I have the acyrlic slab mold from soap making resource and originally LOVED it. Now after doing many batches, every batch sticks horribly. I have tried putting it in the freezer for 10mins before unmolding, as well as the oven for 10mins at 170F with no luck. I have tried unmolding earlier as well as later and I am about to lose my mind. The whole reason I bought this mold was so I didn't have to line it. I know it isn't the recipes because I have used the same recipes that didn't stick originally. Any insight, oh wise soap gods and goddesses?
acyrlic slab mold sticking
- Thread starter Jessrof
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Lotus
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Well, I don't know about acrylic, really. I have no idea, and I've never hear of it for soap molds. But, I find that silicone molds are awesome!! I would find a silicone mold. It will give you what you're looking for, as far as not having to line it and stuff. It definitely doesn't hold heat (or insulate) as well as wood, but it's a great mold material. If you actually meant silicone, and not acrylic, that's a different story, which we'll deal with if you should say as much.
Lotus
Well-Known Member
Oh! You can find silicone molds with dividers. Not just made for soap. Look for kitchen silicone things. For instance, my father makes amazing cocktails, every now and then, when I go over there. He makes ice cubes with these divided silicone molds, so they come out easily, and come out like perfect old fashioned ice cubes. Granted, those ones are not going to be the right size, but I HAVE seen soap sized, divided silicone molds. I really do think that the acrylic is your issue, here. Acrylic does have its place in certain areas, but I really don't think soap is it.
Let me know, and I'll try to find a link to where I've seen silicone molds with dividers.
Good luck, by the way.
elizmar2006
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I don't own a acrylic mold for soap but I have used acrylic molds for resin and other things like that. They were not the heavy duty kind or acrylic like the mold you have but I noticed after time the surface would get scratched up or discolored. After a while I could not pop my things out of the molds like I use to. Maybe the issue you are having is something similar? Like the inside has lost it's gloss?
Also I did a quick look up of acrylic molds and saw a few mixed reviews on the one you bought. On one post the person had issues with their soap sticking right after buying. They loved everythin else about it but this. Some people commented they heard of others with the same issue. No one could give a good answer. MOst just said to line it. Which I agree defeats the purpose. The other page had nothing but praise.
One person did suggest contacting Steve to see if he had a solution.
Also I did a quick look up of acrylic molds and saw a few mixed reviews on the one you bought. On one post the person had issues with their soap sticking right after buying. They loved everythin else about it but this. Some people commented they heard of others with the same issue. No one could give a good answer. MOst just said to line it. Which I agree defeats the purpose. The other page had nothing but praise.
One person did suggest contacting Steve to see if he had a solution.
three_little_fishes
Well-Known Member
Oh man. I thought those molds were supposed to be great, Jessrof. I actually almost ordered one the other day. I hope you can find a solution! Have you tried contacting SMR to see if maybe they can troubleshoot with you?
paillo
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I have Soap Making Resource's acrylic loaf mold, and love it, have used it probably a hundred times and don't have a problem with the soap sticking.
Did you by any chance run it through the dishwasher? I did only once, and could immediately tell I'd damaged it, though it was only a slight warp which straightened out with further use. I would think the dishwasher would cause the acrylic to get brittle, lose its gloss, and stick. I always hand-wash mine, and I use silicone molds for individual soaps.
Did you by any chance run it through the dishwasher? I did only once, and could immediately tell I'd damaged it, though it was only a slight warp which straightened out with further use. I would think the dishwasher would cause the acrylic to get brittle, lose its gloss, and stick. I always hand-wash mine, and I use silicone molds for individual soaps.
houseofwool
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What about using mineral oil to grease the mold so it doesn't stick?
Candybee
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Wish I could offer you some helpful advice. I almost bought a couple of those molds but went with the BB slab molds with the dividers instead. Now I think I am glad I did.
meeplesoap
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The container store sells an acrylic restorer spray that has helped my molds. I think they get slowly etched over time by heat, lye, and scrubbing to clean, the restorer fills in all those microscratches. It worked on mine, anyway. 
I had one of those and had the same problem again and again. I finally sold it to someone on their forum who loved them. I now use silicone lined loaf molds. Love then and will never go back. I so have one HDPE Kelsei mold that I do like and doesn't give me near as much headache as the acrylic one did.
