Cutting and unmolding

[SweetHoneyHandmade]

Do you cut your bars at the same time you unmolded them, or do you wait a bit before cutting?

I’ve just made *my* most beautiful soap yet and I don’t want to ruin it by cutting too early. Here’s the end of the loaf. It’s my first attempt at hanger swirls.

 

[Relle]

I usually wait a day or two before cutting, it all depends how soft it is when you unmould. Mine takes a while to firm up. If you can push your finger in the soap and it leaves a dent, then it's too soft to cut, or if you damage the soap when you pick it up, you'll have to wait. Firm and not sticky. It's just an experience thing, you learn as you go.

 

[dibbles]

I am usually able to cut when I unmold, or within a couple of hours. I gel my soaps and have a wire cutter.

 

[SweetHoneyHandmade]

Well. I should have waited.
I attempted to wire cut into it, and when it didn’t go clean to the bottom I went to grab a knife. As soon as I took a step away, the whole loaf fell off the stove and smooshed it... a little. I still cut it (with a knife this time) and managed to smoosh some of the edges back into place...

It’s beautiful and it smells good (elderflower spritz poptail from Aztec) and I love it and I’m disappointed in myself for my carelessness.

 

[dibbles]

Sorry it fell . It's still really pretty though!

 

[SweetHoneyHandmade]

Sorry it fell . It's still really pretty though!

Thank you!

 

[SunRiseArts]

I think is pretty! I too wait another 12 to 24 hours to cut.

 

[Relle]

You'll know next time to leave it a couple of days to cut. Get it out of the mould, then forget about it. When first making soap I know I was impatient to cut.

 

[KiwiMoose]

Gorgeous swirl and love the colours you've chosen! I'm an impatient wee sausage too when it comes to cutting - especially when you have a lovely swirl that needs exposing. I usually wait about 12 hours after unmolding to cut, but depending on how firm it is, I might cut earlier.

 

[cmzaha]

Your soap looks lovely.
I unmold and cut mine within 8-12 hrs, if I wait any longer than 12 hrs I will break wires on my cutter. I do gel all my soaps.

 

[shunt2011]

I think your swirl looks great. I generally un-mold in about 10-18 hours and then let it sit for a couple more. You'll figure out what works best for your recipe.

 

[Cellador]

Beautiful soap! Sorry for your mishap When I was new to soap making, I could not wait to see my bars, and I'd cut into my loaf against my better judgement. It's all part of the process

 

[SweetHoneyHandmade]

Thank you all so much for your encouragement and sharing your experience. Kiwi - lol impatient wee sausage. Accurate description.

 

[Dawni]

View attachment 37783 Thank you all so much for your encouragement and sharing your experience. Kiwi - lol impatient wee sausage. Accurate description.

They look very pretty in spite of your little mishap. Don't look like anything fell at all

 

[KiwiMoose]

View attachment 37783 Thank you all so much for your encouragement and sharing your experience. Kiwi - lol impatient wee sausage. Accurate description.

Wow! Gorgeous!

 

[Zing]

So purty!! The 2nd photo is even better! Great job. What did you use to color? Really really great job!

 

[SweetHoneyHandmade]

What did you use to color?

I bought micas and molds off a soaper who was destashing. Idk where they’re from, unfortunately

 

[DeeAnna]

If it's soft and dents or gives easily with finger pressure -- like refrigerator-cold cream cheese or brie -- wait for awhile.
If it's firm but yields a little to the touch -- like colby cheese or young cheddar cheese -- cut it soon.
If it's hard like aged cheddar or parmesan, you didn't cut it soon enough.

 

[SweetHoneyHandmade]

If it's soft and dents or gives easily with finger pressure -- like refrigerator-cold cream cheese or brie -- wait for awhile.
If it's firm but yields a little to the touch -- like colby cheese or young cheddar cheese -- cut it soon.
If it's hard like aged cheddar or parmesan, you didn't cut it soon enough.

Very understandable reference and guide, thank you!!

 

[Carl]

My formula has been
Day 1: Cook
Day 2: Un-Mold
Day 3: Cut
then cure.

Seems to be working so far!!