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Candle making molds give an optional way of making candles, other than hand dipping each and every one. Molds are used for specialty candles, as well as standard round and square ones.

Time was that candles were all hand dipped. To clarify that statement, it is not taking into consideration the ancient candles that were oils poured over hemp or straw and burned in some kind of container. True free standing candles, made from wax, were hand dipped by the Europeans and American colonists.

The process of hand dipping is more taxing than simply pouring wax into a mold. In the old days, it involved a large pot of hot melted wax and a weighted wick. Each wick was lowered into the wax for a brief period of time, pulled up, and held to give the wax time to cool off some, but not completely.

Each time the wick was lowered into the wax it came back out with a little more wax sticking to it. That is, of course, if the process was performed correctly. The dipping and cooling process was continued until the candle was of sufficient diameter to suit the chandler.

Some people devised racks to use for the dipping process so they could make more than one candle at a time. Even so, the process was tiring and repetitive. Believe it or not, some people still like making candles by dipping.

Most assuredly, candles made in molds are more attractive than hand dipped ones, when they are made correctly. A seamless mold should produce a seamless candle. When making candles with a mold, certain important steps must be taken to produce a quality product.

When the wax has melted and is at the recommended temperature, additives are incorporated into the mix for fragrance, color, and hardening. It is crucially important that these additives are mixed properly into the wax. It is better to spend more time than is necessary mixing the wax than to spend too little. When the wax is poured, it will be too late to get the fragrance evenly distributed. Timing and attention are important factors.

The candle mold needs to be coated with an oily film that permits the wax to release easily after it has hardened. After coating the inside of the mold, the wick has to be placed and tied off above the mold to keep it centered throughout the pour.

Just before pouring the wax, it is important to stir one more time to distribute the heat evenly through the wax. When the wax is poured, the wick should be held to keep it from moving away from the center. After the wax hardens, remove the candle from the mold. If you have performed the steps properly, the finished candle should be smooth and free of voids.

Making candles using candle making molds is easier than hand dipping and the results should be seen in more perfect looking candles. Molds require much less time, and over the years candle making methods have improved enough to allow for so much flexibility in the entire process. Keep a candle burning!