General Instructions for Melt and Pour Soaps
You can melt the base in a double boiler or the microwave. If you choose the microwave, method make sure you cover the bowl Saran Wrap to keep the excess moisture from evaporating out. Simply melt the base on high for one minute and stir the remaining, unmelted pieces in. If you use a double-boiler, simply bring the water to boil, add your melt and pour, cover, turn the heat on low and walk away. Check on the base periodically.
When adding fragrance oil, add it after the base is fully melted. Stir until the fragrance is fully incorporated and the base doesn't look "cloudy." Start with .25 ounce per pound of base and work up or down from there. You can also use essential oils
If you wish to add colorant, add the color when the base is melting. Just throw in 1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon mica (mica pearl color flakes that add shimmer to soap making projects. Ideal for a "snow" effect) with the melting base and stir it in really well. Spray any "mica bubbles" that form on the top with rubbing alcohol. If using food coloring simply put in 1 drop at a time to your melted base and color to preference. Too much can stain hands and towels, so be careful
Pour into molds and spray the top with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any excess bubbles.
Melt and Pours soaps can be poured into individual molds or one large block, such as a loaf pan and slice.
Tips: Once the soap as started to setup and there is no chance of spillage, place molds in freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, remove and let sit for 5 minutes. The soap will release from the mold very easily. Cover your soap immediately once it has been removed from the mold(s) with a plastic wrap or cellophane bag.
Melt and Pours soaps can be poured into individual molds or one large block, such as a loaf pan and slice.
For beginner soap makers pure soap flakes available in the laundry section of your supermarket are available instead of Melt and Pour soaps. However, I would recommend using a recipe that contains some moisturizing oils as pure soap flakes can be harsh on the skin This will reduce costs when first starting this wonderful craft.
Tools Needed:
Wooden spoon for stirring
Molds - almost anything will work, plastic, loaf pans, jello tins, etc, Use your imagination on this to create unique soaps.
Never use aluminum when making your soap.
Always use enamel, stainless steel, or iron to make your soap in.
Never allow your curing soap to sit in a drafty area. It will be hard and flinty.
Make sure your soap molds for Homemade Soap Recipes are 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick
If too thin, soap will curl
If too thick, soap is hard to handle for cutting.
