| "body"> | | | | clamped or banded together during the time the wax is |
| If you only make container or hand dipped candles, you | | | | setting up. As stated above, you can make your own |
| won't need candle making molds. However, most | | | | molds with the use of silicone rubber. It usually comes |
| chandlers like some variety in the products they | | | | in epoxy, requiring the mixing of two components to |
| produce, and a molded candle really looks good when | | | | create a fast setting material. If you decide to go this |
| it is made right. There are many shapes and sizes to | | | | route, keep in mind that epoxies do not have a long |
| choose from, allowing you greater flexibility in your | | | | shelf life, and you will need to make your molds soon |
| candle products. | | | | after receiving the kit. Also, this do-it-yourself material is |
| Molds can be handmade or purchased from vendors. | | | | expensive. |
| Sometimes the simplest ones make for excellent | | | | If you are making many different sized candles, you |
| candles. A general rule of thumb is that if you can pour | | | | will need corresponding sizes of molds. It is better to |
| wax into something without it melting or burning, it will | | | | purchase a few early in your candle making hobby, |
| serve as a candle mold. Many candles are made with | | | | and then after you become more familiar with your |
| the use of inexpensive disposable cups, glass jars, and | | | | needs, invest in others. Although it is not impossible to |
| cans. As long as the hardened candle will come out of | | | | do, it is not wise to attempt to make shorter candles in |
| the container, you have a useful vessel. | | | | tall molds. It is much easier to produce a good finish |
| Purchased candle molds can be obtained in just about | | | | when pouring to the top of the mold. |
| any size you choose. When properly cared for, they | | | | Stainless steel is a great choice for candle molds. It |
| can be used successfully for many years. Some | | | | usually is more expensive than aluminum, but |
| molds are made from silicone based rubber, and | | | | sometimes can be found for a bargain. Aluminum is |
| others are made of aluminum or stainless steel. The | | | | not as durable as stainless steel, but will last many |
| consensus seems to be that the metal containers are | | | | years if cared for. |
| the best way to go, unless you are producing candles | | | | In conclusion, if you want to make container candles, |
| of unusual shapes. | | | | candle making molds are not necessary. But, if you |
| Shaped molds are made in two halves. Usually they | | | | need to offer a wide variety of candles to your |
| have a small opening at the top where the two halves | | | | customers, it will be important to invest in molds that |
| are put together. This allows the wax to be poured | | | | you can use time and again. |
| inside and the wick to come out. The halves are | | | | |