Candle Making Molds – Important Concepts
Today, candle makers most often use molds to shape their candles. Candles can be shaped into just about any imaginable using the appropriate mold.
Although many different forms can be used for molds, not every hollow form is suitable. Candle makers need to consider two factors when evaluating a potential mold. Candle makers refer to these concepts as draft and undercut.
Let’s talk about draft first. Draft is the degree of taper in a mold. This taper allows the finished candle to slide out of the mold when it has hardened.
Molds with parallel sides also work because wax shrinks enough as it cools to allow it to slide out of the mold.
The other concept is undercutting. You can think of undercutting as any part of the shape that would keep the finished candle from sliding out of the mold. This becomes a factor when using molds to make candles of more complex shapes.
If the form you want to make has undercuts, you can’t use a one-piece solid mold. There are two ways of handling the situation. One answer is to use a mold with tow or more parts that can be separated after the candle has hardened. Another approach is to use a very flexible mold that can be stretched to allow removal of the finished candle.
Symmetrical objects are usually casted for candle making using a two-part mold. You could also use a flexible mold, but it isn’t required for this type of shape and rigid multi-part molds are more durable. 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.
A great resource for information on this subject is: Candle Making Molds
While you’re there, be sure to sign up for your free candle making mini-course. You may also want to check out:
I think you’ll be surprised at just how many options there are!
May be the best 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.
