| Eventually, most home candle makers collect a | | | | the proposed mold. Such undercuts (as they're |
| variety of candle making molds. However, a | | | | referred to in the mold world) would also interfere |
| beginner doesn't have to feel intimidated or think | | | | with removing the finished candle from a rigid |
| that they need to invest in a collection of molds | | | | mold. |
| to get started. In fact, almost every candle | | | | Empty tin cans are definitely heat resistant and |
| maker I know first used common household | | | | strong enough to serve as a candle mold, but |
| objects as candle molds before they ever bought | | | | many of them have a series of circular ridges |
| one. Here are some ideas to get you started | | | | around their circumference that would prevent |
| making molded candles without having to spend a | | | | removing the finished candle. Since you can't tear |
| penny on the molds themselves. | | | | a metal can off the way you can a yogurt |
| To begin there are a couple of characteristics a | | | | container, such cans are not suitable for use as a |
| container should have if it's going to serve as a | | | | candle mold. |
| candle mold. | | | | With those criteria in mind, I think you be able to |
| First, it needs to be heat resistant. You typically | | | | discover many containers that would otherwise |
| will be pouring wax at between 180° and | | | | go to the trash that will serve quite nicely as a |
| 200° so you'll need to use something that | | | | candle mold. I've already mentioned empty milk |
| won't soften or melt at that temperature. | | | | cartons as candidates. Here are some other ideas. |
| Also, it needs to be strong enough to support the | | | | Many foods such as yogurt, cottage cheese, sour |
| liquid wax. A flimsy paper container won't be up | | | | cream, ricotta cheese and so on, and various |
| to the task, but something like a milk carton | | | | sized rigid plastic containers that work well as |
| generally will. However, even a milk carton will | | | | candle molds. |
| tend to bulge. Some candle makers use duct tape | | | | Empty juice concentrate cans make nicely |
| or masking tape to prevent that, or to reinforce | | | | proportioned small pillar candles. |
| other objects that would otherwise be unsuitable. | | | | If you should happen to find a tin can with |
| In general, a rigid candle mold should also either | | | | smooth sides, it will make an excellent reusable |
| have parallel sides or will be wider at the top than | | | | candle mold. |
| it is at the bottom. This is so the candle can slide | | | | Blank CDs and DVDs come in stacks with a rigid |
| out after it's hardened. However, this is not a rigid | | | | plastic cover that works well as a mold. These |
| rule for your improvised candle molds because | | | | are fairly large in diameter and may need more |
| usually you'll be tearing them off the finished | | | | than one wick. |
| candle rather than trying to slide the candle out. | | | | Whatever mold you use, clean it very well and |
| These molds 9milk cartons, etc.) are generally | | | | make sure it is completely dry. Then coat it very |
| one-use only. | | | | lightly with vegetable oil to help the finished candle |
| For example, a metal mold in the shape of a | | | | release. Be sure not to use too much oil. Too |
| Yoplait yogurt container wouldn't work - you | | | | much might mar the finish of the candle. |
| couldn't get the candle out the narrow opening. | | | | I hope this encourages you to use some |
| However, if you want to use an actual Yoplait | | | | household items as candle making molds. One of |
| yogurt container you could because you could | | | | the beauties of candle making as a hobby is that |
| tear the container off to release the candle. | | | | you can get started very simply and very |
| Another factor to consider is whether there are | | | | inexpensively and still make wonderful candles. |
| any indentations or irregularities on the walls of | | | | |