Using candle making molds is one of the most common and versatile ways to make candles. Using a mold, a candle can be made in virtually any shape imaginable.
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. 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.
Undercutting is another term you should be familiar with. 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 of more complex 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 solution is to use a mold with tow or more parts that can be separated after the wax has hardened. Another approach is to use a very flexible mold that can be stretched to allow removal of the finished candle.
Two-part molds work well for making candles that are symmetrical. Flexible molds also work for these but are usually reserved 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, 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 almost completely eliminate the learning curve and have you producing flawless candles from your first attempts.