Best Beeswax Candle Molds for Crafters
Making candles is one of the most creative beeswax uses out there. Your imagination is the limit for this fun and easy project. There are many different methods used to create beautiful beeswax candle. The easiest one is to find the best beeswax candle molds.
Traditional Candle Making
The art of making hand dipped beeswax candles dates back through the centuries. This is the process of dipping a wick repeatedly into a large pot of melted beeswax.
Over time, the amount of wax on the wick grows. This is continued until the candle is the diameter that you desire.
As much as I love this traditional art, it is just that – an art. While not a difficult craft, it does have a learning curve and takes practice.
For the novice candle maker, or those of you without a lot of beeswax, using beeswax candle molds is a surer way to success.
Using Metal Beeswax Candle Molds
Early molds were made of tin and you will still find some in use today. These are available in the more traditional shapes and usually are made from aluminum.
They are durable and will last for a very long time. You can expect to use them for years and make many candles with them.
The only challenge to consider is getting the finished candle out. When using tin candle molds, you must have a mold release spray. (See here on Amazon.)
A light coating of mold release is spray inside before pouring the hot wax. This should aid in removing the finished product.
If the beeswax candle is still difficult to remove, placing it in the freezer for 15 minutes may aid in removal.
Plastic Candle Molds
Plastic molds can be used for making beeswax candles too. You do want to make sure that the mold selected is approved for candle making.
Some soap or candy molds might be suitable but ensure that the mold can stand up to the heat of melted wax.
These molds are readily available in a variety of shapes and dimensions. They are less expensive that tin or silicone beeswax candle molds. However, they are less sturdy too.
You should use a mold release spray and handle them with care when removing your finished candles. They will crack if handled in a rough manner.
Silicone Beeswax Candle Molds
Now we come to the latest, and my favorite, silicone (or Flex) molds for beeswax candles. These flexible “rubber-like” molds come in every imaginable style.
They are more expensive that some of the other candle molds. However, they make up for the cost by their ease of use.
I still use a mold release spray with these candle molds but you may not need to.
Silicone molds last for hundreds or candle pours, even more if you are gentle with them. Using this type of mold is the easiest way to ensure success.
My bee silicone mold is very popular with beekeepers – I’ve made a ton of them.
The use of a silicone mold is especially helpful if you want to create candles with a lot of detail.
The soft texture of the mold material makes it much easier to remove an ornate candle.
Candle Making Materials
- clean beeswax
- beeswax candle mold
- wick
- mold release spray
Once you have chosen your beeswax candle molds, don’t forget to order a can of mold release spray. It will make the whole process easier.
Purchase clean beeswax from a local beekeeper, or order some online. The wax must be clean or your candle will not burn properly.
If you buy wax locally, consider cleaning your beeswax again as some beekeepers do not know the best way to do this.
Now, you need some candle wicking. Following the mold manufacturers guidelines regarding the best size wick for your beeswax candles.
For more information on making beeswax candles, be sure to read my post – How to Make Beeswax Candles. It gives tips for melting beeswax and more.
Conclusion:
Almost anything can be used as a beeswax candle mold. As long as the material can stand up to the heat of melted wax (about 160 F), feel free to experiment.
You may be surprised to learn the wide range of items that can be used to shape candles.
In fact, you can use empty egg shells to make egg shaped beeswax candles!
However, keep in mind – it is not only a factor or pouring the melted wax in the mold – you have to get the cooled candle out without damaging. Play safe – have fun.
Beekeeper Charlotte
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