty
When making candles, it is important to seal the mould to prevent the melted wax from escaping through the wick hole. This can be done using a mould sealer, also known as candle mould sealer putty. While you can find candle mould sealer putty in stores that specialise in candle-making supplies, it is often overpriced. A more affordable alternative is to use plumber's putty, which can be purchased from your nearest DIY superstore.
Plumber's putty is a soft, pliable sealing compound that looks and feels like clay. It is used to create watertight seals around faucets, drains, and other plumbing parts. Unlike regular putty, plumber's putty does not harden and retains its elasticity, making it ideal for use as a candle mould sealer. Regular putties, such as glazier's putty, will harden after being exposed to air for a short time, making them unsuitable for candle-making.
When using plumber's putty as a candle mould sealer, it is important to use a generous amount to ensure an effective seal. The putty should be pressed firmly over the wick hole, ensuring that there are no gaps for the wax to escape. The wick can then be wrapped around the top of the mould sealer putty and secured in place.
Another advantage of using plumber's putty as a candle mould sealer is its reusability. While the putty may become contaminated with wax over time, it can be reused multiple times before needing to be replaced. This makes it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for sealing candle moulds.
In conclusion, when sealing a candle mould, it is important to use plumber's putty instead of regular putty. Plumber's putty is elastic, watertight, and reusable, making it the ideal choice for creating an effective seal and preventing leaks. By following these instructions and using the correct materials, you can successfully create beautiful and professional-looking candles.
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Seal the mold with a magnet sealer
Sealing a candle mold with a magnet sealer is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure a proper seal. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a successful seal:
Prepare the Mold:
Before you begin sealing, ensure your candle mold has a wick hole at the centre of the bottom surface, which will become the top of the finished candle. Thread your wick through this wick hole, and tie the other end of the wick around a skewer, chopstick, or similar object laid across the top opening of the mold. Turn the mold upside down and adjust the wick to ensure it is tight and straight. Trim the wick so that there is about half an inch to an inch remaining above the surface of the wax.
Apply Sealing Putty:
Take a small ball of sealing putty, about an inch in diameter, and press it over the wick hole. Firmly press the putty down, ensuring it is flat and securely filling any gaps around the wick. Wrap the excess wick around the top of the putty and press it in. The sealing putty acts as a base for the magnet sealer and helps create a tight seal.
Attach the Magnet Sealer:
Now, take the magnetized mold sealer and place it over the putty-sealed wick hole. Ensure that the magnet sealer is securely attached to the mold, with its edges making firm contact. The magnet sealer provides a strong, temporary seal that can be easily broken once your candle is ready for removal.
Secure the Wick:
With the wick hole sealed, turn your mold back over and adjust the wick as needed. Place the wick bar on top of the mold, securing the wick by inserting it into the notch on the wick bar. Ensure there is enough wick trailing from the top of the wick bar, typically about 4 to 5 inches. This step ensures the wick remains stable during the wax-pouring process.
Finalize the Process:
At this point, your candle mold is effectively sealed with the magnet sealer. You can now proceed with the next steps in your candle-making process, such as melting and pouring your wax. Remember to allow your candle to cool completely before attempting to remove it from the mold. Once cooled, gently remove the magnet sealer, wick bar, and sealing putty. Your candle should slide out smoothly, and you can then trim the wicks to the desired length.
By following these steps, you can confidently seal your candle mold with a magnet sealer, ensuring a mess-free and successful candle-making experience.
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Remove the candle from the mold
Removing a candle from its mould can be a tricky process, but there are several methods you can try. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process:
Remove the Sealer and Prepare the Mould
Firstly, you need to remove the mould sealer. If you have used putty, simply peel it off. For magnetic sealers, snap them off the bottom of the mould. If your mould has a rubber plug, squeeze the base and pull it out. Now, turn the mould upside down so that the opening faces downwards. If your mould has a wick bar, remove this from the top.
Cooling the Mould
It is important to let the mould cool completely before attempting to remove the candle. Place the mould on a flat surface and be patient – this may take some time. To speed up the process, you can place the mould in the refrigerator, flipping it every 30 minutes to ensure even cooling. Once the mould is cold to the touch, remove it from the fridge and allow it to return to room temperature.
Removing the Candle
Now, gently pull the candle out of the mould from the top. It should slide out smoothly. If the candle is difficult to remove, try placing the mould in the freezer for up to 10 minutes. Take it out and try again. If you are still struggling to dislodge the candle, you can gently warm the outside of the mould with a hairdryer.
Final Steps
Once the candle is removed, trim the wick on the bottom so that it is flush with the surface of the wax. Trim the wick on the top to ½ inch. If your mould has a seam, you can smooth this with a bread knife. Your candle is now ready to be placed on a candle holder and lit!
Alternative Method
If your candle is completely stuck, you may need to try an alternative method. Place the mould in a metal dish filled with boiling water and wait for the candle to soften. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to remove the candle from the hot water. This method will destroy the candle, but you can reuse the wax for your next attempt.
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Frequently asked questions
A candle mold sealer is a putty-like substance that is usually white, slightly sticky, and completely waterproof. It is used to prevent melted wax from escaping through the wick hole.
You can buy candle mold sealers at stores that specialize in candle-making supplies. However, these tend to be overpriced. You can also buy a small pot of plumber's putty from your nearest DIY superstore, which is cheaper and tends to work better.
First, take a small ball of sealing putty and press it over the wick hole, ensuring that the sides have no gaps. Then, wrap the remaining wick around the top of the mold sealer putty and press it into the putty. Finally, place the magnetized mold sealer over the putty-sealed wick hole, ensuring that the edges of the magnet are securely attached to the mold.
