How to Use Silicone Candle Molds – Sewing Machines Los Angeles

Candle molds used in candle making are an important component of candle making supplies. They come in various shapes and sizes, and the wax you use will take the shape of the mold after it has cooled. But molds are not only used for decorative purposes, they are also necessary to let the hot wax set in and harden, thereby preventing spills.

You can choose from a wide variety of candle molds. The latest type that is getting rave reviews from candle makers is the silicone candle mold. Silicone candle molds belong to the rubber candle mold type. Silicone molds can be quite expensive, but they also have great characteristics including durability and versatility that more than make up for the cost. They are flexible and they can stretch well. Because of this, you also do not need to buy a release agent to help you to remove the candle from the mold. They also do not leave seams in the candle when you release it.

As this kind of mold is very malleable, you can choose from a variety of designs to be used. Most of the custom-made ones are made of silicone. You can even buy silicone rubber and make your own molds. Silicone rubber can be found in your local arts and crafts stores, or anyplace where you can buy candle making supplies or kits. Style and shape them any way you want. Novelty and floating candles shaped like flowers, fruit, figurines and a host of other decorative objects usually use silicone candle molds.

How to Make Candles Using Silicone Candle Molds

Molded candles are the most commonly produced type of candles. The techniques vary a little bit depending on the candle mold that you are going to use.

Here are the steps and the slight variations in details or items, when using silicone candle molds:

o Choose the wax that you are going to use as the base for your candle. Silicone molds are not compatible with gel candles, so you can scratch that from your list.

o Prepare the double boiler and the heat source. Melt your wax to the specified temperature. On average, target temperature is 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

o Normally, you would spray your mold with a mold release such as silicone spray or vegetable spray. But in this case, as you are already using silicone candle molds, you do not have to do this. Just skip this step.

o Assuming that you already primed your wick beforehand (it should be 2 inches longer than the finished product), insert it into your silicone candle mold. If you are new at candle making and by no means an expert, it might help to do this part before you start melting the candle wax.

o As your wax reaches the target temperature, maintain this temperature for about 30 minutes. Once the candle wax becomes smooth and syrupy, add dyes, scents or fragrance oils. Since you are using a flexible silicone mold, you can use the candle making additive vybar. Vybar will melt along with the wax. This is especially helpful when you pour the candle wax into the silicone mold. Vybar helps eliminate bubbles, making your candle stronger and gives it a smooth finish. It also enables you to add more fragrance to your candle.

o Remove the candle wax from the heat source, and slowly pour it into the silicone candle mold. Allow the wax to set. After a few minutes, you can tap the side of the mold to remove bubbles, if there are any.

o Let the wax cool and harden. If you find any holes in parts of the wax, reheat some of the remaining candle wax that you may have set aside. Then pour this extra wax into the holes.

o After the candle wax has completely cooled off, remove the candles from the mold. This process will be easier with this kind of mold than when you are using other types of candles molds.