If you are an experienced candle maker or you have done your research on candle making, you will be familiar with the idea of using soap molds for candle molds and vice versa.
Especially for votive and pillar, they are often used as soap molds.
They can make really good designs for either candles or soaps.
You may also already know that there are several types of candle molds and that they are available in different materials.
You can find metal, rubber or silicone, glass and plastic candle molds.
All of these types can be purchased from any store that sells candle making supplies or candle making kits.
It is also worth noting that this same store probably sells products for soap making.
Alternatively, you can buy candle making kits just sitting in your own home.
You just have to order online and have the seller ship the items to you.
If you are tired of continually buying soap/candle molds from your local crafts stores, you can also re-use and interchange your existing molds to make it more fun and exciting.
This will also save you some money.
Pros in Using Soap/Candle Molds oIn many ways, candle making is similar to soap making.
As wax is poured into the candle mold, a glycerin compound is poured into the soap mold.
Soap molds however, are usually smaller than candle molds.
Another thing, more often than not, colors and scents are added to both candles and soaps.
There are numerous dyes and aromas that you can use and pour in the candle wax mixture or the soap mixture to make both the candles and soaps more appealing and aromatic.
oMolds used for soap making can usually be interchanged with plastic candle molds.
They are usually cheap.
You can find different shapes and sizes for them.
You have probably seen star, flower, fruit, animal or heart-shaped molds.
Plastic molds are perfect when you are just starting out in this craft of candle making, as they are very easy to use.
You also will not have a lot of problems cleaning this mold after candle making.
Cons in Using Soap/Candle Molds oPlastic soap/candle molds however, wear out quickly.
So, if you are planning to be an avid candle maker and you want to do candle making on a regular basis, this type of mold will not be able to last for very long.
You will have to constantly replace your molds.
Plastic candle molds can become brittle after extended use; at which time you will have to buy more expensive molds for your candle making hobby.
Also, it is worth mentioning that a step up from plastic molds is the use of silicone molds that can be used for both soap and candle making.
You can even make custom molds if you use silicone.
You can custom-make these molds yourself or you can ask the manufacturer of the products to make the molds to fit your preferences.
oAs mentioned above, candle/soap molds deteriorate very easily.
So, if you are going to use the molds for both soap making and candle making, the lifespan of the molds will be much shorter.
Most soap molds can be used as candle molds, just make sure that you check for holes before you pour in the candle wax mixture.
Do not overlook this step or you could have a real problem on your hands.
However, it is also important to note that it is advisable to use materials that are intended for their specific use, and try not to mix and match too often.
It will be much safer this way.