Candle making is an old art, or should we say 'olde' because the word 'mould' is the Olde English way of saying the more modern word 'mold'. In current times, candle making is still very popular. Candle making moulds are part of the craft and art of candle making.
Candles provided a source of light long ago and were made from tallow or animal fats mixed with other chemicals and poured into the molds. Modern candles use different types of moulds, depending on the type of candle a person is trying to make. Different candle moulds give candles different effects.
There are three types of candles usually made. Taper candles are made by having a wick dipped repeatedly into melted wax until the wick is heavily coated and becomes the candle. Some candles are poured into containers such as glass jars, and a wick is added to the cooling wax. The candle is burned right inside the container. Other candles require a candle making mould that the melted wax is poured into and allowed to cool inside. Later, the mould is peeled away or the wax separated from the mould using a separating agent.
Candle making molds can be made from metal, rubber and plastic, or even glass. Rubber and plastic are preferred because they are easy to manufacture and can thus be designed into many different shapes. Their flexibility allows them to be pulled from candles very easily, especially those that have intricate design shapes.
Metal candle moulds have a longer life than rubber and plastic or latex moulds, but can still be dented. They also don't come in as many shapes, nor do their glass counterparts. Glass moulds leave a glossy and perfect finish on the final candle's surface, but this means there won't be much room to add details or a pattern.
Home made candle moulds can be made out of almost anything. The more common home made moulds are made from waxy cardboard, usually used to hold chips in a tube, or that come with Chinese take-out dishes. Once these are cleaned out of food residue, a pencil or Popsicle stick is spread across the opening, and a wick is hung from it. Hot wax is poured into the container and allowed to set for several hours. When the candle is solid, the mould can be peeled away.
Egg shell candles offer a unique opportunity when it comes to making candles. Be sure to crack the egg closer to an end of the egg shell rather than in the middle. The egg shell must be thoroughly cleaned out if it is going to be used as a candle making mould. Egg shell candles do not hold a lot of wax but the effect as they burn down inside the candle is beautiful, as the egg shells remain on the candle and aren't pulled away.
Making candles is a practiced art as well as a hobby or craft that anyone can do. Using the right kinds of candle making moulds, home made candles can be just as beautiful or elegant as those bought at a store or made by a professional. Making something yourself is always more fulfilling.
Chris Taylor is a candle making expert. For some great information on candle making molds, visit http://www.BestCandleMakingSecrets.com.
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