Newbie Candle Maker: Advice Please

[Bubble&Squeak]

Hi all,

I tried making candles when I was a teenager and I had some problems with the plastic moulds: I used to oil them, but the candles always came out with small blemishes where they had stuck. I am thinking of starting to make them again, and have recently seen metal moulds that I think would be easier to get blemish-free candles from a metal mould as you could chill them and they would contract more easily.

At least that's the theory. What do you all think?

Also, I remember I could only ever find poor quality plaited wicks, never the nice waxy ones that professional candlemakers use. I think I can get them online now, but are there any better ones you can think of, or are they best type?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Relle]

Have a look at this site it might help you with your questions.

www.candlescience.com

 

[carebear]

chilling candles is risky as the candles get (temporarily) more brittle and can crack.

instead, use a mold release periodically. and yea, metal molds are good for pillars.

 

[Bubble&Squeak]

Thanks guys...will take a peek asap.