First time using my pvc pipe mold!

[CraftyRedhead]

I'm so excited, I got to try my new mold last night! Of course, new mold = new problems..
So I need to work on my pouring technique, but my main worry is the lines left over from the parchment paper I lined the mold with. I tried taping it down, but I can't find a tape that actually sticks to parchment and it seems it slid around a bit. I was excited about the nice smooth round sides from the pvc, but now I have ridges! Any suggestions?
Oh, and I used BB rise and shine, so at least it smells good! Lol

 

[lsg]

When I line a Pringles can, I first grease it up with petroleum jelly. The liner will stick to that and not slide around. You could also invest in one of those thin silicone mats for a liner. You will still probably have a line down the side of the soap where the liner overlaps.

 

[Obsidian]

I don't line my pvc mold but I do grease it with a thin layer of vaseline. It can be a bit tricky to get the soap out but it always comes and no paper marks. I have seen tubular bags made for lining round molds, I'd like to try them some day.

 

[CraftyRedhead]

I thought I had attached a pic! Oops!

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

They are great looking soaps - I don't think that I would be put off by the wrinkles at all.

 

[navigator9]

I think your soaps are lovely, love that shade of pink! I have no experience with using PVC pipe as a mold for round soaps. I've only used Crystal Lite containers, since I've never had a problem with them and never looked elsewhere. If size of the round soap is not an issue, you might want to give them a try, I imagine they are a bit smaller than the PVC pipe. No lining necessary, they come out smooth as glass. With my usual recipe, they slide right out, if I use another recipe and they're stubborn, I put them in the freezer for a bit, then roll them on the counter with the palm of my hand and they slide right out. They really make a great soap mold!

 

[godschild]

Navigator9, Do you rub your Crystal Light containers down with any oil or whatever before pouring?

 

[Todd_in_Minnesota]

Hey RedHead,
When i use my PVC mold, I line it with wax paper. I also spray the inside of the pipe with 'mold release' from a pump bottle i got at a craft supply store. The paper unrolls itself naturally to conform to the inside of the PVC, and the mold-release spray keeps it in place. (I've never experienced any interactions between the mold release solution and my soap... worried about it, but never seen it.)
And... I split my PVC like described here (http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=40355&page=2) for easier removal.
Best luck,
Todd

 

[navigator9]

Navigator9, Do you rub your Crystal Light containers down with any oil or whatever before pouring?

Nope, nothing at all! Here's how I use them....save the lid, and cut the bottom off. I usually stab it with a knife, BE VERY CAREFUL not to cut yourself, it's slippery!!! Then I use heavy duty scissors to cut all the way around. I've also used a serrated knife and a hack saw. This edge will be uneven, so it becomes the top. Put the lid onto the smooth edge, and that becomes the bottom. Reinforce it with a little duct tape, so that if you go to lift it up before the soap sets, you won't have soap all over your counter. You don't want to know how I know this! If your soap gels, it's ready to unmold the next day, but if not, wait until it's ready and it should slide right out, at least my regular recipe does. I don't know if gelling the soap has something to do with how easily it unmolds, since I gel all of my soaps. Sometimes I'll use a recipe that gives me a bit of trouble. If it does, I put it in the freezer, and when I take it out, I roll it on the kitchen counter with the palm of my hand. If it should still be stubborn, I stick a juice glass underneath it and push. But I do that very rarely. I'm telling you, these things make great molds! I hope this makes sense, I'm sick as a dog and on lots of cold meds!!! lol

 

[AF_SOAP]

I always use pvc molds and do not line or grease. i just use a push stick and a flat piece of wood about 1/8 inch less that the diameter of the pvc and it always slides right out. I have to use hot water to get out a little residue but nothing major.

 

[Candybee]

Your soaps look very nice. That's pretty good and looks pretty round to me. If you unmold it while its still soft you can work out any creases in the soap.

I line my mold with freezer wrap. I make sure the smooth edge side is the one on the 'inside' of the wrap where the soap will conform with it. Before I pour my soap in I press the inside around with a wooden dowel to make sure the wrap has filled out the mold so it won't leave any lumps or flat spaces on the finished soap. It works well for me. I may try it without the freezer wrap someday and see if that is better. Just worried the soap will stick and not come out.