Teach Soap

Hello, I'm new to soapmaking. I have an order on the way from BB and can't wait to get started.

I love CP soaps but I'm afraid to try that just yet

Question... can I pour melt and pour into a wooden crate lined with plastic and slice it when it hardens like CP makers do? Or do I have to use a mold?

My next question is how much fragrance oil (I ordered Energy) should I use in each:
LCP soap base per lb. or oz?
Goatmilk MP Base?

Both of these are what I would like to pour & slice. I love the rugged sliced look and didn't order molds. Please tell me I can do this *fingers crossed*

Thanks so much for your time!!

If the plastic is rigid, then yes. Otherwise the soap will run all over the place as it's a liquid til it cools off. See if you can find a plastic container of some sort that you might have at home to pour into. After it's solid you can cut it any way you like.

I would suggest that you get a scale. Use about 0.4 oz. per 1 lb. of soap base. Energy is lovely and strong.

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

Thanks for the quick response!

You're welcome!

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

If you are looking for something to try loaf molds in, I found food storage containers at Wal-Mart. They are the Wal-Mart brand, 5 cup size, under $3.00 for four. Good thing to try out before you spring for the more expensive loaf molds.

They also had little shot glass like things that measures tsp/tbs, ounces and such, too (with the measuring cups). Love those for measuring fragrance oils!

_________________
Robin

Flickr page:
FaceBook fan page:
pamperedescapes.blogspot.com

Thanks for the tips!

I wasn't sure if MP was safe to cut like CP or if it would crumble and flake when the knife goes through it.

Does MP cure just like CP? Is it soft for a week or two before it hardens completely?

MP does not need to cure. It's ready to go as soon as it hardens. It shouldn't crumble when you cut it.

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

_________________
My Soap Box, LLC
Dawn Dering

If you are making just a few soaps here and there a pipette works. Just keep it on the light side. Too much FO could cause skin irritation.

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

When MP is hardened, is it the same consistency as CP?

Is it okay to pour MP in a deep loaf mold? I'm wondering how long it would take to harden?

You guys are great for answering so many questions!

I have a plastic loaf container and thought I'd try using my wooden loaf lined with a plastic bag. Is that okay?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the goatmilk MP won't sweat and feel oily.
I have some soap I bought from someone on Etsy that is slimy and wet right after taking it out of the plastic wrap. I'm not sure where their soap base came from or what type of base it is. Its been a while. Is this the reason that a lot of people prefer CP? I'm just wondering because I was looking at some of the show and tell pictures here and see that some beautiful soaps are made with MP. I do prefer dry soap though. I had envisioned MP to produce soaps that are dry like those little fish, shells, etc. that you put in your bathroom. Not something that had to be wrapped. Was I wrong on this?

If the wooden mold is not too big, it should work ok.
As far as the guest soaps that you see in some people's bathrooms, those are most likely syndet (synthetic) bars made in a large factory that has an extruder. Unless it's very humid where you are, no MP soap base should feel wet or slimey at room temp. It might do that though, if you put the MP in the freezer to help it unmold. That should go away though.

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

I'm going to have to be sure to stay away from the freezer lol.

If I pour it in a plastic grocery bag inside the mold, I should be able to peel away the bag when its hardened. I like the crumpled outsides

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

Thanks in advance for that tip

I'm sure I'll have lots more questions come this weekend. My order is supposed to be here by the 23rd and I can't wait to dive in.