Gel Candle Making for Beginners
For the new candle maker, the options for candle making molds are many. Molds are a very important part of the equipment necessary to make beautiful candles. These tools of the craft are made out of plastic, rubber, latex, metal and even glass. With the surge in candle making, you can find many inexpensive molds for any kind of candle that you want to make.
The candle mold holds the hand poured wax until it cools and sets up. Once it has cooled completely, your candle retains the shape of your mold. Be sure to look for durable, reusable molds. Here is a brief rundown of the different types and uses of candle making molds
Aluminum molds are a popular choice. They are reasonably priced, durable and heat resistant. They are also easy to clean up after each use. After you finish, all you have to do is place these molds upside down (on a lined cookie sheet) in a warm oven (150°F) and the wax melts right off. These are popular molds for making votive, pillar and floating candles. You can get these in round, square and octagon shapes and many different sizes.
Latex molds are so flexible you will need to take care that they don’t tip over. Create a stand, usually made of card board, for safety purposes. The best way to use a latex mold, once you are more experienced, is to create your own. This is actually an easy process. Basically, you paint latex onto a candle model right at home. This will take many layers to create your handmade mold.
Metal molds have a history of long life and fast cooling rate. Most metal molds are for cylinder shaped candles (votive and pillar candles), giving a smooth appearance.
Plastic molds are the most reasonably priced, but not the highest in quality. They do not last as long as many of the other molds. There is a great variety to choose from. For the beginner candle maker, this is a great way to perfect your technique, still enjoying the candles that you make. The cleanup is easy, warm soapy water and you are back in business. (Note: Just make sure that your plastic molds are completely dry before you use them again or you may get water bubbles in your candle.)
Polyurethane is another kind of mold, however, they have a strong odor, which may be passed along to your beautiful candles and you will also have to add a releasing agent. Favorite molds are for tealight candles, pillar, taper molds, and beeswax candles. These specialty molds also have unique shapes, like animals, that are one piece with slits on the side
Silicone molds are the top of the price range. They have the highest quality, leaving no seams on your candles. Their flexibility allows you to release your candles after cooling without any releasing agents. Once you determine your favorite design of candle, these molds are worth the investment. Silicone is especially suited for making your pillar and taper candles.
Whatever the type of mold you choose for making a candle, the selection is great. Try all different kinds so that you can find which candle making molds you like best.
