Candle Making Molds Details
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. Two characteristics need to be considered. Candle makers refer to these concepts as 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 use mold with parallel sides because wax tends to shrink slightly as it cools, thereby separating from the mold enough to allow it to slide out.
Undercutting is another term you should be familiar with. You can think of undercutting as any part of the shape that would keep the finished candle from sliding out of the mold. You have probably seen candles shaped like Christmas trees. All those branches represent undercuts.
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 is to use a mold that separates into two or more parts. Another solution 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. In use, the candle maker clamps the pieces of a multi-part mold together, seals the seams to keep wax from leaking and then uses it as if it were a solid mold.
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.
To find out more about this subject visit: 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 advice 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.
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