Teach Soap

Hi everyone, I am new to soap making and getting very dissapointed. Two main problems when trying to do layers:

1- soap is getting a film on top as it cools (very fast) cant let it cool to the recommended temp for layering as too much film sets on top, so when I pour the layers arent nice and smooth, they get clumpy, in clear base it looks like icicles.
2- probably related to first problem, layers dont go to the edge of the mold properly, they leave like half bubbles around the edge of the mold so when you unmold the soap layers arent sharp but all bumpy. To me it looks like it cooling too fast and not liquid enough to make a sharp edge.

Also problems with getting bubbles in clear base so it looks like carbonated water, not a good look. Someone on Yahoo answers recomended using a double boiler and not a microwave but that didnt fix the problem.

I'm in Australia so got the base from Aussie Soap Supplies, which is the only Aussie distributor for Bramble Berry products, but not sure if the base is from BB or thier own. Thinking it is not BB as the fragrances have BB labeling but the base doesnt.

This is the second lot of base that I have bought, the first was from a different supplier but I had the same problems. ARRGH.

Any ideas on what is going wrong? Please anybody

Have seen SFIC recommended as the best as its what BB uses so does anyone know if they have an Aussie distributor?

Many thanks
Tracy

How hot are you heating the soap up to?

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Genny

I had this same issue with a base I purchased at a craft store. Was Stephenson's brand. By the time it was 140*F it was starting to solidify. Annoyed the heck out of me!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Melt the base until it's complete liquid, no clumps. Pour the first layer in right away, while hot. Let it cool, let it start getting hard where you can push a little with your finger and it doesn't go through.

Next melt your other layer and let it cool a little bit, keep stirring it so it doesn't harden up quickly, once it's not steaming and not hardening, pour it on top.

Shouldn't be any problems. Remember to spray with rubbing alcohol between layers and always spray it after you poured it.

I melt my base until it is almost all melted, then I stir it until the last bit is melted. This assures that you're not overheating the soap!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Are you spritzing the bottom later with alcohol, and spraying between all layers?

I would try to get Crafters Choice soaps if possible. I've not had many probs with them other than the non-detergent, all natural bases do tend to be softer and sweat when the weather is hot so I'm staying away from them in hot months.

I personally don't care for Crafter's Choice M & P. IMO SFIC M & P is the best. Brambleberry carries SFIC & is the sponsor of this forum. Spraying alcohol is your best friend when working with M & P. Pouring over a spoon also may help eliminate bubbles when pouring.

I prefer SFIC like BrambleBerry carries. Crafter's Choice or Stephenson's bases feel drying to my skin.

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

I am also an Australian soaper and Aussie Soap Supplies carry bases that are the equal to Bramble Berry's.
It sounds to me like you aren't melting your base enough or are letting it cool too much before pouring. When you melt your first lot it doesn't need to cool at all - just melt, stir in your colour and fragrance and then pour. Spritz with rubbing alcohol and let it form a skin.
THEN melt your second layer. This also needs to be melted thoroughly but you will add your colour and fragrance, stir well and let it cool. The best way to work out if it is the right temperature is to use your little finger - if you can comfortably put your little finger in the soap and leave it there it won't melt the first layer. DON'T plunge your finger in to test - make sure the soap has started cooling before you do this. You then spritz your first layer (which should have a skin formed on it) with rubbing alcohol and then gently pour your second layer. Then spritz again to remove any air bubbles.
As far as bubbles forming in your melted base - a lot of the time this is from over vigorous stirring ... the more you stir, the more air you introduce into your base - hence bubbles! Stir gently and thoroughly. Use a spoon not a whisk as a whisk introduces more bubbles than you will know what to do with!
BEST ADVICE - view the www.soapqueen.tv videos on starting out with M & P and layering ... in fact watch the whole series as you will learn heaps!

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Soaper from Melbourne Australia
Founding member of Melt & Pour Soap Crafters ... find us on Facebook - we'd love to see you!

I made some little soaps for the tops of my energy loaf I plan to make tomorrow. I used the BB bases. I can tell you from experience now that the BB bases are WONDERFUL compared to the Stephenson's ones! They left my hands sooooo soft! I love the BB bases!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

What type of base are you using from Aussie? I have found that the Extra Clear always has little bubbles in it (for me) and the aloe vera always goes kind of like how you have explained with the layers, i cannot get a neat, straight line when i layer aloe vera (and guess who just tomremted herself by doing a 7 layer aloe vera soap the other night d'oh!)

i do not melt in the microwave as i like to be in charge of the melting, but it does help, as mentoned, to not melt it all the way and stir the last bits through. I have actiully just changed soap base suppliers as i find Aussies to be a bit too drying to my skin (though i have had no complaints from customers)

I also find that in my thick walled silicone loaf moulds my soap takes longer to set and gets that film on top very quickly, so perhaps the type of mould you are using affects it in some way??

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Watch out! I have discovered the magical world of CP

"Founding member of Facebook's "Australia & New Zealand Melt & Pour Soapers"