Introduction
Rubber molds for candle making have been around for quite some time; first gaining popularity in the 18th century, but becoming increasingly decorative over the years. In the early days, molded candles were crafted from tallow, which had to be melted and then stirred until it became a thick mass before being poured into molding boxes formed from corrugated cardboard. The invention of rubber molds changed the quality of candle making dramatically and allowed for larger numbers of creative shapes.
Today, rubber is still believed to be the best material for creating candles and is used extensively in the industry by both professional and hobbyist candle makers alike. Rubber molds come in an array of shapes, sizes and colors, which helps them accommodate a wide range of different designs. Their flexibility makes it possible to produce clean edges on candles that are difficult to achieve with other materials while their durability ensures they will last several uses without pulling apart as easily as other substances might. Moreover, rubber molds often have intricate designs incorporated into them – something hard to replicate with wax alone – making them popular choices among candle makers who want to create unique looks.
Benefits
Rubber molds for candle making are a great cost-effective and efficient resource to use when creating different shapes and sizes of candles. The silicone material used in creating the molds is durable, and can last through many uses of forming wax. In addition, they come in a variety of colors including deep blue, bright yellow, and pale greens, so users are sure to find exactly what they need to match whatever theme or style they are going for. Furthermore, as the material is highly flexible it allows a wider range of artistic expression possible when creating your own unique wax structure. Such details can be difficult to achieve with other materials such as glass or ceramic. Additionally rubber molds for candle making often come with multiple mold designs all in one so you don’t have to buy them separately. This provides many opportunities for creativity and experimentation in the area of candle design, from simple tealight candles to grand church candles with intricate patterns on the sides. Whether you just want something simple and easy or an extravagant product worthy enough to put up as decoration at home, these molds can provide that versatility.
Selecting a Rubber Mold
When selecting a rubber mold for candle making, it is important to consider the intended purpose and functionality. Do you need a simple two-piece pillar or votive mold, a flexible rubber container mold with intricate designs, or something else entirely? Often selecting the type of rubber mold that best suits your needs can be tricky.
Two-piece pillar and votive molds are typically the most economical option for creating candles as they allow you to pour multiple candles quickly, making them ideal for production purposes. They are also highly durable, allowing them to last longer than other types of molds. However, they are limited in terms of design because they consist of only two pieces – the top half that acts as the holder and the bottom half which you slide out once the candle has cooled and hardened.
Flexible container molds offer much more variety in terms of aesthetics and design. They allow you to create containers full of detailed accents like animals, ornaments, or faces without having to worry about lack of detail after each pour. The materials used for these molds usually offer flexibility when shaping them apart from being made from durable materials such as silicone or latex rubber. This type of rubber mold is ideal for personalized creations but often comes at an extra cost since production times may require more attention to detail when filling them with wax compared to using standard two-piece molds.
Lastly, fluid hanging glass molds are great options if you’d like to produce smaller hanging glass holders filled with candle wax giving them a unique finish with its custom shape once cooled off. These molds have special perforations on their sides allowing air ventilation during cooling time allowing wax to settle against its internal walls while cooling off fully before being removed from the form
Preparing Rubber Molds
Before using a rubber mold for candle making, it is important to prepare the mold by following these instructions. Firstly, it is essential to wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and thick gloves when handling the rubber molds. It is also important to take safety precautions when working with silicone rubber molds since these are highly flammable and can produce toxic fumes if burned.
Next, place the rubber molds in a container that can support the weight of your wax. Fill the container with enough warm (never boiling) water to cover at least three-quarters of the mold. This will allow water to enter any air pockets in the molds before they are filled with wax. Let the molds sit in the warm water for 45 minutes to ensure that they have been properly hydrated before starting your candle project.
After removing them from the warm water, shake off any excess moisture then lay out your molds on a flat surface and make sure there’s enough space left between each one for you to easily maneuver them during filling—for larger projects it may be necessary for you to stack several of your rubber molds inside one another as you fill them with wax. After you’re finished pouring your candle wax into each individual rubber mold, make sure that there’s enough flat area left around each pour line so that you can easily fit paper wicks between them once all of the candles are completed.
Finally, use designated tools when handling or closing up your rubber molds after pouring—such as metal rulers or other approved straight edges—and avoid using sharp objects that could puncture through the thin rubber material used in making these shapes and forms. Following these simple steps will help ensure that your candle making experience goes off without a hitch!
Using Rubber Molds for Candle Making
Rubber molds are a great tool to have in your candle making arsenal and they can produce a great variety of shapes and designs. The best thing about using rubber molds is that they’re extremely easy to use and they offer complete flexibility. With just a few tips, anyone can create unique, high quality candles with rubber molds.
One of the best techniques for using rubber molds is to coat the inside of the mold with a thin layer of wax or paraffin before pouring in your candle wax. This will help prevent any wax from sticking to the inside surfaces of the mold, ensuring that all pieces come out looking perfect. Be sure to let the layer harden before pouring in any more wax so that it doesn’t mix in with your wax blend.
Another tip for maximizing your results with rubber molds is to always use wicks which are specifically designed for tea lights or tapers, as these pieces tend to be much thinner than pillars, which require larger diameter wicks. If you find yourself frequently using thick pillar types of candles, you may want to invest in a set of special wick tabs meant for thicker candles as well.
Finally, if you want quick clean-up when finished casting your candles, rub petroleum jelly on the outside surfaces of the molds before filling them up with wax mix, then remove it afterward when cleaning up becomes easier. Petroleum jelly will also make releasing your finished candle from its molds much simpler and easier than removing it without applying this lubricant first!
Alternatives
Other alternatives to rubber molds include pouring the wax directly into a composite-based or metal container where it can be poured, allowed to cool and set. This method has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the candle maker’s needs and preferences.
Pros for pouring wax without using a mold:
The main advantage is that it does not require any expensive additional tools such as molds, wick tabbing finger, or other equipment. It also simplifies the process by eliminating steps of arranging and pouring from a preprinted mold/frame structure. Handling of individual candles becomes simpler with this all-in-one container method since a large number of them can simply be placed in order before cooling. Moreover, this shortcut offers soap makers the chance to create unique shapes limited only by their imagination.
Cons for pouring wax without using a mold:
On the downside, pouring wax into open containers requires considerably more time per candle than the use of pre-made molds because each layer must be added separately one after another as well as ensuring they cool thoroughly between layers while starting in an even surface every time. Also this approach could lead to irregular edges on each candle since easy mold maintenance is not possible; thus making corrections difficult if mistakes are made during each addition of liquid wax.
Conclusion
Using rubber molds for candle making can be an excellent way for the hobbyist to easily cast shapes and figures that can be used in any candle project. After preparing candles using the rubber molds, there are many different techniques that can be done to create several different effects. For example, adding a glittery layer of paint or embedding crystals and other decorations into the wax once it is still warm after being cast with the mold can make beautiful candles. If you are looking to expand your knowledge and skills further with candle making specifically with rubber molds, there are several reliable sources available online.
Websites such as Pinterest, Crafts Unleashed and Struggleville have tutorials that are aimed at helping the beginner learn more about creating beautiful candles using rubber molds. YouTube is also a great resource for anyone who may prefer a video tutorial. Additionally, for more technical tutorials, wax supply stores like Lone Star Candle Supply offer weekly classes on candle making with a variety of instructions ranging from beginner to advanced levels and topics such as composition, design and color-scaping as well as scenting tips.
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
