Gel phase issues / can't get an even color through out.

by Samantha

I do not have any fancy tools or molds in order to properly insulate my soap, and it appears that it doesnt want to go through the entire gel stage :-/ .

I tried insulating with layers and layers of towels but it did not work. I always get a different color on the outside of my soap and also a white smooth layer on the top of my soap.

Am I maybe letting the soap get to cool before I pour it? I assume there is no way to avoid gel phase all together b/c the chemical reaction causes the mix to heat.

Do you have any suggestions on how to make my soap an even color through out? Your reply would be greatly appreciated :-) !

Answer:

Since you have been unable to achieve a full gel even though you have used many towels, here is my suggestion...

While you are making the soap, have the oven on at it's lowest setting. Just before you pour the soap, turn off the oven.

Once you have poured the soap into your soap mold, wrap it in your towels like a parcel. Make sure that the soap mold has a thick layer of towels on all sides.

Place this soapy package on a cookie sheet and place it in the pre-warmed oven that you turned off. Close the door and leave it alone for 5 or 6 hours.

Hopefully that works for you.

Sometimes drafty or cool locations in a home can cause this annoying partial gel. It used to happen to me quite often in one home I had.

It was a challenge until I started to use wooden soap molds and pre-heated them in the oven. I have also always used wool blankets that I find at the local thrift shops for cheap to insulate the soap with.

You mention above about avoiding the gel phase. It can be done. The key is to slow the saponification process down to a slow crawl. Heat speeds this process up. To avoid a full gel you will need to place the soap in a very cool place. Many people place the soap in the fridge and that seems to work for them.

Good luck,
Cathy