New to Cut and carve Candle making

[Ashlee T]

Hello Everyone,

 

I am very very new to cut and carved candles, it is something I have always been interested in starting to do! I have questions!! HAHA.

1) If I don't have silicon molds what should I line my plastic or metal molds with to get the core for my candle out of the mold when it is set? 

2) Do i have to purchase already made cores? Or can i create my own? (Thinking this may be a silly question but you never know unless you ask!)

3) I purchased colored dye cubes and it does not give it that rich color i am looking for, Is the powered pigments a better option?

4) what is the ideal melting point for the wax and color dye? I do 150 degrees and at that point i add the dye but not sure if i should melt all together?

Also, at what temp. should i start my dipping process?

5) Do i need to purchase a white dye, or can i just use the wax its self for a white color?

 

Thank You so much for you help! This is something i have always wanted to do and now that my daughter will be in preschool next year i believe i will actually have time to do some, and hopefully start my business (Later down the road)

[Candybee]

Sadly, our expert cut 'n carve candle expert moved on years ago and never posts anymore. Hopefully someone here now can help you.

[Michellescarvedcandles]

Hi, 

 

I'm also new to candle carving and have made a couple of carved candles myself so I can give you my take on answering these questions

 

1 - so my cut and carve candles by dana Marie Brooks book , totally worth getting by the way, states you can use mould release to get the mould out. All i do is put the whole mould in the freezer for about maybe 15 -20 minutes and it helps the wax separate from the candle and I can pull the candle out

 

2 - up to you, you can purchase already made candle cores or you can make them yourself. Its probably more cost effective if you make the candle core yourself

 

3- you need dye pigments which you can get from specific candle supplies store. If you use cheap stuff made more for normal container candles the colour will not be rich enough for candle carving 

 

4 - each specific wax type has a different melting point. For me my paraffin wax has a melting point of 60-62 degrees. What I do is wait for all the wax to melt and then before I start dipping the candle, I ensure the wax is roughly 70 degrees. I've noticed at 80 degrees Celsius the wax does not stick onto the core candle and it does not turn out great. 

 

5 - no, the wax is a clear coat, you can use it to soften the candle if the candle becomes too hard while your carving it, you can use clear wax for fixing mistakes if needed but no clear wax CANNOT be used as a substitute for white wax. Use either white dye or white titanium oil paint and ensure the white is a strong and bright white.  

 

Hope it helps

Michelle