You can microwave soap up
to 1 pound on a medium-high setting. Use a microwaveable safe plastic
as other types might break down or even melt. If your microwave does
not have a turntable, watch that you do not heat one side for too
long as the product will heat on one side only with a chance you
can melt the container. (even if it is microwave safe). Read bulk
pouring below for tips paying particular attention to items #9 & #10.
Items you will require for bulk pouring
Pots or a double boiler, thermometer, ladle, rubber spatula for stirring,
glass or plastic pitcher and a scale (optional), isopropal alcohol
in a spray bottle (optional)
1) Find two pots where one will fit inside the other (about a
1.5 gallon or larger, plus a lid), if you have a large double boiler...even
better.
2) Fill the bottom pot with water till the inner pot starts to
float
3) Cut the glycerine slab into pieces, about 8-12 chunks
4) Place chunks into the pot and set your burner to medium
5) Soap will melt in about 1 hour, if you have a thermometer, check
temperature, it should be around 65-70c / 140-160f. Microwaving
will just require a weighed piece.
6) Add colors. You can make them naturally (although these tend
to fade quickly) or order either our Liquid Gel Colors or the Pigment
Set. Test colors by pouring some colored soap in a clear plastic
container, then recommend you wait for it to set for 20-30 minutes
as the colors tend to lighten. You can remelt this sample again,
so its not wasted.
7) Once you are satisfied with the color (and the method is documented)
add fragrance or essential oils, using 2oz and up per slab or 1
teaspoon for 4-4oz bars. Strength will vary on the type of scent,
for example, citrus types require more as the scent burns off a
little when added to the hot soap. If you need fragrance, we have
many available, or a pharmacy or craft store will help.
8) Now you have your color and scent, you have molds ready to
go and a scale to weigh. There are a number of ways to pour the
soap. Ladle it out, although this is a little bit messy. Use a
glass or plastic pitcher, if the soap sets after a while on the
inside, you can microwave for a minute or longer and it will liquefy,
or once done, you can dig it out and melt later.
We have a great secret, its cheap, works and is a simply fabulous
idea, use a coffee urn!! Get a clean 50 cup coffee urn (it doesn't¹t
even have to work!) and run hot, hot tap water through it. Open
the spigot as you run the water and let it flow for a while, this
is the part that will seize up if the soap cools. When it is all
warmed up, pour the soap into it. Now you can pour individual bars
easily. We recommend you don¹t plug it in. Make sure you are
not disturbed during the pouring. If the phone rings and you wait
5 minutes, the spigot will start to solidify. You can try to free
it up, but in all likelihood you will have to dump it back in the
pot and start over, wasting product in the process.
9) Bubbles and blemishes on the surface are common on most soaps.
If this is not appealing to you, try misting a little alcohol right
after you pour EACH soap. The bubbles disappear immediately along
with the alcohol. which it burned off on contact.
10) After setting, if you have trouble releasing soap from molds,
dip them in hot water.
11) All soaps shrink about 8-12%, allow for this shrinkage if you
indicate the weight.
