A few Questions.

[luebella]

First, what are these spots? I just noticed them. They look kind of grayish.

Also can I shrink wrap soaps around 2 weeks? Will they still cure? Thanks!

 

[coffeetime]

The spots look like air bubbles to me. I don't shrink wrap, so I'm not an expert, but I wouldn't think you would do it until the bars are fully cured. I would think that the plastic would prevent evaporation.

 

[Susie]

Evaporation of moisture is a necessary part of the curing process. Only MP needs to be wrapped immediately.

 

[IrishLass]

Ditto what Susie said.


IrishLass

 

[dillsandwitch]

I shrink wrap mine only before I gift them. I have found that a few I have wrapped before hand that the soap can still shrink a little and the wrap gets loose and needs to be hit with the heat gun again

 

[ngian]

I agree with all the answers and I writing to add that if you must wrap before a good cure, leave the upper surface unwrapped so as for the evaporation to continue.

 

[Cactuslily]

I just got a shrinkwrap system and asked this very question to the owner. He told me you can shrink wrap as soon as 2 weeks depending upon what material is used for wrapping. PVC? NO Polyolefin? Yes

 

[DeeAnna]

The spots might be air bubbles, but they could also be stearic spots. Pic isn't too clear, so I can't decide. Stearic spots are small bits of slightly harder soap that pop up on the surface of the soap if you cut it with a wire. If you cut with a knife or use a planer to clean up the surface, the spots get sliced off by the blade, but a wire cutter slides around them. Cosmetic issue.

 

[Susie]

I just got a shrinkwrap system and asked this very question to the owner. He told me you can shrink wrap as soon as 2 weeks depending upon what material is used for wrapping. PVC? NO Polyolefin? Yes

Does the owner make soap? If so, did he demonstrate soaps wrapped at various ages?

 

[luebella]

Thanks for the answers!

 

[Cactuslily]

Sorry for the delay Susie,
Yes the owner demonstrates on a video. While he doesn't make soap, many of his customers make soap. He is quite knowledgable of various needs. IF you youtube national shrinkwrap system, you'll see various reviews etc.. Its a great system. Im shrinkwrapping everything from food to soap, to baskets etc..
ETA, I use 60 guage polyolefin. While it can be wrapped as soon as 2 weeks, I typically don't until full cure. This wrap allows for moisture loss which is why you can wrap so soon. IF you speak with him, he will ask if you do M&P, soap with goats milk etc to allow you to use the material that would work best for your needs. I was also given multiple samples of other materials to try.