Candle Making Molds – Which Molds for Candles are Right for You?
by Brook Santello
Candle molds are of course one of the essential items needed for making candles and now with the huge popularity of candle making at home by hobbyists of all kinds, it’s no surprise that the variety of different candle making molds available is almost endless.
What are Molds for Candles?
Molds for Candles are simply the containers used for pouring melted wax into so they will cool and form a candle in the shape of the mold. Candle making molds can be bought or made from a number of materials and in almost any shape and size.
Aluminium Candle Molds
Aluminium molds are a very popular mold used by candle makers. They are popular because they have some great qualities:
- They are very durable and heat resistant
- They leave a very nice smooth finish and no seam in the candles finish
- Give the appearance of a professionally made candle
- Very popular for making pillar and votive style candles
- Inexpensive compared with rubber molds
- Easy to clean – just turn mold upside down in your oven and heat to 150 degrees. Place a baking sheet under the mold and the wax will run onto the baking sheet and can then be discarded.
There are a couple of down sides to aluminium candle molds though:
- They are not flexible, so you are limited in the shape and texture you can give to the candle
- You will need to use a releasing agent in order to get the candle out from the mold
Rubber Candle Molds
There are a few types of rubber molds for candles, like polyurethane, latex and silicone. Unlike aluminium, they are of course all very flexible, but still have their pros and cons.
Polyurethane Candle Molds
- Flexible but don’t stretch well
- Cheaper than silicone molds
- Popular for pillar and taper candles
- Have a strong odor which may pass into the candle wax
- Need to use a releasing agent to get the candle out from it
Latex Candle Molds
- Excellent and very popular for creating your own molds using liquid latex
- Losing popularity now with improvements being made in other types of rubber molds
Silicone Candle Molds
- Flexible and stretchable
- Easy to remove candles so no releasing agent is required
- Leaves no parting lines on the candles surface
- The most expensive of the rubber molds due to its excellent qualities
Plastic Candle Molds
Plastic molds are the cheapest but not usually the best choice. They are brittle and don’t last as long as other types of molds for candles.
Plastic molds are easy to clean as well, just use warm soapy water. Be careful that they are completely dry before re-using though or you will end up with water bubbles in your candles.
They are good for beginners but once you gain some expertise and want to go to the next level you will be wanting to use better alternatives for your candle molds.
Want to see the most complete guide available online for candle making molds along with how to make all of those amazing candles that everyone would love to make and have? All the secrets, tips, tricks and techniques you need to make candles just like the experts from your own home are waiting for you right here in the Ultimate Candle Making Guide
