Candle Mould – Donkey

01 · 70-75 °C, NOT 50-60

At 60 °C beeswax is not even melted

Beeswax melts between 62 and 65 °C, so pouring at 50 or 60 means pouring wax that is still pasty or only just liquid: it arrives thick and stops halfway up the tips of the ears, which is exactly where it has to reach. The working point is 70-75 °C, always below the 85 above which wax darkens.

With other materials the number changes: soy wax, paraffin, plaster or resin each have their own temperature and behaviour. The mould takes them; the figure above is the one for beeswax.

02 · EARS, LEGS AND MUZZLE

Three moves that save the figure

Before pouring: silicone spray inside, above all on the ears, and the mould closed tight with strong bands so it does not open along the seam. The wick goes through and is tensioned before filling.

While pouring: tilt the mould a little so the air leaves by the muzzle and the ears, and tap gently on the base so the wax goes down and the bubbles come up.

When unmoulding: wait for a complete cool, no exceptions. And do not pull on the figure: open the mould by peeling it sideways to free the legs first, and only then push from the base.

03 · BEFORE YOU BUY

A nativity mould that rewards patience.