Pencil Line?

BrewerGeorge · Apr 11, 2017

In my attempt to differentiate among these 16 scent samples with limited mica colors, I'm thinking of just adding different colors of mica lines in the middle of the pour. Maybe stir them in a bit.

My question is how do you evenly distribute the mica across the surface of the soap? It's very clumpy, and I can't think of a way other than to sift it like powdered sugar which seems wasteful.

toxikon · Apr 11, 2017

I believe most folks use these: http://a.co/6FX5GV3

makemineirish · Apr 11, 2017

BrewerGeorge said:
My question is how do you evenly distribute the mica across the surface of the soap? It's very clumpy, and I can't think of a way other than to sift it like powdered sugar which seems wasteful.

That is exactly what I do using this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006C680DU/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I don't find it to be that wasteful as it is small enough to be pretty precise in my sifting. Any excess can be dumped back in my storage jar.

BrewerGeorge · Apr 11, 2017

toxikon said:
I believe most folks use these: http://a.co/6FX5GV3

Ooh! Oo! I've got one of those! Thanks!

earlene · Apr 11, 2017

You can un-clump it before hand using a bit of pressure with either a spoon, or if they are in baggies, just pinch with your fingers.

dibbles · Apr 11, 2017

If you are using individual cavity molds, you can mix a small amount of mica with oil and drizzle it on the top (just a few drops would be enough), and swirl or not as you prefer. The oil will absorb into the soap, leaving the mica behind.

IrishLass · Apr 11, 2017

makemineirish said:
That is exactly what I do using this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006C680DU/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I've got a Spifter, too!

I don't use it for pencil lines, though. After experimenting with all the different fine-mesh sifters/strainers I have in my kitchen arsenal (including the Spifter), I found that the one that I actually liked best for making pencil lines is my 3" fine mesh strainer that came with my Green Power juicer. I get a better, more uniform/even coverage with it over a larger surface area.

makemineirish said:
I don't find it to be that wasteful as it is small enough to be pretty precise in my sifting. Any excess can be dumped back in my storage jar.

That's what I've found, too- that it doesn't take much mica to make a pencil line. I made a 1.3 lb. batch the other day with 2-tiered pencil line in it and it took no more than about 1/4 tsp. of mica. I started with 1 tsp. in the strainer at first, then just dumped the unused amount back into my mica jar.

Also- when I do pencil lines, I set my mold on a length of parchment paper to catch any stray excess mica. Once done making my pencil lines, I use a basting brush to sweep the stray mica into a tiny mound, then fold up the ends of the parchment towards each other and funnel it back into my jar.

IrishLass

Seawolfe · Apr 11, 2017

dibbles said:
If you are using individual cavity molds, you can mix a small amount of mica with oil and drizzle it on the top (just a few drops would be enough), and swirl or not as you prefer. The oil will absorb into the soap, leaving the mica behind.

Or mix with glycerin - either way it looks super pretty, and would serve your purposes as well.

Susie · Apr 11, 2017

I use this sort of sifter:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OXN7AI/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I can dump unused back into the jar.

DeeAnna · Apr 11, 2017

The spifter looks pretty neat, but it seems a little small to me. When I want to dust my soap to make a pencil line, I want to get 'er done. I use a strainer/sifter similar to what Susie and Irish Lass are using -- just a fine mesh strainer about 3" across.

WeaversPort · Apr 11, 2017

I have a sifter similar to what you would use to dust powdered sugar across a dessert. Then I use a spoon or something similar to "tap" it across.

redhead1226 · Apr 11, 2017

I use the same sifter. But dont use too much - I light layer doesnt seem like enough but it is. Too much and your soap will break apart where the line is.

debratant · Apr 11, 2017

I'm cheap, I use a small recycled spice jar with a pantyhose rubberbanded tightly on the top to sift my mica lines. I got this tip years ago on a forum somewhere, and just stuck with it since it works.

lol

WeaversPort · Apr 11, 2017

debratant said:
I'm cheap, I use a small recycled spice jar with a pantyhose rubberbanded tightly on the top to sift my mica lines. I got this tip years ago on a forum somewhere, and just stuck with it since it works.

lol

I think that's a brilliant idea! I may take it to try next batch!

Susie · Apr 11, 2017

I, too, tap on my sifter to make it dust out evenly.

By the way, it is MUCH easier to make a cocoa line than a mica line.

penelopejane · Apr 11, 2017

Or you can just sprinkle a tiny amount of soap confetti on top - different coloured confetti to denote
different fragrances.

Spice · Apr 11, 2017

Where is a good place to get mica? Are micas natural? I have real sensitive skin and a lot of stuff makes it itchy.:-?

Pencil Line?

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