Beeswax Candle Molds {How to Choose the Best}

Candle making dates back through the centuries. And, using various types of molds is the most common method of working with this natural wax. Your imagination is the limit for this fun and easy project. While there are many different ways to create beautiful beeswax candles, choosing the best beeswax candle molds for your project makes the process easier.

Different types of oils and waxes were used to make candles. Beeswax was a premium product that beekeepers would trade for other items. These pure candles were your (Sunday candles) – the ones you used when company was coming over.

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Hand Dipped Beeswax Candles Without Molds

The art of making hand dipped beeswax candles was popular in colonial times and before. This is the process of dipping a wick repeatedly into a large pot of melted wax.

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. 

If you choose to try dipped candles, expect them to be a little bumpy – they will not look like they came out of a machine. (And, maybe that’s a good thing?)

For the novice candle maker, or those of you without a lot of wax, using beeswax candle molds is a surer way to success.

Using Metal Candle Molds

Creating molded candles gives the crafter more options for shapes etc. Early molds were made of tin and you will still find some in use today. 

These are available in the more traditional shapes and are now usually made from aluminum.  Durable with a bit of care they last for a very long time. You can expect to use them for years and make many candles with them.

The main challenge with metal molds is getting the finished candle out.  And if you do not have a strong grip, this task will be even more difficult.

This is why when using tin candle molds, you must have a mold release spray. A light coating of mold release is spray inside before pouring the hot wax. 

This should aid in removing the finished product.  But, the spray has to be repeated before every candle pour.

If the candle is still difficult to remove from your metal candle mold, placing it in the freezer for 15 minutes may aid in removal.

These molds are readily available in a variety of shapes and dimensions.  They are less expensive that other types of molds.  However, they are less sturdy too.

You should use a mold release spray and handle them with care when removing your finished candles.  If you do not use release spray, your candle may not come out! Also, plastic molds will crack if handled in a rough manner.

Popular Plastic Molds:

• Cylinder Candle Mold Set
• Pyramid and Ball Shape Candle Mold Set
• Plastic Taper Candle Mold

Silicone Molds for Beeswax Candles

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 of candle pours, even more if you are gentle with them. Using this type of mold is the easiest way to ensure success.

This 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.

There are several companies that make silicone molds. I prefer Mann-Lake though why they don’t show a picture of a finished candle for all of their products on Amazon is beyond me. Maybe they will in the future.

DIY Beeswax Candle Molds

Almost anything can be used as a candle mold.  As long as the material can stand up to the heat of melted wax (around 160° F), feel free to experiment.

In fact, you can use empty egg shells to make egg shaped beeswax candles! And that is just the beginning of the wide variety of natural items you can use to shape candles.

You can even create little beeswax tealights using seashells! These are great for parties, place settings or even wedding favors.

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.

Materials Needed for Candle Making

• 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.

Always take care when working with hot wax to avoid burns or fire. Using your favorite candle molds – the sky is the limit for your candle creations. And, wax gifts are so well received.

Check out these other tips on making beeswax candles  for even more tips on choosing and using the best candle molds.