Candle Making Molds: Why Care And Maintenance Are Critical
With the proper care, candle making molds can provide an endless supply of beautiful candles and last practically forever. As with everything though, care must be taken to insure that they last. When it comes to candle making molds and maintenance, there are several things to keep in mind, and it begins with the purchase.
Most candle making molds are made of one or two materials, plastic and metal. The industry standard is metal because stainless steel accepts changes in temperature without warping over time. This is not to say that all plastic molds are bad, only that extra precaution must be taken. If you choose to buy plastic, look for the sturdiest plastic available. You could mold candles in an ice tray, but the flimsiness of the plastic would pose a problem after several melts. Stainless steel holds up better over time, but they have some extra considerations also.
The most important part of caring for candle making molds is the same thing that you would do when caring for your dishes. It begins with cleanliness. It is imperative that you wash your molds immediately after each use. This prevents excess wax from setting inside the mold, rendering it almost impossible to clean later. It is best to hand wash your molds also. Dishwashers create an enclosed space that has intense heat and moisture that can cause molds, especially plastic to become warped or misshapen. When it comes to stainless, you should wash and dry immediately. While these candle making molds will not rust, water can collect in some of the bends and cracks in the metal, potentially creating problems with candles later.
The second most important part of maintaining candle making molds is storage. If they are plastic, it is crucial that they are stored clean and dry, in a cool place. Never keep them near the stove. Plastic will warp over time anyway; the constant temperature changes will make them lose shape prematurely. This can mean the difference between you being able to make many popular candles consistently or having to do short runs of one particular variety.
When storing metal candle making molds, the critical thing to remember is that they be dry and should be separated by enough space so that they wont be pushed into each other. If you value your stainless steel, they should never be nested inside one another. The risk of bending the mold becomes much greater this way, and can lead to even subtle bends that will be emphasized when the next batch of candles is formed. It may even be wise to pad them with towels as if they are glass. The big manufacturers have closets, and in some, entire rooms devoted to their candle making molds. Yours are likely not as expensive or used in the same manner, but if you have a garage or spot in the basement, these are both great places to consider storage. When treated properly, candle making molds can last for years, and that can only spell success for your work.
Most candle making molds are made of one or two materials, plastic and metal. The industry standard is metal because stainless steel accepts changes in temperature without warping over time. This is not to say that all plastic molds are bad, only that extra precaution must be taken. If you choose to buy plastic, look for the sturdiest plastic available. You could mold candles in an ice tray, but the flimsiness of the plastic would pose a problem after several melts. Stainless steel holds up better over time, but they have some extra considerations also.
The most important part of caring for candle making molds is the same thing that you would do when caring for your dishes. It begins with cleanliness. It is imperative that you wash your molds immediately after each use. This prevents excess wax from setting inside the mold, rendering it almost impossible to clean later. It is best to hand wash your molds also. Dishwashers create an enclosed space that has intense heat and moisture that can cause molds, especially plastic to become warped or misshapen. When it comes to stainless, you should wash and dry immediately. While these candle making molds will not rust, water can collect in some of the bends and cracks in the metal, potentially creating problems with candles later.
The second most important part of maintaining candle making molds is storage. If they are plastic, it is crucial that they are stored clean and dry, in a cool place. Never keep them near the stove. Plastic will warp over time anyway; the constant temperature changes will make them lose shape prematurely. This can mean the difference between you being able to make many popular candles consistently or having to do short runs of one particular variety.
When storing metal candle making molds, the critical thing to remember is that they be dry and should be separated by enough space so that they wont be pushed into each other. If you value your stainless steel, they should never be nested inside one another. The risk of bending the mold becomes much greater this way, and can lead to even subtle bends that will be emphasized when the next batch of candles is formed. It may even be wise to pad them with towels as if they are glass. The big manufacturers have closets, and in some, entire rooms devoted to their candle making molds. Yours are likely not as expensive or used in the same manner, but if you have a garage or spot in the basement, these are both great places to consider storage. When treated properly, candle making molds can last for years, and that can only spell success for your work.
