Candle Leaky Mold Problem
Troubleshooting Guide

This is a guide for troubleshooting leaky molds. Pick the topic that applies below.

Metal Mold Leaks From Seams
In general, a metal mold that is leaking from the seams is no longer usable.

Silicone Mold Leaks From Seams
Silicone molds seal quite easily with just a few snug rubber bands. It is important to ensure the seams are free of any wax particles or dirt as this will break the seal. Always inspect the seams before use.

Mold Leaks From The Wick Hole
Sealing wick holes drives more candle makers bonkers than probably any other aspect of candle making. Before continuing, it is important to understand that a percentage of molds will leak no matter how carefully you seal the wick holes. Placing your molds in a tray before pouring will help contain the mess and allow recovery of the wax when you get a leaker. There are three basic types of mold sealer:

Mold Sealing With Putty Type Sealers
This is the most popular mold sealing method, although it is very time consuming. If done properly, leaks will be rare. If done improperly leaks will be very common.

1. Clean the bottom of the mold - it must be clean enough to eat off. The slightest bit of wax film can break the seal when the mold heats up.
2. Insert the wick through the wick hole. Approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch of wick is needed.
3. Cover the wick with a small piece of masking tape - this will prevent the putty from staining the wick.
4. Knead out a large piece of putty to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch and a diameter substantially larger than the masking tape. When using putty type sealer we prefer to cover most of the mold bottom.
5. Attach the other end of the wick to a wick bar.
6. Place mold in a pan or tray.

Mold Sealing With Mold Plugs
This is our preferred technique for most production candle making in non magnetic (seamless aluminum) molds. It also works on metal molds. This method is very fast since the mold does not have to be clean, however you will encounter more leaks than with the other techniques.

1. Thread wick through the wick hole.
2. Insert the mold plug. Apply as much pressure as possible.
3. Attach the other end of the wick to a wick bar.
4. Place mold in a pan or tray.

Mold Sealing With Magnetic Sealers
This technique is fast and very leak resistant, however it will only work on magnetic molds (all our metal molds that are not seamless aluminum). Although the molds will require an occasional cleaning, the magnetic properties prevent wax from spreading far from the wick hole (thus keeping the sealing area clean). This is a very fast technique once the mold has been cleaned initially.

1. Check the bottom of the mold - it must be clean enough to eat off. Clean if needed. The slightest bit of wax film can break the seal when the mold heats up.
2. Insert the wick through the wick hole. Approximately 1/2 inch of wick is needed.
3. Position the magnetic sealer centered over the hole. Press down around the edges to ensure a good seal.
4. Attach the other end of the wick to a wick bar.
5. Place mold in a pan or tray.

If this does not help with your problem, please search our knowledgebase. If the answer is not in the knowledgebase, click here to submit your question.

Disclaimer: The information presented here is accurate to the best of my knowledge and common candle making practices as of the time of this writing - January 2006. The author and the publisher accept no liability for the use or misuse of any of the information presented in this article. This article is presented for informational purposes and is used at your own risk.

Author: Bob Sherman

Publisher: Bobby's Craft Boutique Inc.

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