Use Candle Mold Sealer – Avoid A Mess

Just about all candle molds have an opening in the bottom where the wick runs through. Since melted wax is quite liquid, that hole needs to be adequately sealed to make the mold functional. That’s where candle mold sealer comes in – it seals the hole. It’s a simple but very important step. Trust me, once you’ve had a significant mold leak (and most candle makers will at some point) you become very interested in getting a good seal.

There are three main types of sealers: putty, plugs and magnetic. I predominately use putty and plugs.

Candle mold putty is a soft, flexible slightly sticky material that seals the hole by sticking to the mold. As opposed to plugs, a candle maker could also use it to seal a leaky seam in a mold or the joints in a multi-piece mold. The most common use is to seal the wick hole in a mold.

The main reason a mold leaks if you’re using putty is that the outside surface of the mold isn’t completely clean. Even a tiny bit of dirt or oil can keep the putty from adhering properly and will cause a leak.

Probably the most common reason for leak is wax on the outside of the mold. As you might expect, is pretty common for molds to have some wax on them after they’ve been used a few times . If there’s a layer of wax on the mold, it may appear that the putty has adhered well. However, once you pour hot wax into the mold, that thin layer of wax will melt, break the seal and the mold will leak.

The take-home message? Double and triple check to make sure there’s no wax or dirt where you want the putty to stick.

Given a clean mold, using the putty is pretty straightforward. You position the wick in the mold, usually securing it in the bottom with the screw that comes with the mold (although wick screw does a fairly good job of sealing the hole I don’t think it eliminates the need to use putty). With or without a screw, coil a tight spiral of about an inch of wick on the bottom of the mold and apply the putty over it.

Some candle makers to masking tape over the wick to prevent the putty from discoloring it . This is fine as long as the putty goes beyond the tape onto the mold.

Plug candle mold sealers are most commonly used in higher production operations. Plugs have pros and cons when compared with using putty as a sealer. I explain these in some detail at Candle Mold Sealers so stop by there to learn more.

To find some quick candle making instructions and also get access to a free candle making mini course be sure to visit Home Candle Making.

Good luck and have fun making candles!