Coloring!

[Rosalind]

I haven't really tried coloring with any expected results, I usually just throw some in until I think it looks pretty and then see what happens when it cures. I've been asked to make some rich, fall colors (namely, autumn orange, yellow, green and red) and want to know what % color do you add?
Do you like to add titanium dioxide as well? What percent would you use?

 

[JackiK]

I usually go by the recommendations on the bottle/package. I have found, though, that with micas, you don't need to use as much. I made a batch with Rainbow Blue and used the recommended about of 1.5 teaspoons. Way too much. I've got blue bubbles.

I made a batch this morning (3 pound) using 4 grams of TKB Chocolate Raisin and added one teaspoon of 24 karat gold mica. It turned out a beautiful fall brown.

 

[Hazel]

You don't want to add titanium dioxided if you want bright colors. It causes the other colors to be softer or more pastel. Ask me how I know. :roll:

What type of colorants are you using?

 

[Rosalind]

Thanks, I was shopping for colorants after I posted that, and it did suggest an amount

 

[krissy]

i recommend the celestial colors set that is called harvest or something. i love celestial colors and i have most of the harvest set

 

[Rosalind]

I'm using the oxides from Sapphire Blue.

So, titanium dioxide will give me soft, pastel colors? Any tips for getting rich, deep color? Just use more colorant?

 

[JackiK]

I'm using the oxides from Sapphire Blue.

So, titanium dioxide will give me soft, pastel colors? Any tips for getting rich, deep color? Just use more colorant?

Be careful! Too much and it will stain bath linens. I'm afraid one I made recently exudes too much blue.

 

[Guest]

Gelled versus ungelled also matters.

I'd say gelled often makes a deeper colour. Depends on what colorant you use.

 

[soapbuddy]

Just an FYI....if you use too much red, you will get colored bubbles and the soap will bleed; literally. It might be cool for Halloween though.

 

[dcornett]

I agree with soapbuddy, you'll have to watch trying to get a deep red because it will color your rag bad. You might want to try just using the red for the swirl, I do that in 2 of the Fall scents that I do and they turn out real nice...no bleeding.

 

[xyxoxy]

I have tried several times (usually powdered dyes) and have yet to get a red I'm happy with. It either bleeds or discolors to brown. Even tried swirling with no luck.