| Using rubber molds for candle making has many | | | | Polyurethane molds should not be stacked or |
| advantages. In this article, I explain the benefits | | | | stored in a distorted position. If they are stored in |
| and disadvantages of the different types of | | | | a distorted position they will stay this way and |
| rubber molds. | | | | could become unusable. Warm water and soap will |
| There are three materials that rubber molds are | | | | be sufficient to clean these molds. Make sure that |
| made from; Latex, Polyurethane and silicone. | | | | the water has either dried or evaporated before |
| Latex was the original rubber mold but with | | | | using the molds again. |
| advances in the polymer industry, latex molds are | | | | Water and wax do not mix. |
| quickly becoming extinct. | | | | Silicone Molds: Silicone molds are the most |
| Polyurethane Molds: These are great for candle | | | | expensive. They have superior qualities when |
| making. They are flexible but they do not stretch | | | | compared to their counterparts. They don't |
| well. Polyurethane molds when stretched do not | | | | require a release agent. They come in many sizes, |
| always retain their original shape. Because they do | | | | shapes and flexibilities. They will stretch to some |
| not stretch as well, some polyurethane molds | | | | degree and retain their original shapes. They are |
| come with a split down the side that allows them | | | | usually one piece and reveal no parting line. |
| to be demolded easier. This does leave a | | | | Storing and cleaning of silicone molds: Silicone |
| noticeable parting line. They are usually cheaper | | | | molds should not be stacked or stored in a |
| than silicone rubber molds. They do need release | | | | distorted position. If they are stored in a distorted |
| agents and sometimes have a strong odor that | | | | position they will stay this way and could become |
| can pass to your candle. Many large pillar and | | | | unusable. |
| taper candles are made from polyurethane. When | | | | Warm water and soap will be sufficient to clean |
| your candle hobby turns into a thriving business, | | | | these molds. Make sure that the water has either |
| polyurethane molds are a definite choice for mass | | | | dried or evaporated before using the molds again. |
| manufacturing of unique shaped candles. | | | | Water and wax do not mix. |
| Storing and cleaning of polyurethane molds: | | | | |