Teach Soap

After my soap traces and is in the mold I pop it in the oven at 170° until I it gels (I use a silicone mold with 12 squares). When I do this force-gel method I notice that the initial smooth surface turns grainy and bumpy. I was thinking it may be the EO or FO? Is there any way I can prevent this?

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Soapmaiden (Natalie)

It could be bubbles coming up to the surface. Try pouring at a thinner trace. Also try using your stick blender on, then turn off and use it as a manual mixer. Some stick blenders need to be burped CAREFULLY.

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

ROFL at the image of 'burping' a stick blender!

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The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

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

Ok, now I'm confused. To me, you burb at the end. How do you burp at the start?

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The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

Make sure that your container is narrow and high enough that when you put your stick blender in, the bottom portion of the stick blender is completely covered. Then tilt it so any bubbles trapped underneath can escape. It's a good idea to do this occasionally while you are stick blending. Make sure that you do this when the stick blender is turned OFF!

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

Ooooh ok! I've been making small batches in my pot which barely covers the bottom. I think I'll have to live with bubbles while I'm still learning lol!

Good info though!! I will start practicing now (you watch me forget to turn it off first... ) so it becomes a habbit!

_________________
The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

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