Crackled soap - TD Glycerin Rivers

[soapobsession]

I have had this Crackled look in my soap off and on for a year. I have made over 1000 square soaps with embeds and soap cakes - it only happens when I add my water soluble TD and iron oxide mixed with oil. I never happens when I just make white TD soap with embeds - I start soaping at 95 degrees and I don't insulate to encourage gelling. I have just learned that this is called Glycerin Rivers and have seen some comments on it, on this forum. I now start soaping at 82 degrees and the soap at its hottest in the next two-four hours after pouring is no more than 115 degrees (I stuck a probe into it) since my soap is not getting to a hot stage, the crackling has stopped - :crazy:

 

[shunt2011]

I soap a room temperature and still get the crackled soap once in awhile. I don't think the temperature is key. I gel my soaps and use oil soluable TD. I think it depends more on the other additives in the batch as well, such as Fragrance, is milk, sugar or honey used etc. I had two do it last week. I just go with it though.

 

[soapobsession]

Glycerin Rivers

I have learned that it is a combination of how well you stir in the TD - in combination with high heat during gel stage. When I soap at 82, the hottest my soap gets during gel is 115 - and I don't get the crackling any more.
Although this has never happened when I just make TD soap - only when I then add another color

I am now stirring more and longer with the TD to incorporate it - I has also been suggested that the water I add to the TD (since mine dissolves in water) could be warm...so it dissolves better - :shock:

 

[Lindy]

I've had it happen and I just go with it because it can look pretty cool!