Candle Making Molds Choices
Today, candle makers most often use molds to shape their candles. Using a mold, a candle can be made in virtually any shape imaginable.
There are two characteristics of a potential mold that need to be considered when evaluating a candle making mold and shape. These characteristics are draft and undercut.
Draft is the easier concept to grasp. Draft refers to the degree of taper a mold has. Without the taper, it would be difficult or impossible to remove the candle from a solid mold.
It’s possible to make candles in molds with parallel sides because wax tends to shrink slightly as it cools, thereby separating from the mold enough to allow it to slide out.
The other concept is undercutting. An undercut is a protrusion or an irregularity in the side of a candle that would keep it from sliding out. This becomes a factor when using molds to make candles with irregular walls or shapes.
If the form you want to make has undercuts, you can’t use a one-piece solid mold. Fortunately, there are a couple of options. One approach is to use a mold that separates into two or more parts. Another answer is to use a mold made out of rubber or other flexible material that can be stretched to allow removal of the finished candle.
Symmetrical objects are usually casted for candle making using a two-part mold. Flexible molds also work for these but are really only needed for more intricate shapes such a figurines. When making a candle with a two-part mold, the candle maker clamps the two halves together, positions the wick, pours the candle, and finally separates the two halves of the mold after the wax has hardened.
As I mentioned, you can also deal with undercutting by using flexible molds, which can be stretched to allow the candle to be removed once it has hardened. Silicone is probably the premium material for making flexible molds, but other materials work almost as well and the less expensive.
You can get more details at: Candle Making Molds
While you’re there, definitely sign up for your free candle making mini-course. You may also want to check out:
You’ll definitely be surprised when you see how many choices you have concerning this most basic material!
May be the most helpful tip I can give you that will help you save time and money and avoid frustration is to check out Home Candle Making Made Easy
That book will help you avoid all the mistakes beginners typically make and have you producing flawless candles from your first attempts.
