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BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: mgmoore7 on December 20, 2009, 07:36:39 pm

Title: Getting Very Frustrated - Trying to Make Votive Candles
Post by: mgmoore7 on December 20, 2009, 07:36:39 pm
Got the clean wax part down.  I have the aluminum votive molds with the premade wicks.  http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/Metal-15-hr-Votive-Mold/productinfo/544/ (http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/Metal-15-hr-Votive-Mold/productinfo/544/)

My issue is getting them out.  I have tried silicone and tons of it.  Wiping and spraying.  When I do get them out, they are not smooth.  They show where they were stuck to the side at some point. 

What is the trick?

The only thing I can think of that might be throwing it off is the wax I am using.  I am using some darker wax intentionally while trying to figure everything out.   Maybe the lighter (purer) wax would release easier?

I am sure I have waisted at least 20 wicks now.  The wicks are not a real big deal but the time between is getting nuts.  I wanted to have a bunch ready by now for Christmas presents and I have a couple that might be "giftable". 
Title: Re: Getting Very Frustrated - Trying to Make Votive Candles
Post by: Kathyp on December 20, 2009, 07:52:42 pm
two things i have found about making candles.  1. is to get them out before they are cool.  it's a trick to get them out when they are not to warm, but are not to cool.  2. is that a lot of blemishes can be corrected with the application of heat.  you can roll them quickly on a hot pan or apply flame to them to smooth them.  use a pan you don't care about, and again, it's a learning process.
when i have used deeper molds, i have dipped them in boiling water for a few seconds and they slip out smoothly and more cleanly.

or, since you are making your own, consider imperfections part of making things at home and by hand.
Title: Re: Getting Very Frustrated - Trying to Make Votive Candles
Post by: mgmoore7 on December 20, 2009, 09:21:55 pm
kathyp
You know... after I posted this it dawned on me... like alot of other things we make by hand, store bought usually is our reference point and usually machines and perfectly controlled environments allow production of the "perfect" result every time.  Maybe my expectations are a little too high. 

One thing I have learned is that this is a process that takes attention. 

I will keep trying.  I have a few tests going now.  One in a bathroom paper cup after seeing this in a google search.  Another, I am using olive oil to see if that helps with the release.
Title: Re: Getting Very Frustrated - Trying to Make Votive Candles
Post by: Robo on December 20, 2009, 09:52:06 pm
Have you tried putting them in the freezer?  That seems to work for me.
Title: Re: Getting Very Frustrated - Trying to Make Votive Candles
Post by: mgmoore7 on December 20, 2009, 09:58:44 pm
Have you tried putting them in the freezer?  That seems to work for me.

I have read that the frig is ok for a little while but the freezer will cause them to crack.  I guess though that yours aren't cracking if you are doing it. 
Title: Re: Getting Very Frustrated - Trying to Make Votive Candles
Post by: Beaver Dam on December 23, 2009, 10:17:06 pm
When candles solidify put in warm water to alow metal to release the wax from metal- maybe hair drier.
Title: Re: Getting Very Frustrated - Trying to Make Votive Candles
Post by: BjornBee on December 23, 2009, 11:34:06 pm
I've froze many candles, and never had one crack.........  ;)  I could not imagine doing candles without freezing them as I have tried about everything else. And freezing seems the best way.
Title: Re: Getting Very Frustrated - Trying to Make Votive Candles
Post by: mgmoore7 on December 24, 2009, 08:22:27 am
Thanks everyone.  It is getting better.  I have found that turning them upside down after they are solidified and hitting the top of the mold on the edge of the counter and they pop out most of the time.  If not, then I have put them in the freezer and they come out.

Thanks for everyones help.