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lye concentration

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isoap

Post subject: lye concentration

Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 2:17 pm

Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2012 3:33 pm
Posts: 125

What does that mean? I was reading a blog and the writer stated they used 30% lye concentration to avoid some wetness on their bars. Looking over my soapcal sheets, it puts my lye concentration at about 27%.

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AprilPrey

Post subject: Re: lye concentration

Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 2:58 pm

Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2012 6:55 pm
Posts: 504
Location: Lakewood, WA

Lye concentration is the ratio of lye to water.

If you are using SoapCalc, the default is "beginner", weaker lye solution of 27%. The "pros" go as high as 33%. I am a newbie still (24 batches I think). I have found 29% lye solution to be a comfy level for me. Stronger lye solutions can overheat - thus the weaker default on SoapCalc.

If you run your recipe through the Mystic Mountain Sage calc, it will give you a range of lye strengths (water amounts relative to lye) from weakest to strongest.

ETA: the food photos on your blog are MAKING ME HUNGRY!!!!

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soapbuddy

Post subject: Re: lye concentration

Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 3:16 pm

Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:14 pm
Posts: 24336
Location: Mistress Of Lather

Stronger lye solution can accelerate trace. I have not had any overheating issues with a stronger lye solution.

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

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BubbleUp

Post subject: Re: lye concentration

Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 3:25 pm

Joined: Fri Feb 22, 2013 7:43 am
Posts: 29

Outstanding topic. Thank you.

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Michelle

Reminder to Self: "Cut No Soap Before It's Time!"

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isoap

Post subject: Re: lye concentration

Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:35 pm

Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2012 3:33 pm
Posts: 125

why would you want a strong lye solution? Is it necessary to have such a high concentration? is this consider water discount?

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Last edited by isoap on Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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isoap

Post subject: Re: lye concentration

Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:35 pm

Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2012 3:33 pm
Posts: 125

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http://blissfulsoaps.wordpress.com/

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soapbuddy

Post subject: Re: lye concentration

Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2013 9:08 pm

Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:14 pm
Posts: 24336
Location: Mistress Of Lather

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

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