Teach Soap

I have made two batches of layered CP soap so far. The first attempt appears to have gone pretty well but I'm still waiting for it to cure so we'll see what happens. The second attempt may not have gone so well. I used two fragrances; one for each layer. The fragrance that I picked for the top layer was something I got at a local craft store and I think it may have accelerated trace or something. The bottom layer was poured at a thicker trace and seemed fine. Then I added the fragrance to the top layer and mixed it and it immediately looked like it congealed or something. I poured it on top of the other layer but it wasn't smooth and pretty looking. I checked the temp and it was only 106 degrees.

I unmolded this second batch this morning and the top layer (which was not colored) looked kind of funny. Sort of like gel in certain spots. I wasn't real sure the layers were going to stick to each other very well either. Was the temp too cool when I poured this soap? Or was the congealed thing a result of the fragrance? Even if it doesn't look so pretty, will it still set up and cure okay?

Are there any tricks to layering soap other than to use a thicker trace on the bottom layer and a thin trace on the top layer?
Is it possible to put a thin layer of dried herbs or something in between the two layers? Or would that just make it even harder for the layers to stick together?

Thanks!

Craft store fragrances usually work better for MP soap. It's possible this fragrance is not compatible with CP soap. Adding herbs between the layers will make the layers separate. If I am making layers, I have to make sure that the whole thing gels, so the layers adhere.

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

So how would I make sure the whole thing gels?

And I just thought of another question about layering . . . if I use one recipe for the bottom layer of my soap, and then a different recipe for the top layer of my soap, does that increase the chances that my layers might separate?

I'm referring to more than just a different scent or color for each layer - I'm referring to two different recipes with different sets of oils and ingredients.

Thanks

What temp was your lye and your oils when you combined them?

I would put the soap into a 170 degree (US) oven and leave it there til the whole soap gels. That gives you a better chance for the layers to adhere.

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

Uh - oh . . . that's something new for me (she said, while anxiously biting her nails).

I have a little 1 lb wooden mold as well as a regular metal loaf pan that I line and use for soap. How long do you think it would take and what should I look for to know that I have left it in there long enough?

After I pull it out of the oven, do I go ahead with the rest of the process as usual - such as covering with towels, letting it sit for 24 hours before unmolding, then letting it cure for 4-6 weeks? Or does any of that change?

Do you do this for all your layered soaps? Or only the ones that you think might have a problem with separating?

Thanks!

Nothing to fear here, just preheat your oven to 170 (the lowest it will go) pour your soap in your mold (both layers) and put the mold in the oven. After one hour, turn the oven off and just leave everything alone until morning. Next day, wake up smiling, make yourself some coffee (or tea if you prefer) take the mold out of the oven and cut the soap. Let cure for 3 or 4 weeks. Once cured, lather up and enjoy!

See, that was easy

Hope that helps,

Brandy

PS- you can skip the coffee or tea if you're really in a hurry

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

I love my soap forum buddies

_________________
Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

I just thought of something. I thought I wasn't supposed to add fragrance while my soap mixture was too hot because the fragrance might burn off. What temperature is too hot for fragrance? Won't the fragrance burn off if I put my soap in the oven and heat it to 170 degrees?

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

Do layered soaps always need to be gelled to make them adhere to each other?

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

Oh wow. . . good thing I asked, because I love layered soaps and I plan to make a lot more of them. I bet all my first batches of layered soaps are going to separate then

I'm going to be giving away my first soaps to friends and family soon so that I can get feedback, so I'll ask them to watch for separating. I wonder if they'll separate during the first few uses or if it'll take longer. I guess I'll soon find out.