reallyrita
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2007
- Messages
- 601
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I want to share this with everyone. I am sure I did not rediscover the wheel here...and maybe I am the last one to figure this out...anyway, here goes:
I have a ton of MilkyWay type molds from my M&P days. I still do make M&P on occasion, but I have been wanting to use these molds for CP for a long time now. I have used them, and I have experimented with different release methods.
My most successful method until NOW has been the addition of some sodium lactate to the recipe and using more hard oils,plus oiling the molds with mineral oil. Worked...kinda. Still had trouble getting a good impression from the molds and releasing cleanly. Added to my difficulties was the fact that I prefer to non gel those indy mold soaps...putting them in the fridge, etc. to stop gel.
I finally found the solution to my problem and I hope this will help some one else out there looking to use those little molds. I bought some dimethicone (DM350) which is used in making lotions and creams. By "oiling" the mold cavities with just a small amount of this stuff, I was able to pour at thin trace, put in freezer for a short time, then fridge for about 10 hours, then, (Get This!) just turn the molds upside down, light pressure on the back of the cavities and out they pop...gorgeous and perfect in detail. There is no evidence of the dimethicone on the soap and the mold cleaned up very easily.
I am using a relatively soft recipe and you know how long ungelled soaps take to harden up. The one precaution I took was to unmold directly onto the cure rack so I would not have to handle the still soft and sticky soap. I was doing the happy dance all around the rack and I now have done 3 batches...goatmilk, lard, swirl ITP and even no water discount. Yippee! It works, guys.
Now I know that food grade silicone should basically do the same thing but you usually have to spray that stuff and it could be hard to control the amount you put on the mold, plus breathing in the vapor, plus it is heavier, plus it is not meant to be eaten or even put on your skin.
I bought 8 ounces of this stuff and it is going to last me a looong time as I just dip my finger in it and smear it around in each cavity. Sorry for the long long story but I am so happy to have found a solution to this without having to change my recipes and I wanted to pass this along to all of you sitting on a supply of those cute little molds. I am sure there are other ways of achieving these results, but this will be the way I go from now on.
I have a ton of MilkyWay type molds from my M&P days. I still do make M&P on occasion, but I have been wanting to use these molds for CP for a long time now. I have used them, and I have experimented with different release methods.
My most successful method until NOW has been the addition of some sodium lactate to the recipe and using more hard oils,plus oiling the molds with mineral oil. Worked...kinda. Still had trouble getting a good impression from the molds and releasing cleanly. Added to my difficulties was the fact that I prefer to non gel those indy mold soaps...putting them in the fridge, etc. to stop gel.
I finally found the solution to my problem and I hope this will help some one else out there looking to use those little molds. I bought some dimethicone (DM350) which is used in making lotions and creams. By "oiling" the mold cavities with just a small amount of this stuff, I was able to pour at thin trace, put in freezer for a short time, then fridge for about 10 hours, then, (Get This!) just turn the molds upside down, light pressure on the back of the cavities and out they pop...gorgeous and perfect in detail. There is no evidence of the dimethicone on the soap and the mold cleaned up very easily.
I am using a relatively soft recipe and you know how long ungelled soaps take to harden up. The one precaution I took was to unmold directly onto the cure rack so I would not have to handle the still soft and sticky soap. I was doing the happy dance all around the rack and I now have done 3 batches...goatmilk, lard, swirl ITP and even no water discount. Yippee! It works, guys.
Now I know that food grade silicone should basically do the same thing but you usually have to spray that stuff and it could be hard to control the amount you put on the mold, plus breathing in the vapor, plus it is heavier, plus it is not meant to be eaten or even put on your skin.
I bought 8 ounces of this stuff and it is going to last me a looong time as I just dip my finger in it and smear it around in each cavity. Sorry for the long long story but I am so happy to have found a solution to this without having to change my recipes and I wanted to pass this along to all of you sitting on a supply of those cute little molds. I am sure there are other ways of achieving these results, but this will be the way I go from now on.
Can't wait to see the pics .
