Teach Soap

Ordered some powdered oxides the other day but have never used them before. My only experience with using oxides are the liquid ones from brambleberry. What is a good ratio ( oxide/oil ) that I should start with for decent colors in my soap?

I usually use about 1tsp dispersed in 1 tbsp of oil per pound of soap. You can also disperse oxides and pigments in glycerin as well.

Unless I'm looking for a lighter shade yes I use whole amount .

I'm a bad girl. I pour a bit of glycerin in my plastic 4 cup pitcher (maybe an ounce?) and then I use a good couple of teaspoons worth of mica, depending on how much colored soap I want and how bright. Mix it up and then pour the raw soap into it and mix that up.

If I'm looking to color the entire batch, I simply put it in my oils and stick blend it before adding the lye water.

_________________
~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

I really don't know how much it is since I simply pour a dollop on the bottom of my 4 cup plastic pitcher and you know it spreads out. But it works great.

Interestingly, my copper sparkle mica looks more pink than copper.

Jill

_________________
~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

I can't wait to dabble in mica's. I wasn't happy with the lab colors, I'm hopeful I like mica better!

_________________
Shari

Yes, my copper sparkle mica was from BB and I mixed it with glycerin. It looked coppery in the jar and when mixed, but once soap hit it the color became rosy.

Jill

Weird! Mine is also from BB, but is a bright orange in CP. This is mine in a CP batch:

_________________
~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Very pretty!! I want to try colors and swirls, but I'm scared. Maybe a small batch today. Do the Micas work well with Goat's Milk??

Do the oxides last longer than the lab colors? I keep running out of everything. I realize I'm making a lot of soap, but I'm thinking about using oxides next. Opinions everyone! I'm making CP soap.

Thanks in advance!
Jill

I don't use the lab colors as extensively so I'm not sure if they last longer. Oxides go a long way for me though and they are non-bleeding.

_________________
Linda

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

I like lab colors, but most of them bleed so I rarely use them unless I want a solid color or the bleed will work with my color plan. I use lots of oxides and ultramarines and am just getting into using micas.

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