INSTRUCTION FOR MOULDS

Plexiglass:

Plexiglass moulds are :

- pressed
- transparent
- breakable
- heat-resistant up to 80°C (176°F)
- match perfectly

A Plexiglass mould is easy to work with. Ist transparency offers the advantage that one can see when the Couverture has shrunk and detached itself from the mould. If replacement are needed, perfectly matching and fitting Plexiglass moulds are available.

Because of their low heat resistance, these moulds must be very carefully washed. Cleaning Plexiglass moulds in a dishwasher is not recommended.

Makrolon:

Makrolon moulds are :

- manufactured using a ,,spray" process
- transparent
- unbreakable
- heat-resistant up to 130°C (266°F)
- have a perfect fit

These moulds are as easy to work with as those made of Plexiglass. The difference is that Makrolon is unbreakable and has a higher heat-resistance.

Caring for the moulds:

In addition to perfectly tempered Couverture, the use of CLEAN moulds is an absolute must in order to create flawless products.
The moulds should be washed with commercial dishwashing soap and rinsed in clear water. For Plexiglass the water temperature must be checked before.
The moulds must be dried immediately. They cannot be allowed to dry slowly because water- and calcium spots will form. Those spots are hard to remove and may show up as imprints on the chocolate figure.

Pouring:

If fine detail is to be added to the figures in a different Couverture this must be done before pouring out the mould. Using a paintbrush or piping bag decorate the eye or body of an easter bunny in the mould. Having completed the fine detail work, the two halves of the mould are then clipped together and filled with Couverture.
As soon as the Couverture begins to get firm, clean off the edges with a spatula. Large moulds may have to be filled a second time.

Making bases for the figures:

If figures require a base, spread a thin layer of Couverture onto a paper and stand the figure in it.
Allow to set in the refridgerator. The cool temperature causes the Couverture to shrink away from the mould.

Removing the Clips:

Remove the clips after about 10 minutes. This will prevent tension to develop which might cause the figure to crack or breack.
Remove the figure from the mould after approx. 30 minutes.
Should the mould be required for further use bring back up to room temperature before commencing.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR POURING HOLLOW DOUBLE MOULDS

Moulds :

Metal
Plexiglass
Makrolon

Directions for washing:

- use liquid soap
- rinse with clear water
- dry immediately to prevent water spots

Couvertures:

IVOIRE = white
LUMIERE = extra light
DES ALPES = light
BOURBON = dark (50%)
ONYX = dark (60%)
EDELBITTER = dark (70%) 

Couverture for moulding contains 2% more cocoa butter than regular Couverture. It is, therefore, perfectly tempered and shrinks better. 
Basically all CARMA Couvertures can be used for moulding.

Working temperature :

The ideal room temperature should be 20°C (68°F)

Step by step  :

1. PREPARATION FOR FILLING
Brush the inside of the mould from top to bottom with tempered Couverture. Whipe the edges carefully. This ensures a consistenly smooth surface. 1 

2. CLIPPING
After cleaning the seams clip together the two halves of the mould. 2

3. POURING
Fill the mould with tempered Couverture. Once the mould has been filled, tap lightly on the edge of the mould with a wooden spoon or similar object. This ensures that any air bubbles burst.  3

4. DRYING
Place the mould on a wire to drain. Move the mould back-and-forth over the rack to remove the drops from the rack.  4

5. CLEANING BOTTOM
Remove excess Couverture from mould using a metal scraper.  5

6. SET BOTTOM
If figures require a base, spread a thin layer of Couverture onto paper and stand the figure in it. Allow to set.  6

7. COOLING DOWN
Detach clips. Allow to set in the refridgerator. The cool temperature 6°C, causes the Couverture to shrink away from the mould. Remove excess Couverture after cooling down.  7

8. REMOVING
Be careful not to open before the Couverture has set throughly. It can break easely. One hour after opening the mould you can remove the seams by using carefully a small knife.
We let the figure sit for an hour so to dissapate all static electricity that might be present.   8

9. DECORATING
Now it is ready for decorations like ribbons, bells, sugar, etc.

10. PACKING
The package should be included in the production process, a foreign aroma can be the worst enemy of a soft Couverture taste.  9

11. STORAGE
Ideal condition are a constant room temperature of 15°-18°C and a relative humidity of 55 ­ 65% in a dark oderless, dust free room.