Help! Mica painting on Gingerbread Men CP is rubbing off

[CleanHandsPureHeart]

I've never painted my cold process soap before. I used Mica and denatured alcohol. Is there a trick to making it stay put? (of course, it's going to wash off first use, but I don't want it just rubbing off in their little Christmas organza bag) Thanks so much for any help, Dori

 

[Mobjack Bay]

Try steaming the bars. If you don’t have a steamer, you might get away with a burst of steam from an iron.

 

[Humblegoat]

I've never painted my cold process soap before. I used Mica and denatured alcohol. Is there a trick to making it stay put? (of course, it's going to wash off first use, but I don't want it just rubbing off in their little Christmas organza bag) Thanks so much for any help, Dori

I decorate my soaps with mica powder. I paint the powder on dry. After I unmold there is a sweet spot to apply the powder dry. Usually a day after unmolding, if the powder clumps up, wait awhile longer. Use a dry brush. Then I cure. After cure I steam. That seems to keep the mica powder from transferring to your fingers. Usually lasts thru several washes. I tried blending with alcohol but didn’t like it.

 

[CleanHandsPureHeart]

Try steaming the bars. If you don’t have a steamer, you might get away with a burst of steam from an iron.

I do have a steamer, thank you, I'll try!!

I decorate my soaps with mica powder. I paint the powder on dry. After I unmold there is a sweet spot to apply the powder dry. Usually a day after unmolding, if the powder clumps up, wait awhile longer. Use a dry brush. Then I cure. After cure I steam. That seems to keep the mica powder from transferring to your fingers. Usually lasts thru several washes. I tried blending with alcohol but didn’t like it.

Oh, wow! Didn't know that was an option. I'll try that. Your soaps are beautiful <3

 

[CleanHandsPureHeart]

Try steaming the bars. If you don’t have a steamer, you might get away with a burst of steam from an iron.

I do have a steamer, thanks! I'll try that and painting dry with the mica and then steaming, as also suggested. Appreciate your input.

 

[Humblegoat]

@CleanHandsPureHeart how did that method work for you? I don’t know if steaming right after painting or after cure makes a difference?

 

[squidstings]

Pure curiosity. Out of pure ignorance, can you decorate a HP/CP soap with M&P? Will the Melt adhere?

 

[Phantomina]

Pure curiosity. Out of pure ignorance, can you decorate a HP/CP soap with M&P? Will the Melt adhere?

I do that sometimes. Doesn't melt and looks awesome. I also did it for some bath bombs.

 

[squidstings]

I do that sometimes. Doesn't melt and looks awesome. I also did it for some bath bombs.

might sound absurd and pointless. Maybe I just didn't read enough of the other thread. Can you saponify around a M&P core? CP only I think. Just wondering about a way to some pretty intricate inlays. Wandering mind is all

 

[CleanHandsPureHeart]

@CleanHandsPureHeart how did that method work for you? I don’t know if steaming right after painting or after cure makes a difference?

haven't had to paint since the gingerbread men (I'm on salt bars right now) but I'll keep y'all posted as soon as I try. Thanks again for your help.