How to avoid ash/ where to by Pigments(cost & Quality)?

[Trussell76]

Hi I am new,
I have done 3 batches so far,
1st (Lavender EO)turned out very nice,
2nd (Orange/ Spearmint EO) & 3rd (Sandalwood/vanilla FO) are ok but have a chalky cheesey texture mainly on the outside, but a little swirled inside as well..
I will upload pics if i can figure out how to...

I understand that this might be what everyone calls "ash", my question is how to avoid/minimized it? Are there certain techniques or temps, insulating etc....? :?:

Question #2 : I want to play with color, pigments, not sure who has the best quality and $price....any suggestions?

Also is it better to add your EO's & FO's to your base oils before you add lye water, or after? I have read different thoughts on this topic... :?:

 

[soapbuddy]

I use beeswax and I don't get ash. TKP Trading has some nice micas for soap. So does BrambleBerry. I always add my fragrances to the cooled off oils.

 

[busymakinsoap!]

Hi Trussell,

I use an alcohol spray for the tops of my soap, its ethyl alcohol. I spray after I have poored and after I have cut. I havnt had ash since I started using it

 

[ctay122]

As far as ash...I will put a piece of saran wrap on top of the soap after it is poured. It will keep ash from forming. But I have found the only soaps I get ash on is castile.

 

[Dragonkaz]

When I use cling wrap I haven't had a problem with ash.

busymakinsoap! - do you spray CP with ethyl alcohol? I bought some ... but still haven't used it.

 

[busymakinsoap!]

When I use cling wrap I haven't had a problem with ash.

busymakinsoap! - do you spray CP with ethyl alcohol? I bought some ... but still haven't used it.

Yep, seems to work. Even sprayed it on some older soap that has ash and it reduced it a bit.

 

[trishwosere]

I use beeswax and I don't get ash. TKP Trading has some nice micas for soap. So does BrambleBerry. I always add my fragrances to the cooled off oils.

I hope you don't mind me asking soapbuddy but (I want to use beeswax in my soaps too) what % of beeswax do you usually add??
many,many thanks
trish