The Mould Matters More Than You Think
You've got the wax right. Temperature perfect. Fragrance dialled in. But the finished candle looks... off.
Surface bubbles. Rough texture. Wax sticking to the mould. Sometimes the problem isn't your technique. It's the mould.
Signs Your Mould Is the Problem
1. Surface Bubbles That Won't Go Away
If you're getting tiny bubbles on the candle surface no matter how carefully you pour, the mould might be trapping air. Cheap silicone is often too thick or has poor surface quality.
Test: Run your finger inside the mould. Feel any roughness? That's where bubbles form.
2. Wax Won't Release Cleanly
Good silicone moulds flex easily and release wax without force. If you're tugging, twisting, or the wax is tearing - the mould has lost its release properties.
Silicone degrades over time, especially with repeated heating and cooling cycles.
3. Visible Seam Lines
Some seam is inevitable with two-part moulds. But if it's getting worse, the mould halves aren't aligning properly anymore. Silicone stretches with use.
What Causes Mould Problems
Low-quality silicone: Thin walls, poor tear resistance, rough inner surface. You get what you pay for.
Age and wear: Even quality moulds degrade. Expect 50-100 uses from a good mould, fewer from cheap ones.
Wrong wax for the mould: Very hard waxes (high melt point pillars) stress moulds more than softer blends.
Temperature shock: Pouring too hot or cooling too fast can warp silicone permanently.
How to Extend Mould Life
- Store flat, not folded or stacked
- Clean with warm soapy water, not solvents
- Let moulds cool naturally - no freezer tricks
- Pour at the right temperature for your wax
When to Replace
If release is getting harder, bubbles are increasing, or you can see visible wear - it's time. A bad mould wastes more wax than it's worth.
Quality moulds from reputable suppliers cost more upfront but last longer and produce better candles.