Teach Soap

My first issue is that no matter what type of melt and pour base I use, it is always turning out very slimy feeling. I've used glycerine, shea, oatmeal, and an organic that I bought from Bramble Berry that contained palm and coconut oils. There seems to always be a film on top of them as if they're dewy. Any suggestions?

Second, I have no issues removing soap from silcone molds. I have some plastic molds that I love but it's much more difficult to remove the soap from these molds. What is the best way to do this to ensure an easy release? I read a Martha Stewart recipe where she suggests Petroleum Jelly...I think she's nuts. That makes it extra slimy!!

Third, I'm having a great time mixing colors but am unable to get rich, deep colors. I've only been able to get them to be bright or pastel. Where can I find the best color and what is the best ingredient to use for coloring organic soap?

Welcome! It is best to limit any additives to your soap to no more then 1 TBS. TOTAL per lb. of base. it's a good idea to spritz the top with alcohol when you are done. If you are having problems releasing the soap from plastic molds, try putting them in the freezer. That should help.

Darker colors can be achieved easier with a clear base. You can add a smidge of black mica to make the color darker. Take a look at BrambleBerry's web site for ideas on color. http://www.brambleberry.com/Colorants-C181.aspx

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

You can also get a lovely rich colour by using micas in clear soap

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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 have used to the alcohol spritz, which works really well for bubbles that may appear from mixing the color. I'll try the mica!! Thanks.

The "slimy" feeling you describe might be the "sweating" that you'll see referred to regularly about melt and pour/ MP is high in glycerin, and that attracts moisture from the air and it condenses on the surface giving that slick look/feel.

I bought an "extra hard" mp base, and I mix it with my regular goat's milk base. It makes the mp harder,l longer lasting, and it takes away that icky feeling on the surface of the bars. They feel a lot more like cp. Not an exact match, but a lot better than plain mp.

But like others mentioned - nothing worse than over-doing it on the additives - then they sit on the surface - total yuk!
Try getting a bit of extra hard base and mix it with regular - you might like it...

Thanks, kat!! Ill try that!!