From Sketch to Flame: Inside Our Bespoke Candle & Mold Process

Custom molded candles, sculptural soy candles, bespoke silicone molds—made in Croatia, shipped worldwide.

When a candle becomes more than scent and light, it turns into an object that tells your story. At Up Candle Design in Kastav, Croatia, we craft custom molded candles for brands, designers, events, and collectors—from limited runs for brand activations to intricate centerpieces for weddings and premium corporate gifting. Here’s exactly how your idea moves from a sketch… to a steady, beautiful flame.

1) Discovery: Brief, Reference, and Feasibility

We start with your vision:

  • Purpose (launch, event, gifting, retail)

  • Target dimensions (L×W×H) and weight

  • Visual references or a 3D file (STL/OBJ)

  • Desired wax (soy, beeswax, or blend), finish, color palette, and optional scent

  • Quantity, packaging, and timeline

Why it matters: Upfront clarity reduces revisions, speeds up production, and improves burn performance.

2) Concept & 3D Development

Depending on the project, we choose one path—or a hybrid:

  • CAD/CAM modeling for precision and symmetry (logos, product replicas, geometric forms)

  • Digital sculpting for organic, lifelike details (figures, animals, botanicals)

  • Hand-sculpted masters when tactile nuance is key

We review the form for candle engineering: wall thickness, wick channel, symmetry, and stability (so your candle both looks right and burns right).

3) Master Creation: Print, Prep, Perfect

We produce a physical master (often 3D printed, then hand-finished).

  • Sanding, sealing, and edge refinement ensure your candle surface is clean and crisp.

  • Critical features (logos, textures) are enhanced for mold readability and wax flow.

4) Mold Making: Platinum-Cure Silicone for Crisp Detail

We pour platinum-cure silicone around the master to capture micro-detail.

  • Multi-part mold design prevents undercuts from tearing and helps with clean demolding.

  • We add registration keys, vents, and ideal pour/funnel geometry to reduce bubbles and seams.

Result: A durable production mold that delivers consistent replicas at scale.

5) Wax, Wick & Color: Engineered for a Beautiful Burn

Not all wax is equal—and not all shapes burn the same. We fine-tune:

  • Wax choice: premium soy (clean, matte), beeswax (warm, natural), or custom blends for the right hardness and luster.

  • Wick sizing & placement: matched to the volume and cross-section so flames are steady and tunneling is minimized.

6) Prototypes & Burn Tests

We cast test pieces and run controlled burn tests to validate:

  • Flame height and melt pool

  • Wick performance across hours

  • Aesthetics (surface bloom, frosting risk, seam visibility)

  • Scent throw (if applicable)

This is where we solve issues like sinkholes, frosting, or sooting—before full production.

7) Approvals, Packaging & Scale-Up

With your approval:

  • We prepare small-batch or full-run casting (from boutique editions to larger MOQs).

  • Packaging options: minimal kraft, tissue & belly bands, branded boxes, or gift-ready sets.

  • Each piece is quality-checked, trimmed, and polished for a gallery-clean finish.

Timelines & What Affects Them

Typical custom timelines vary by complexity. Factors include:

  • Design complexity & size

  • Mold part count

  • Wax type & color

  • Quantity and packaging

  • Shipping destination

Starting early helps us lock the ideal burn profile and finish for your specific design.

Investment & Cost Drivers

Every custom candle is unique, but costs are usually driven by:

  • Design & modeling (CAD/sculpt time)

  • Master making and finishing

  • Mold making (silicone volume, single vs multi-part)

  • Per-unit casting time (cooling cycles, hand finishing)

  • Packaging and assembly

  • Freight/handling

If you’re budgeting for a campaign or event, we’ll price good/better/best options to fit your goals.

Use Cases We Love

  • Brand/product replicas (e.g., a designer bag, bottle, or logo mark)

  • Event centerpieces & PR kits

  • Retail exclusives and limited editions

  • Wedding favors and ceremonial art pieces

  • Museum/shop collaborations & cultural editions

Care & Burn Tips for Sculptural Candles

  • Trim wick to ~5 mm before each burn.

  • Place on a heat-safe, level surface with a generous melt-catch area.

  • Burn in 2–3 hour sessions to control the melt pool.

  • Keep away from drafts; never leave unattended.

Why Brands Choose Up Candle Design

  • Bespoke craftsmanship: we design and make our own molds in-house for crisp detail and repeatability.

  • Engineering + artistry: every form is optimized to burn beautifully—not just look good in photos.

  • Sustainable mindset: clean wax options, mindful packaging, and small-batch precision.

  • EU-based with worldwide shipping options.

Ready to Start? Here’s Your Quick Brief Checklist

  • Target size (L×W×H) and reference photos (front/side) or STL/OBJ

  • Quantity and target date

  • Wax (soy/beeswax/blend), color, optional scent

  • Packaging preference and any branding (logo, emboss/deboss)

Send your brief via our Contact page and we’ll advise on feasibility, pricing, and the best path from sketch to flame.
→ Contact us

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you make custom silicone molds for clients?
Yes—we design and produce custom platinum-cure silicone molds in-house specifically for candle casting and repeatable results.

Can you replicate a product (like a bag or bottle)?
Yes. With permission from the rights holder, we can model from photos or a 3D file to create a faithful, candle-ready version.

What file formats do you accept?
STL or OBJ are ideal. For brand marks, vector SVG or high-res PDF/AI helps with clean, raised or recessed details.

What’s the minimum order?
MOQs depend on size and complexity. We can quote small runs for launches and larger runs for retail or corporate gifting.

 

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