I'm thinking of rebatching for the first time.

[Healinya]

The soap I made last night, had that familiar white chunky look in spots like I've seen on other poster's pictures. And I finally know what the 'zap' feels like too, lol. When I thought it looked ready, I took 1/2c out and colored it, then continued mixing the main pot while I added its own color and fo. The lye crystals are only in the small 1/2 cup colored parts of the soap that I stopped sb'ing first.

So, if I have read correctly, I should add 9oz. of water per 12.oz of soap and stir slowly so no bubbles over a very low heat? Should I let the soap dry first, it's still pretty soft?

I think I've had it with trying to make my own less costly (storebrand)recipes. I'll be visiting columbus foods again soon. I never thought a ruined batch of soap would actually get me depressed, but it really is a drag

 

[Deda]

Oh no! I hate it when I have to rebatch to save my soap. It's ok, when I want to do it for a different look...

When soap is fresh, like yours, you don't need any water. Just shred it up and melt, either in a warm crockpot or in a zippy bag submerged in boiling water. Even if the soap is dry you shouldn't need more than maybe a tsp to a TBSP per pound. Less is better.

Don't let it get to you, consider it all a nice lesson.

 

[carebear]

no no no no no please do not add 9 oz of water to 12 oz of soap!!! that will give you soap soup.

IF your soap is old and dry you might need to add up to 1/4 cup per pound of soap. If your soap is fresh you probably don't need any additional liquid but if it seems to be drying out add it in dribbles.

 

[Healinya]

lol.. it seemed like a lot of water to me too, but that's what I read.. and the only reason it made sense is the water should evaporate as the soap melts. I like the idea of just heating it in a crockpot. So I won't have to stick blend it anymore right? just hand stir?

 

[Deda]

So I won't have to stick blend it anymore right? just hand stir?

That'll do!

 

[pepperi27]

The soap I made last night, had that familiar white chunky look in spots like I've seen on other poster's pictures. And I finally know what the 'zap' feels like too, lol. When I thought it looked ready, I took 1/2c out and colored it, then continued mixing the main pot while I added its own color and fo. The lye crystals are only in the small 1/2 cup colored parts of the soap that I stopped sb'ing first.

So, if I have read correctly, I should add 9oz. of water per 12.oz of soap and stir slowly so no bubbles over a very low heat? Should I let the soap dry first, it's still pretty soft?

I think I've had it with trying to make my own less costly (storebrand)recipes. I'll be visiting columbus foods again soon. I never thought a ruined batch of soap would actually get me depressed, but it really is a drag

Oh no do not follow the instructions from rebatching books because they are wrong. You should only add 1-4tbs of ds water if the base is a few weeks old. If its fresh no water needed. Since you didn't specifically make the soap with a water discount then you shouldn't need to add any water at all maybe just some oil. I have a rebatch tutorial in the photo gallery.

I wouldn't stop just because of one bad batch. If you do want to rebatch its a lot of fun but a lot of work. Well its not anymore for me since I do it all the time.

 

[mandolyn]

I have a rebatch tutorial in the photo gallery.

That's a wonderful tutorial!! Thanks for posting it for us. I have a batch that's been just waiting for me to get up the nerve to rebatch...

 

[Healinya]

I made it last night, in a crock pot. Seemed like I did ok. I did go ahead and stick blend when it was melted, for two reasons. I wanted to see what would happen, and since I swirled it orginally, I wanted to blend the color together. I have to say.. tonight, I will be making a plain unscented soap to rebatch tomorrow. I know I've read about it, but doing it myself I understand now that you're not kidding when you say there's *so* much stuff that you can do with rebatched that you can't do otherwise. The artist in me is now awakening - and I need a camera.. you guys haven't seen a single picture yet.. My kodak easyshare decides to turn itself off 10 seconds after turning on, and I didn't get what I feel was my money's worth out of it, so I have been very stubborn about replacing it. Thanks again for the help and encouragement.