Teach Soap

Hello Soapy-San (addressed to any and all CP experts...)

When designing a layered soap, what is the preferred interval between pouring layer #1 and #2? I have read that the #2 layer should be poured after #1 sets up, but before the gel phase.

But, it appears that some layered soaps were done with layer #1 done on one day...and #2 done the next day...when the soap is well past gel, hardened, ect.... In this case, does the #2 layer "stick" to the first layer or not?

ARE there hard and fast rules regarding layering?

I've done them both ways. There's been some times where I've had to wait a day to do the next layer for some reason or another. If that happens, I wipe the hardened layer with a little bit of water about 1/2 an hour before pouring my next layer. Moistening up the dry layer seems to help the layers adhere.

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Genny

Thanks Genny! Some ideas popped into my head regarding "shape forming" layer #1 by pressing/laying objects into it, then removing them once the layer hardens enough to remove them w/out destroying the shape you just made. I'd put a layer of plastic wrap down first.

Say you laid a wooden dowel, 2" in diameter (or plastic pipe - weight might be better), on top of layer #1 (plastic underneath) - the length of a loaf soap mold. If you timed it right, shouldn't you be able to press the dowel into the soap, then remove it leaving an impression shaped like a semi-circle?

Then you could pour #2 over that...and the second color will fill in the impression made by the weight of the dowel or pipe. If this could work...lots of possibilities for objects to use to make that impression on layer #1.

So far, the adage "there is nothing new under the sun" has held up throughout my life. I am sure I am not the FIRST to think of this...anybody know who has done this before? Or DONE it before?

Many years ago now, the first time I made a layered soap, the advice I read said to wait 24 hours between layers. This was too long.

About the time the bars were half-way used up, the layers would separate.

What I've found works best for me is to pour the first layer, then clean up from that batch of soap and promptly make the second, pouring that second layer (or whichever one it is) as soon as it's done.

I haven't had a layered soap separate on me since I started doing it like that.

Anita

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

I don't wait between layers. Get the first layer to medium trace before you pour it. The second layer doesn't need to be beyond light trace unless you are pouring another layer on top of it. You can pour over a spoon to prevent swirling if needed. Of course I'm not trying for perfectly smooth, flat layers!

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

What I've done recently is using the recipe for the swirls and then after you added lye mixture divide it into 2 parts and adding some kind of accelerating agent to the layer that you plan to pour first. Salt, TD, accelerating EO or FO would be the answer here. Still, you will have to give some time (depending on the recipe) for the first layer to set up, but your second layer won't be too hard until that time. It worked for me and layers didn't separate. However, it might work best if you make 2 layered soap.

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I am Lora