Candle making is perhaps one of the most popular hobbies of people these days. Aside from being a hobby, this passion has also been brought to another level by some people by making a living out of it. There are several people who have used their passion for candle making as a way to earn money, making candle making their business instead of just simply a hobby.
With candle making also comes the popularity of candle making molds. Candle making molds are the containers used in forming candles. These containers come in many types, sizes, shapes and designs. As such, it is not a wonder why we could see different styles and designs of candles in the market.
Aluminum Candle Making Molds
One type of candle making molds that can be used by hobbyists and professional candle makers who have made candle making their business is the aluminum molds. These molds are made of aluminum as the name suggests. Aluminum making molds are great for making candles with a smooth finish. This container is resistant to heat and are durable, great for candle making business. This container is easy to clean and may require less maintenance so candle makers need not take so much time cleaning the molds after use. The downside to this candle mold is that a releasing agent may need to be used before finished candles can be taken out of them. This is because aluminum molds are not flexible, making it hard to extract the candles once they have cooled in the container.
Plastic Candle Making Molds
Another type of candle making mold that can be used for your candle making hobby or business are those made out of plastic. Plastic candle making molds are best for those who are still starting out with their hobby. The finished candle can be easily taken out of the molds and the molds are easy to clean and maintain. Plastic candle making molds, however, may not be good to be used for business. The molds are brittle because they are made of plastic. They do not last long. Bubbles may also form on the finished candles if the molds are not thoroughly dried after use.
Rubber Candle Making Molds
There are three types of rubber candle making molds. Examples are polyurethane, latex and silicone. Each of these types has its own advantages and disadvantages. Polyurethane molds, for example, has an advantage over other types of rubber candle making molds in the sense that it costs lesser than silicone rubber molds. However, people may refrain from using this type of candle mold because of its strong odor that may be passed on to the finished candles. In addition, this mold may require the use of a releasing agent in removing the candles out of the mold because this mold does not stretch well and it may be hard to get the finished candle out.
Silicone rubber candle making molds are more expensive than polyurethane molds but more people may prefer them because they stretch better than polyurethanes. They do not require the use of releasing agents.
Latex molds are the most used type of rubber molds. However, this is also gradually losing popularity because of the onset of new technology. Technology has brought along other types of candle making molds that are far better than latex molds. latex candle making molds are usually used by people who have made candle making as a hobby. Candles can be made easily at home with these types of molds.
Plastic Candle Making Molds
Among all other types of candle making molds, plastic candle making molds are probably the cheapest. However, this may not be advisable for use by either hobbyists and professional candle makers. This is because this type of candle making mold is relatviely brittle. Plastic candle molds can easily break and thus, may not last long. They are relatively easy to clean, though, so users will not have to spend so much time cleaning it. However, people should dry the molds completely before using to avoid having bubbles formed in their finished candles.
Metal Molds
Metal molds are probably the most long lasting type of candle making molds. They may need to be sprayed with silicone mold release spray before use because they tend to stick. They may also need to be sprayed with a light coating of the silicone mold release spray before storing to keep it from rusting.
(Originally posted Aug. 29. 2009 at my Triond account)
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