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You may wonder how candles are formed into different shapes. The secret lies in the candle molds. Molds are one of the most important materials in candle making. In the process, every type requires a unique mold, like the following.

Types of Molds

• Dipping mold or metal tubing - used in making cylindrical candle.
• Semi-automatic mold - used in vigil candles and esperma.
• Mold made of silicon rubber or plaster of Paris - used in decorative and aroma candles.
• Hand-formed candles - a more recent type of candle making, wherein candles are hand-shaped and molds are passe.

In making aroma candle, tow molds should be prepared. One is the core candle, 3 inches in diameter and the outer candle, 4 inches in diameter.

How to Make Core and Outer Candle Molds

Materials:

• 3 1/2kg plaster of paris for the core candle mold
• 5 kg plaster of paris for the outer candle mold
• 30 pieces modeling clay
• 1 bar perla soap (to serve as separating agent)
• model of mold with a diameter of 4 inches for the outer candle
• model of mold with a diameter of 3 inches for the core candle

Total cost: P 713.15 (based on Dec. 2003 price)

Utensils:

• pentel pen
• knife
• corrugated cardboard
• scissors
• rubber band
• hacksaw blade
• basin
• pail

Total cost: P 986.25 (based on Dec. 2003 price)

Steps in Making the Two Molds

For the core mold:

1. Draw a vertical line across the model. This can be the basis in dividing the mold that is being made.
2. Lay the model on top of a table. The position should render a horizontal line on the model.
3. Put modelling clay on the sides of half the model following the drawn line.
4. Smoothen the modelling clay applied by using a knife. Remove excesses.
5. Leave a one-inch allowance or space measuring from all sides of the model.
6. Cut a cardboard walling and put it around the mold being made. Secure the cardboard with a rubber band to be sure that it is tightly attached to the sides of the model. Add clay n the cardboard walling to strengthen the cardboard’s attachment. Make sure that the top of the cardboard walling is higher than the model.
7. Prepare the plaster. Place 4 1/2 cups of plaster of Paris inside a basin containing 3 cups of water. Allow the plaster to settle in the water for 3 minutes.
8. Stir, in one direction, for about 4 to 6 minutes until a sticky mixture is obtained.
9. Pour the mixture inside the cardboard walling and let it remain there for 4 minutes.
10. Once it hardens, remove the clay and the cardboard walling. Using a hacksaw blade,trim or cut off the first half of the mold by removing the excess plaster.
11. Carve what will serve as locks on the sides of half of the mold. This will serve as linkages to join together the two halves of the mold.
12. Repeat the procedure for the second half of the mold. Pattern the process after that applied on the first half of the mold. Be sure to immerse the first half of the mold inside a pail containing melted Perla soap to act as separating agent.
13. Remove the model and carve underneath the mold a portion for the wick.
14. Clean and smoothen the two molds processed in order to remove any roughness.
15. Submerge the newly made molds inside a pail of water for 2 minutes.

For the outer mold:

The process is the same as that used for the core candle mold. The difference lines only in the size of the model to be used. The proportion in mixing plaster of paris is 9 cups of the plaster in 6 cups of water.

When the second process is completed and the desired product achieve, then the two molds are ready for making aroma candles. The mold can be used for one year.

source: tlrc.gov.ph, photo from hawbay.com.au

Part-1: Aroma Candle Making
Part-2: Making the Mold
Part-3: Making Festive and Spring Candle
Part-4: Making Therapeutic Aroma Candle and Home Fragrance
Part-5: Tips in Candle Making

Related Posts:

• How to Make Your Own Candle (Video)
• Making Festive and Spring Candle
• Tips in Candle Making
• How to Make Dipped Candles
• How to Make Molded and Scented Candle
• Pottery Making Techniques Video
• Making Therapeutic Aroma Candle and Home Fragrance