Help with ombre, please

[grumpy_owl]

Dagnabbit. Is there a way to get very even layers in an ombre? Or should I end-run around the issue by using a bleeding colorant? Are pigments bleeders? I used BB Queen's Purple mica and traced it very thick, but got wavy lumps throughout. Too thin and the layers break through.

This is my Grimoire, scented with champagne and blackberry sage. I haven't cleaned it up because I was so mad at it.

 

[toxikon]

If you have the patience for it, you can guarantee smooth straight layers by pouring each layer at a liquidy trace then allowing it to sit for a while to harden up before pouring the next layer.

Let's say you want 5 layers - you'd divide your RT lye solution equally into 5 containers. And you'd melt all your oils together and divide those equally into 5 containers.

Blend Lye Solution #1 and Oils #1 to emulsion, colour, and pour. Give it an hour or so to harden up.

Then rinse and repeat 4 more times. You'll probably need to reheat your oils between layers to prevent false trace.

 

[grumpy_owl]

Oh, wow. Thank you, toxikon! So basically I'd be making 5 batches of soap, one at a time, to avoid the "resting" batter thickening up while I wait for the first to get thick in the mold. Sounds like math but I'll try it. I will beat this thing!

 

[toxikon]

Oh, wow. Thank you, toxikon! So basically I'd be making 5 batches of soap, one at a time, to avoid the "resting" batter thickening up while I wait for the first to get thick in the mold. Sounds like math but I'll try it. I will beat this thing!

Some people have success just veeeery carefully pouring each layer with a spatula to "break the fall" (like so). But getting the right consistency is quite tricky.

Dividing into mini-batches and giving each layer some time to harden up is the easier - although more time-consuming - method.

 

[Steve85569]

And the other method is to use an FO that accelerates.
Make the soap and at thin trace divide into "x" number of parts. Color. Add the FO to the layer you are pouring only. Wait for the layer to set. Repeat for each layer.

 

[BrewerGeorge]

Some people have success just veeeery carefully pouring each layer with a spatula to "break the fall" ...

I bought a spatula with a bend like you'd use for turning pancakes or eggs. That puts the surface of the spatula parallel to the surface of the soap, and very close, as you pour.

And the other method is to use an FO that accelerates.
Make the soap and at thin trace divide into "x" number of parts. Color. Add the FO to the layer you are pouring only. Wait for the layer to set. Repeat for each layer.

Genius!

 

[grumpy_owl]

Both great ideas, thank you! I try to get my spatula close to the surface of the soap but it knocks against the sides of the molds or is up too high or otherwise unmanageable.

I'll try an accelerating FO rather than tracing to pudding. Jasmine ought to send the batter into hyperspeed.

If that fails, I guess I have to experiment with Lab Colors.

 

[BrewerGeorge]

Both great ideas, thank you! I try to get my spatula close to the surface of the soap but it knocks against the sides of the molds or is up too high or otherwise unmanageable.

...

All my soaping utensils are green and dedicated to soap, so I got a green nylon spatula and cut the edges off with a box knife and straight edge until it fit properly in the mold - lengthwise. With the spatula in my left hand and a long-spouted cup of batter in the right, I'm good up to where the back of the spatula hits the far side of the mold. Then I spin the mold around (on a cake turntable) and get the other side.

 

[earlene]

I love the idea of the bent spatula! I will be on the lookout for one to dedicate to my soaping supplies.

Another method suggested to me that seemed to work as well: Put the mold with each layer into the oven for a few minutes to speed up set-up time. I tried it with one my my layer soaps and it seemed to help. But I like the accelerating FO idea and the bent spatula plan also.

The cake turntable is a great idea also. Not only does it have the Lazy Susan component to it (I already have a perfectly good Lazy Susan to use) but it lifts the mold higher, which would be very useful so as not to have to bend over quite so much.

 

[dibbles]

I've used both an accelerating FO and splitting the lye solution/oils into mini batches and both methods work well. Good luck!

 

[newbie]

I've used the split batch method, the accelerating FO method and also freezing each layer. For freezing, you can use the split method with it of course, or you would have to have a recipe that stays open for long enough that you can get each thin layer cold enough to be solid. Requires the space in the freezer to be flat, or set solidly at the tilt you want. During the winter, if it's cold enough, you use the great outdoors.

 

[ibct1969]

You might be cranky with it, but it is GORGEOUS! I love it.

 

[grumpy_owl]

Thank you, ibct1969! That's helpful to hear. Here's a better pic. I cleaned up the ash. Aw, geez. I don't know why it's opening on its side. The pic is fine on my desktop.

 

[Cindy2428]

I love the look of those - much more natural with the gentle waves

 

[Nao]

For what it's worth I think your soap is really pretty, would have been totally happy with it if it were mine!

 

[penelopejane]

I love the look of those - much more natural with the gentle waves

I agree. I think the perfect straight layers are a bit controlled looking for soap. I've made both and prefer the relaxed look but it's a personal preference thing I guess.

 

[earlene]

Still, it's nice to be able to perfect the technique. So I understand the desire to make them perfectly straight. For angled stripes, I think the perfectly flat transition looks best.

 

[toxikon]

Definitely personal preference - I happen to loooove geometric and clean-line soap. Maybe because I'm a graphic designer, hah!

 

[penelopejane]

Definitely personal preference - I happen to loooove geometric and clean-line soap. Maybe because I'm a graphic designer, hah!

I'm an architect but I'm trying to embrace the natural randomness of soap and release my need for control. It sure is a learning experience!