Teach Soap

Im completely new to soap making (never done it before) but very excited for my soap supplies to arrive tomorrow morning. So im trying to study the recipe I want to make but have a few questions about it,

the recipe is:
16 oz of coconut oil
2.8 oz of lye (im using potassium hydroxide)
1 cup of water
Fat/Lye temp about 120 degrees F
Tracing time 1.5 hours
Time in mold: 48 hours

Ok, so is this a suitable recipe for a hand wash soap? Has anyone ever done anything like this before? Can I scent it/colour it, if so, how much fragrance oil/colouring do I add?

Also, when i blend the ingredients does it need to trace before i place it in the mold?

I know its alot of questions but im rearing to go! It seems like a lot of fun!

Potassium hydroxide is used in liquid soap. I doubt you will be able to get it to harden in the mold. You need sodium hydroxide.

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

Oh dear, I was wondering what the difference was when I was ordering! I had better sort that out first, thanks for the fast reply!

You're welcome.

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

soapbuddy is exactly right - that's also a lot of water, and all coconut will make a very cleansing and probably drying bar. And don't plan on 1.5 hours for that to trace, it will be a LOT faster.

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