How to get candle to come out of hard moulds smooth and shiny?

Abbee · Nov 20, 2023

Hi all.
This is a question regarding hard plastic moulds. Some of my moulds, classic uprights and one round, sometimes the candles come out lovely, smooth and shiny and other times, matt, smudged and jumpy (vertical lines).
I can't work out what causes that.
Advise please!

Anduril · Nov 21, 2023

Do you use silicone spray inside the plastic mould?

IGPebble · Nov 21, 2023

The lines are caused by the wax cooling past the setting point briefly as it comes into contact with the side of the moulds.

The best way to alleviate this is to heat the moulds prior to pouring, then pour quickly and consistently in a single motion whilst trying not to hit the sides.

Ensure that you're not pouring too cold as well, you probably want to be between 68.5-70*c.

Abbee · Nov 21, 2023

Anduril said:
Do you use silicone spray inside the plastic mould?

Didn't know there was such a thing.

Abbee · Nov 21, 2023

IGPebble said:
The lines are caused by the wax cooling past the setting point briefly as it comes into contact with the side of the moulds.

The best way to alleviate this is to heat the moulds prior to pouring, then pour quickly and consistently in a single motion whilst trying not to hit the sides.

Ensure that you're not pouring too cold as well, you probably want to be between 68.5-70*c.

Good to know! Thanks

Pembroke · Nov 22, 2023

Abbee said:
Didn't know there was such a thing.

Sometimes called mould release. Loads of people on Ebay sell it. It can also be used on the rubber seal of car doors to stop them icing shut after a hard frost.