| With candle making becoming more and more the | | | | molds produce seamless, smooth candles that |
| hobby of choice among crafters, different types | | | | usually just slide out when hardened. This rigid |
| of candle making molds have become more | | | | material is better for making votive or pillar |
| accessible in the market these days. Choosing | | | | candles though, and so are generally limited in |
| which mold is best suited to the hobbyists' needs | | | | shape and size. |
| requires an understanding of these different types | | | | 3. Molds made from polyurethane are flexible. One |
| of molds. | | | | of the cheapest of the rubber candle making |
| Candle making molds must be able to take the | | | | molds, they come in many designs. But, while |
| high temperature at which the hot wax is poured. | | | | flexible, they do not stretch and you may need |
| Being easy to clean and fast releasing (meaning it | | | | to apply a releasing agent in order to get the |
| will readily let go of your candle) are desirable | | | | candle out. They also have a "rubbery" smell |
| features too. Here is a little guide to enlighten you | | | | which may affect the scent of your candle. |
| on the 5 most common types of molds. | | | | 4. The serious crafter might want to use silicone |
| 1. Plastic molds are the first type the hobbyist | | | | molds. These flexible molds also stretch so that |
| usually encounters. These are cheap, come in a | | | | the candle easily slips out. Although the most |
| dizzying array of designs and are easy to clean | | | | expensive type of mold, they won't need a |
| with soap and water. Once thoroughly dried, they | | | | releasing agent and won't leave seams so that |
| are ready for the next use. The candle making | | | | the finished candle will have a more polished look. |
| novice turns to this type of mold while testing the | | | | 5. The last type, the latex mold, allows the |
| waters, so to speak. As the hobbyist turns more | | | | hobbyist to make unique candle making molds by |
| enthusiastic, the plastic mold loses luster as they | | | | simply painting any object with several coats of |
| tend to become brittle and break. Time to level | | | | liquid latex. Once the latex dries, you have your |
| up to the other types of molds. | | | | own one-of-a kind mold. Releasing and cleaning of |
| 2. The next type of molds are those made of | | | | latex molds is as easy as with silicone molds. |
| aluminum. It can withstand extreme heat and be | | | | Many hobbyists have been pleasantly surprised |
| used again and again. To clean, stand them upside | | | | that their little hobby has transformed into a |
| down on absorbent paper lined baking sheets, pop | | | | bustling little business. It might be worth investing |
| them in a 150 degree oven for a few minutes for | | | | in a few of these molds and seeing just where |
| the leftover wax to melt and drip. Aluminum | | | | this fascinating craft can take you. |