Teach Soap

Let me start out by saying "My name is Pam and I am a M&P-aholic" It started out as an innocent hobby and has now taken over my life - I even dream about making soap!! But I do have lots of questions and I hope you guys don't get tired of them. I started reading through all the threads here but haven't gotten very far, and have a question right now that I would love some help with.

When is the best time to add color and fragrance to the soap? Is it ok to add it as soon as it comes out of the microwave or should it cool a little bit? I have read that you should add the fragrance first in case it has a little color to it. But I am not sure how the temperature effects either the color or smell. Also, how will the additives be effected if I have to reheat the soap (because I took too long filling my molds!)

All advice is appreciated.

Pam

So welcome Pam, me I'm PA Mella that's a nick name!

You have come to the right spot for all things M&P!

Do you have a thermometer? That sometimes helps give you a guide when to add and when to pour. Usually when you need to reheat, depending on the amount of product of course, it usually just takes a few seconds to re-liquefy your leftovers. From my experience it hasn't affected the fragrance, maybe even enhanced it a bit. \

As for color I do that first, and in small amounts and build up.

To suspend additives such as ground abrasives I sprinkle them in between layers a light bit of them. You can however incorporate them thru out your soap but then the colors get disturbed.

Really ask all your questions here, someone will have a guide for you. What I have learned here and elsewhere is that experimentation and keeping good notes is part of all solutions!

Have fun soaping, we sure are, and you are welcome to jump in the pool with us !

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~bytheSEAsoap~ Mella bythesea, bythesea, bythebeautiful sea

海の皂

If you have to reheat the MP with any additives already mixed, do it gently. Reheat in short bursts in the micro. When it's almost melted, take it out and stir it the rest of the way til it all melts.

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