A few questions about layered CP soap and CP in general...

scrubadubsoap · Feb 22, 2010

Hello soapmakers!

I'm going to attempt my first layered bar tomorrow... and I'm a little apprehensive.

First, If I'm making 2 layers, do I :

1. Use all the ingredients I need to make the batch, split it in two, add the respective herbs and fragrances, pour the first layer, let it set partially and THEN pour the second layer? Will it be warm enough to pour still? Can I reheat it if it's not???

OR

2. Do I split the batch and do one layer at a time. This option doesn't seem to make sense, though because by the time everything cools to the propper temperature when making the second layer, the first layer would be too hard????

I know there is probably a simple answer, and you soap veterans probably think this is a silly question... but I'm a beginner at the CP method!!!

Also, what is the best way to ensure that the layers stick to each other. I know they should when the soap goes through the gell phase, but I've also heard spraying alcohol can help and running a fork through the top of the first layer. Any thoughts?

Thanks again!

sbp · Feb 22, 2010

Hi scrubadub---

Here is my latest layered soap

Here is what I did----

I used my 'tried and true' recipe...added my essential oil to warmed oils, then lye soln to oil (I don't measure temp) At thin trace, I took out about 1/3 of the lightly traced soap, and added the red oxide to it, and the td to the 2/3. Stick blended both to make sure color was even. By this time, and I was working fairly fast--probably 5 min to do color---soap was pourable, not quite pudding like, but close....then poured red gently so as not to mix red into white, then white agian...I did not wait for any setting up, I just kept working.
I have done several layered soaps and have never had an issue with CP layers separating....now M&P is a 'hole other issue---there many people use a pritz of alcohol to get the layer s to stick, but not in CP.

Good luck!! Layering is fun!
Susan

I have never had

scrubadubsoap · Feb 22, 2010

Thank you soooooooo very much! I'll try what you said tomorrow when I make my layered soap. Yes, the soap I have made was melt & pour when I had the layers separate, so now I know it won't be a problem with CP soap.

Thanks again! I love your soap, by the way. It's so pretty!

carebear · Feb 22, 2010

I tend to do only 2 layers, in which case I actually soap each one separately. I pour at thin trace to get smooth, flat layers so it's important that I give the soap time to set up before adding the second layer.

I do make up the lye solutions at the same time, but then I go ahead and soap the first batch and pour it. I clean up pretty well. Then I weigh out and melt my butters, add my liquid oils to cool them, drink a cup of coffee and check my email and stuff, and THEN I go back and soap the second layer and pour it.

gekko62 · Feb 23, 2010

Pouring over the back of a spoon for the 2nd layer(if using 1 batch method) helps keep an even line.I sb the 1st layer so it's further along & has set up a bit by the time I pour the 2nd