| What Are Candle Molds? | | | | you will need to use a mold release spray for |
| Candle molds are just any object that you can | | | | sure as beeswax is notorious for sticking to |
| pour wax into. The finished candle may then | | | | molds. Finally, gel wax really cannot be used in |
| remain in the mold (in the case of container | | | | candle molds as it has a soft texture like jelly. Gel |
| candles) or is then removed. Candles that are | | | | wax can only be used for container candles. |
| removed from the mold will retain the shape of | | | | How Do I Know How Much Wax To Melt? |
| that object. | | | | The easiest method is to pour water into the |
| Getting Started | | | | mold you intend to use and then transfer the |
| If you are thinking about trying candle making for | | | | water from the mold into a measuring cup. The |
| the first time one of the best projects to start | | | | measuring cup will tell you the volume of the |
| with is a simple molded candle. All you need to get | | | | mold. Next you will want to convert volume to |
| started is a simple mold (plastic is a good starter); | | | | pounds of wax. In general one pound wax equals |
| everything else is recommended but may not be | | | | sixteen fluid ounces which equals two cups water. |
| necessary depending on your project. Some | | | | Steps for Making Molded Candles |
| people like to use specialty pouring pots with | | | | First of all make sure you have prepped your |
| spouts (found at your local craft store) as it | | | | work space in advance. Make sure all surfaces are |
| makes pouring easier. Mold release spray is also | | | | covered with an old sheet, aluminum foil, or |
| very popular as when sprayed lightly it can | | | | anything you don't mind getting wax on. Note: you |
| prevent your finished candle from sticking. You | | | | may wish to avoid newspaper as the ink can |
| can find silicone-based release spray at your local | | | | transfer when warmed. |
| craft store or if you want to get creative try | | | | Melt your wax as usual according to your |
| using any vegetable-based spray cooking oil. If the | | | | preferred method. Use a melting pot with a spout |
| mold you are using has a hole where you thread | | | | if possible to make pouring easier. |
| your wick through, you will need what is called a | | | | Spray your candle mold with releasing agent if |
| mold or wick sealer. This will keep wax from | | | | you choose. Make sure not to spray in too much |
| leaking out through the hole. If your mold does | | | | as excess release spray can give your candles |
| not have hole for the wick, consider using tabbed | | | | surface a mottled texture. |
| wicks or buying wick tabs. Wick tabs are simply | | | | Place your wick in the mold. Use a mold sealer or |
| metal bases that help your wick stand up straight | | | | wick tabs if necessary. |
| and stay at the bottom when you pour in the | | | | Pour your wax slowly into the mold using a |
| wax. | | | | steady hand. Do not pour wax all the way to the |
| Choosing Your Wax | | | | top of the mold. Safety note: the exterior of |
| If you are making a container candle, look for a | | | | your molds will become very hot once your pour |
| wax with a lower melting point. Otherwise, if you | | | | hot wax inside. Do not forget this and accidentally |
| are planning on removing your candle, use a wax | | | | burn yourself. |
| with a higher melting point. Paraffin wax, for | | | | Clean up any wax drips being careful not to knock |
| example, ranges from melting points of 104 | | | | your molds over. |
| degrees to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Other options | | | | Tap the sides of your molds to release air |
| to look for are specialty wax blends marked for | | | | bubbles. Do not tap too hard or you risk denting |
| making container or pillar candles. Note that if you | | | | your molds if they are aluminum. |
| are using more than 10% beeswax in your wax | | | | |