However, not all molds are equal, and understanding the basic differences between the most common types will help ensure that you choose the right ones for your first candle making project. There are literally countless different shapes & physical designs available to the modern-day chandler but they can all usually be broken down to a few different types of materiel that they are made of.

One of the best selling mold materials is plastic. This is often suggested for beginners and those less-committal types that like to put one toe in first to test the water before jumping head first into a new hobby.

Plastic is usually the best candle making mold to start with due to the fact that it is inexpensive and very easy to maintain and clean. Fortunately, the plastic molds can be reused; however the lifespan is not even comparable to other materials, like rubber, latex, or aluminum which means that as you advance in your own candle making you will most likely upgrade your molds to those made of higher quality and longer lasting materials.

Metal has been used for years to create candles. While there are different types of metal candle making molds available, the most popular material in the metal family is aluminum. This lightweight metal has many desirable qualities for making candles. It is easy to store, lasts much longer than plastic molds, and due to its smooth surface it produces candles of exquisite quality that are easily mistaken for professionally made candles.

While metal molds do last longer, they also come with a few trade-offs. The first of which is that, unlike plastic molds, cleanup usually requires more than just soap and water. By lining a cookie baking tray with foil, and placing the aluminum candle making mold on the sheet upside down, the wax will easily melt and drop off in a 150 F degree oven.

If you come to find that you too find making candles at home a relaxing, and enjoyable hobby, you might consider doing this as a part time business. The candle market is a very competitive and desired market. If this is the case, you may want to consider upgrading your equipment to rubber candle making molds.

While rubber molds may be some of the most expensive available, the quality of your final candle product will be impressive. This candle making mold provides you with a seamless form that is void of any lines, bumps, etc. One important tip to remember when working with rubber molds is to ensure that they dry completely after washing before using them again.

Candle making molds are a vital component of making candles, but there are many other important aspects that also need to be considered when first getting into this hobby. These include understanding the various types of candle wax that are available and how to work with each of them, learning how to determine the right size and type of candle wick for your candles, and understanding what types of fragrance and color dyes work best for each type of wax.

Candle making has been a hobby that many have found to be enjoyable and relaxing, and the perfect refuge from a stressful week at work. If candle making is something that you would like to learn more about, a good place to get started is at http://candle-making-at-home.com where you can sign-up for a FREE Introduction to Candle Making at Home Mini Email Course that will provide you with tips and tricks to get up and going in this fun and relaxing hobby.

The first step in understanding how to make gel candles is to understand the ingredients.

All candles are comprised mostly of oil. In the case of the gel candle 95% of its total makeup is mineral oil. The remaining 5% is a polymer resin. By mixing the mineral oil with the powdered resin, a gel like product can be achieved. This final gel result can be achieved in three different forms: low density, medium density, and high density.

High density is the most difficult to work with as it is thick, and much more complicated to pour. While it may be the most difficult of the three, it can also be the more rewarding. Most people when learning how to make gel candles are excited to add dye for color, change the translucency and most of all, place small items in the gel. It is the high density gel wax that is the best for this task.

A common misunderstanding amongst novice candle makers is the difference in how to make gel candles verses wax candles. One of the most significant differences that sets gel apart is the method required for heating it. Gel wax requires a higher temperature to reach its most fluid state and therefore is typically heated differently than the other candle waxes. Unlike the double boiler that is typically used with the more traditional types of candle wax (parafin, soy, beeswax, etc… ), the most common heating container in making gel candles is what is known as a multi-cooker. This tool features a non stick surface and comes with a temperature control knob.

An interesting note here is that gel wax doesn’t make as drastic of a physical change when heating such as traditional wax. Instead, it merely becomes more “fluid”, or syrupy. The optimal temperature to reach its most fluid state will vary depending on the type of gel used and its density but is typically right around 200 degrees F. You will want to check with the manufacturer to find the ideal temperature for the exact gel you are using and it is definitely recommended that you use a thermometer to achieve the best results. When heating your resin and oil, use a metal or hard plastic tool to stir and mix thoroughly. Remember to have a chemical fire extinguisher close, as the oil and chemicals in this mixture are flammable.

A good trick to remember when pouring your gel is to pour it like you would beer. In other words, let the gel pour down the side of the container. This will help prevent any unwanted bubbles. However, if your creative-side deems that bubbles are something you want, a good trick for this is to simply let the gel cool to around 175 degrees F before pouring.

If you are interested in discovering how to make gel candles to begin creating your own beautiful gel candle masterpieces it can certainly be a fun and fulfilling hobby. Between the brilliant, translucent colors that are available and the fact that objects can be embedded in the gel candle itself truly does leave the window wide open to unleash your own creative genius!

This article was provided by Sarah Johnstan. Sarah has been successfully making and selling her own candles professionally for the past decade and has certainly learned a few do’s and don’ts along the way.

If you would like to discover more tips & tricks about how to make gel candles and learn the right way to creatively embed your own items in your gel candles you should visit Sarah’s Candle Making website at http://candle-making-at-home.com and take advantage of the FREE Introductory To Candle Making Mini Email Course she is offering.