Popular Candle Making Molds
There is a wide variety of candle making molds. Candle making is so popular that molds are available everywhere. The good news is that the number of different kinds of molds available is almost endless. If you love to make candles, or are looking to start, then it will be comforting to know that you will never run out of molds to choose from.
What is a candle mold? It is simply a container that the melted wax goes into. When it cools it will be in the shape of the mold. Molds come in many different shapes and sizes. There are also a lot of different materials.
A very popular material for candle makers is aluminum. Aluminum molds are not only very durable but also heat resistant and are great for creating a nice smooth finish. They are easy to clean and are less expensive than other types of molds. Although aluminum molds are a great choice, there are a couple of negatives. First, it is difficult to get the candle out unless you use some type of releasing agent and second, you are limited in your choice of shapes due to its inflexibility.
Rubber molds are also popular with candle makers. There are different forms of rubber molds, including latex, polyurethane and silicone. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. All are flexible. Polyurethane, however, although very flexible will not stretch as well as silicone or latex. It also can contain an unpleasant odor. On the positive side, it is less expensive. The types of candles that are typically made with this type of mold are pillar and taper candles.
Silicone, with superior qualities, are the most expensive. In addition to their excellent flexibility, they are extremely stretchable. This is a great feature as it makes removing the candle very easy. Another advantage is they produce a smooth, very clean candle with no parting lines.
With the advances in other types of molds, latex is losing some of its popularity. However, it still has its advantages. Latex gives you many options as far as different types of molds you can use. Many coats of latex are required but it allows for a lot of uniqueness. Another advantage is it is very easy to work with and it is a great option for making your own candles at home.
Plastic candle molds are also popular. Although the least expensive, they are not always the best. They tend to be brittle and don’t last as long. However, they are very good for beginners. They are a great mold to start out with. They are very easy to clean, needing just a little soap and water. Just remember to let the mold dry completely before you use it again. Otherwise your candles will come out with bubbles in them. One you master working with plastic you can progress to other forms of molds.
