You now know all the ways to personalise your handmade creations. Next, you probably want to make moulded candles, but feel a little lost when it comes to choosing and using a mould? Let us guide you!
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to size, shape and style. Moulds can be quite expensive compared with containers, so to get the most out of them, you need to choose a mould that is useful, versatile and built to last. Here you will find a complete guide to moulds for candle making.
The different types of moulds by material (silicone, latex, etc.)
- Polycarbonate mould: heat-resistant (up to 120°C) and transparent, ideal for coloured candles. Not compatible with beeswax.
- Silicone mould: premium moulds for use with beeswax, olive wax or rapeseed wax; candles release from them very easily.
- Aluminium mould: withstands very high temperatures, ideal for waxes that need a lot of heat. Not compatible with beeswax.
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Latex mould: useful for original candle shapes; not recommended for use with stearin.
Polycarbonate moulds: lightweight and durable
Polycarbonate moulds are among the most popular moulds for candle making. They come as one-piece or two-piece moulds, depending on whether you want a standard-shaped candle or a more complex one. Polycarbonate moulds are available in a wide variety of shapes. They are lightweight and durable, and give you easy release and a smooth, glossy finish on the candle. The mould is transparent.
They are not as sturdy as some plastic moulds. They are not compatible with beeswax.
Silicone: the best known and the easiest to use
Silicone has had a huge impact on the candle-making community. Silicone moulds are extremely easy to use and clean, and they produce beautiful beeswax or plant-based wax candles. Silicone moulds let you achieve intricate levels of detail that are simply not possible with aluminium or polycarbonate.
This type of mould needs much more looking after than the others. Properly maintained, they will last for hundreds of uses, but unlike other moulds, they must be handled more carefully. Make sure you store them properly so that they keep their shape. They also need to be washed regularly.
Aluminium candle moulds
Aluminium moulds are generally one-piece, seamless moulds. They produce high-quality moulded candles. Aluminium releases very easily, giving you a candle with no seam line down the sides.
Aluminium moulds cost more than polycarbonate or plastic moulds.
Aluminium is opaque, so you cannot really see your candle before you unmould it.
Capturing fine detail with a latex mould
Latex candle moulds let you make superb candles in highly original shapes. The wide range of shapes and the precision of their detail will give your candle creations an exceptional look.
The type of wax used for moulding matters, but it is not the only factor...
When choosing candle moulds, you need to consider several factors, including:
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The type of wax you are going to use: different waxes have different melting points, so it is essential to choose a mould that is compatible with the wax you will be using. If you want to make a flawless moulded candle, the wax plays a key role. It is important to choose a sturdy wax. A variety of waxes are available, such as paraffin, beeswax and plant-based waxes. For the best results, make sure you select a wax with a melting point of around 60°C or higher. Beeswax is the one that captures the most detail – ideal if you want to make a coin, for example.
Unmoulding can be difficult, or even impossible, with an unsuitable wax. Check out our wax guide to choose the right one. - The size and shape of the candles you want to create: be sure to choose a mould whose size and shape suit the candles you want to make. If you plan to use a latex or silicone mould, avoid stearic acid at all costs. It will damage your mould. For safe use, opt for Vybar instead.
My mould has no hole for the wick
There are two simple methods you can use at home.
The first method is to pour the wax into the mould, leave it to set, unmould it, then pierce the wick hole with a heated skewer before threading the pre-waxed wick through.
The second method is to push a skewer into the wax poured into the mould as soon as it starts to thicken: this will pre-form the hole. Once the candle has set, simply unmould it and thread the pre-waxed wick through.
Unmoulding a candle
Be sure to let the wax cool completely in the mould before unmoulding the candle. We recommend leaving the wax to cool for at least 24 hours before unmoulding. Otherwise, the candle will stick to the mould and some of the detail in your finish may be spoiled.
When you are ready to unmould the candle, gently flex the silicone mould until the candle comes free. Once the candle is out, remove any excess wax from the base and enjoy your new candle!
Be careful: cooling too quickly (in the fridge) can cause cracks in the wax.
How do I clean and store my candle moulds?
It is essential to clean your candle moulds to prevent wax from building up. Silicone/plastic moulds can be washed with soap and water… Make sure no wax goes down your drains, as over time it could cause blockages. Once your candle moulds are clean, dry them thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place.
Although isopropyl alcohol has little effect on dried wax, it is still a great help for cleaning and even degreasing your moulds.
Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. Humidity can warp the moulds and make them lose their shape. If you have to store them in a damp environment, place them in an airtight container to prevent moisture damage.
Looking after your moulds properly means you can reuse them many more times.
Conclusion
In short, your choice of candle mould will depend on your specific needs. If you are looking for a heat-resistant mould, aluminium moulds are an excellent choice. Polycarbonate moulds are popular for their transparency and ease of use, but they are not as durable as aluminium. Silicone moulds are very flexible and offer a high level of detail, but require a little more maintenance.
Finally, latex moulds let you create original candles in a variety of shapes. When choosing your mould, be sure to take into account the type of wax you will use and the finish you want for your candle.
Next, discover how to use colour in your homemade creations.
