Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Some shallow molds don't need the slit—you can simply push out the finished candle.
These easy-to-use and fairly long-lived molds are great for beginners.
When making candles, lotions, potions, creams, and balms, use the cleanest wax you
have. Twice-filtered is my recommendation. It must be clean and free of debris, pollen,
and more.
Use the double-boiler techniques previously described (page 146) to melt the wax,
for remelting or the second cleaning. If for a remelt you may want to use something
made for pouring, maybe an old enameled or aluminum coffee pot. If for the second
cleaning, melt in one of the original pots, and pour into the coffee pot or other container.
Pour it through a filter again for the second cleaning. This wax is then ready to be made
into candles, lotions, or other products.
A huge selection of molds is available for making candles for every taste and occasion.
While the wax is warming, prepare your mold and wick. Most polyurethane molds
don't need a spray of mold release—you'll learn if yours does or not. (Check the in-
structions that came with your mold.) String the wick up through the bottom of the
mold. You may need to push it through with a nail, wire, or hooked needle made espe-
cially for this purpose. Pull up the wick and attach it to a support. A large bobby pin
works well. Secure the wick in the very center and pull it taut. Wax probably won't leak,
but protect the surface the first time if you're not sure. The opening of the mold will be
the unseen bottom of the candle, so the finish isn't critical, but it can be easily repaired
if it turns out uneven or unsightly.
When the cleaned wax is just melted, it's cool enough to pour. First place the mold
on a small tray or other covering. Slowly fill the mold, avoiding splashes and bubbles
in the wax. The slower the wax cools, the less likely the candle is to be deformed or to
crack. If, after the wax has cooled, the bottom recedes, gently refill the mold and cool
again.
When completely cool—about a day at average room temperature—untie the wick
and carefully remove the candle. Don't be in a hurry, especially if you are using an in-
tricate mold with lots of detail. Remove any rubber bands used to hold the mold togeth-
er, and gently pull back the sides of the mold, exposing the cooled candle.
