
How to Use Silicone Molds for Making Beautiful Handmade Candles
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Candle making is a creative and enjoyable process. The most effective candle-making equipment is silicone molds. They enable you to produce different shapes, texture, and patterns without getting frustrated when dealing with melted wax. This guide will instruct you on how to use silicone molds properly if you are new in candle making or want to become an expert at candle making.
Why Use Silicone Molds in Candle Making?
Silicone molds are highly preferred by crafters for their simplicity and versatility of. They enable you to make candles of different shapes and designs such as flowers, animals, and shapes. Moreover, silicone molds are not easily breakable and can be cleaned up easily, hence making them the best candle-making materials.
Silicone molds are unique amongst the other molds. They are elastic and easy to pop out of the candle when they harden. They do not lead to cracking or breaking of the candle and give a smooth finish. The silicone molds are heat resistant, and you can pour warm wax without distorting the mold or cracking it.
Choosing the Right Candle Making Moulds
While choosing the candle making moulds, make sure you already have an idea of the shape and size of candle that you wish to obtain. You come across various sizes from basic cylindrical moulds to more complex ones like a flower candle mould or rose candle mould. In case you want candles with good patterns, then a flower candle mould will be useful in creating good effects.
You can also use multi-cavities moulds, and you can even produce many candles simultaneously. There are also silicone candle moulds with various textures, which will create your candles with unique visual effects. Choose the mould of your choice and your design.
Preparing Your Silicone Molds
Before you start, you will have to get the silicone candle-making moulds ready. Wash the moulds of soil and dust first. This is so that the wax flows easily and won't make any marks on the surface of your candle. The moulds can be washed with warm soap water and dried before use.
To make it easy for you to remove your candles, lightly spraying with release agent into the silicone mould is advisable. It is not strictly necessary, but it is advisable if you are using extremely fragile moulds like a rose mould for candles.
Melting the Wax for Candle Making
Now that you have your moulds prepared, it's time to melt your wax. You can melt paraffin, soy, or beeswax. Soy wax is the best type of wax to use for home candle-making because it is eco-friendly and long-lasting.
To melt the wax, a double boiler or microwave can be employed. When using a double boiler, place the wax in the top pot and heat it gradually until the wax is melted completely. Stir now and then to facilitate melting it evenly. To melt the wax in a microwave, heat the wax in small increments, then stir before heating again. This prevents overheating of the wax.
Pouring the Wax into Silicone Molds
Once the wax has melted, pour the melted wax into your silicone molds slowly. Start pouring the wax slowly to avoid bubbles. If you have a flower candle mold, fill all of the small details in the leaves and the flowers with the wax. When using larger molds, fill them up but leave about an inch from the top of the mold because the wax will need to expand.
Let the wax set and harden. This will take a couple of hours. But if you don't have much time, you can refrigerate the moulds to speed up the setting. But wait for it nevertheless—the natural setting of the wax will provide a smoother finish.
Removing the Candle from the Mold
Once the wax has set, you can now take your candle out of the silicone mould. The silicone is also pliable and easy to do so with. Just bend the sides of the mould and gently push out the candle. Carefully pull out the candle. If you have used a flower candle mould or a very intricate mould, don't try to break or pull off any of the fine details.
Occasionally the candle will require cooling fully before it can be removed. If, during the process, the candle ends up being stuck in the mould slightly, do not panic—it is simply because the wax is warm. Just let it cool for longer.
Final Touches and Decorations for Your Candles
Once you have taken your candle out of the mould, you can then add some final touches to the ornamentation. For example, if you would like to aromatize your candle with a scent, now is the time to do so. Just melt the wax and add your preferred essential oils. You can also dye the wax using colour chips or dyes.
Add a bit of glitter, dried flowers, or even tiny beads if you prefer to make the candles even more attractive. The world is your oyster with the use of silicone moulds for candle making.
Tips on How to Use Silicone Molds Successfully
Choose good wax: According to the kind of wax that you use, your candles will look as well as feel distinct. Ensure you use good quality wax to achieve maximum output.
- Do not overfill moulds: Fill the moulds to 90% only so when the wax hardens and is cooled, there will be no spill.
- Use a thermometer: Wax needs to be poured at the correct temperature. Too hot, and it will warp the mold; too cold, and it won't set.
- Let it cool completely: To hasten the cooling process will cause your candle to crack or warp. Let it cool naturally for the best result.
Conclusion
Silicone candle moulds are an ideal addition to making beautiful handmade candles. They are easy to use, long-lasting, and convenient, so both experts and beginners can use them. Whether a plain pillar candle or a more complex rose candle mould design, having the ability to use silicone moulds is having the ability to impart your personal touch to each candle. Keep these tips in mind and you will be halfway to creating stunning candles that will amaze your friends and family. Best of luck with candle making!