Difference Between a Pressed & Extruded Candle

Pressed Candles

• Pressed candles are made by a very modern process. Melted wax is atomized, which basically means sprayed very finely. During this part of the process, it cools slightly and forms tiny beads of wax. These beads are fed into molds and pressed into shapes. The wax is almost cool and set by the time it is pressed, even in the middle of the candle's shape. This means that it needs very little time in the mold to harden and take shape, greatly speeding up the production process.

Extruded Candles

• Extruded candles are manufactured by pushing very soft wax through a tube containing the wick. The wax hardens during the process around the wick. A continuous length of candle is pushed out of the end to the extruding machine, which is then cut to the desired length. Different sizes of candles are formed by using different-sized tubes.

Differences

• Both extruded and pressed candles come in various sizes, colors and scents. However, due to the method of manufacture, an extruded candle will be of a uniform shape and size along its length. Pressed candles, because they are formed in molds, can come in any shape imaginable. Novelty candles in the shape of stars or animals are may have been pressed, but any table candle that is not tapered may have been extruded.

Other Candle-Making Methods

• Before candle pressing methods were used, the main way of producing shaped candles was by pouring wax into molds, a method called cast and mold. Tapered candles could be formed by dipping or pouring hot wax until the layers of wax built up a larger candle. Drawing involves pulling a long length of wick continuously through wax, and rolling is used to roll a sheet of wax round a wick.