Teach Soap

Ok, I am new to all this. I have done a lot of research, both online and off, and the one topic that is still very muddy to me is the Gel process. Maybe you can help:


Is it necessary for the soap to gel?

If it is necessary, how do you assure the soap gels and what happens if the soap does not gel?

If you don't need the gel, or do not want it, how do you prevent or stop the process?

What if the soap gels only part of the way? How do you tell this and what to do with the soap?

Any other advice would be helpful, I appreciate all the knowledge shared here, it has been a great place to learn the tips and tricks of soaping!

Pam

Welcome!
1. Nope. Not at all.
2. Some people prevent gel by soaping at cooler temperatures and immediately placing the poured soap into the fridge. Usually this will work, but sometimes the soap will go through the gel phase anyway.
3. If the soap goes through a partial gel, that's ok. It's still ok to use. The ungelled areas will most likely be softer than the gelled areas and you may need to wait a bit longer to unmold. Ungelled soap can take up to 3 days to finish saponifying.
4. If you want your soap to gel, you can insulate your mold with a blanket or a couple of towels to lock the heat in. Wood molds also hold the heat better than silicone molds. Another option is to put the mold in a warm oven - just keep an eye on it and take it out once gel has finished so it doesn't overheat.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

It's not necessary for the soap to gel. A gel phase will make for a harder soap earlier on, and usually brighten/darken the colors you added.

If you want to ensure gel phase, you'll need to insulate your soap well by covering it with plastic wrap and a towel. Sometimes it might be necessary to wrap a towel around the outer edges too. Wooden molds usually don't need much insulation to gel.

If you want to prevent gel, you can either put your soap in the fridge/freezer or in front of a fan, uninsulated. You may have to wait longer before cutting though. Not gelling might increase your chances of getting ash on tops of the soap. You can spray the top with 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol, or add beeswax, and/or cover with plastic wrap to help prevent ash.

If your soap only partially gels, it's okay. You will most likely just get a dark circle through the middle of your soap. Not attractive, but not harmful.


Hope that helps!

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Laura<3

I prefer not to gel. It's a matter of personal preference. Some of my soaps gel anyway, despite my efforts not to. Be aware that ungelled soaps take longer to saponify. They can take up to three days before the soaps don't zap.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I am new to soaping as well. My approach is "path of least resistance". So...I pour into the mold. Put it in my "soaping closet" (which is not very deep, more like a bookshelf with doors)...then I say:

"There ya go soap. Gel. Don't gel. See if I care."

But I should add I have no intent of making a business of this so only have to please myself.

And, why yes, I AM aware that talking to inanimate objects MAY be a sign of insanity!!!!!!!!!!!!

ETA: Soaping101 on YouTube has a good video on the gel or not to gel issue.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

April or Linda, have you heard it talk back to you yet??? If so let me know, I am well versed in the names of some meds that could help!

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

Actually no... I visit them all the time but we have never had a conversation. Now, my dog and I have conversations several times a day. And I have talked to the radio, TV and my plants (indoors and grarden). Maybe I'm just afraid of what my soap will say??!!

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!