Is this partial gel?

[Jessrof]

This is my GM soap from last night. I went super slow when mixing my milk slush and lye and soaped around 80degrees. i put the mold immediately in the fridge. The top and bottom look perfectly colored and creamy, there are just patches of darker soap on each side.

 

[lsg]

I would say yes, it looks like partial gel to me. I have better luck when I use individual molds with milk soaps. The soap cools much faster in them and I don't get partial gel. With a log mold or slab mold, I sometimes get partial gel, even when refrigerated. Next time, try keeping the mold in the freezer for several hours.

 

[Jessrof]

Ugh.... the top is soooo pretty. I am so confused. I thought gelling started from the center and worked its way out. I will try to unmold tonight, seeing as this is way harder than the beer soap. Can I rebatch milk soap?

 

[chicklet]

How long did you leave them in the fridge?

 

[lsg]

Did you use a fragrance oil with vanilla content? That will discolor, but it usually is evenly discolored all the way through. I would just use the soap the way it is. It really is a lovely soap.

 

[misskat22]

You can still use it, it's just a colour difference. Just make sure you check it to make sure it doesn't zap.

 

[marghewitt]

It looks like an air gap between the soap and mold to me. Have you unmolded it yet to see if it is still there?

 

[Jessrof]

I left it in the fridge from 8pm last night til 8 this am. Haven't unmolded yet because I am making myself wait 24hrs. I thought it was an airbubble too but after further inspection don't think thats the case. I used a fragrance that is known to discolor to tan and made sure to mix really well. I will update once I unmold, which will prob be soon. I will prob still use it, just not give it as gifts as it was originally intended for.

 

[Jessrof]

Well it is definitely gelling... I went to check on it and came to this

Is there any way I can help it gel all the way through? Should I put it in the oven? Cover in towels? Or just leave it be?

 

[100%Natural]

I would try wrapping it in towels and seeing if it will finish gelling or you can pop it into a 170 degree oven and finish it by CPOP. You've got nothing to lose at this point! I have that mold and love it for milk soaps!

 

[chicklet]

I've had milk soap heat back up even after being in the fridge a full 24 hours, but that's a log mold and/or PVC. I guess the acrylic slab mold does the same! Your soap is a very pretty color and, even if it doesn't gel all the way thru, I'm sure your friends/family will love it. If it ends up with partial gel they'll ask you how you got such a neat look!

 

[Jessrof]

I covered with a quilt in our warm bathroom and am making myself wait til tomorrow to check it. Thanks for the replies. Will update tomorrow

 

[Jessrof]

Here is today. I think it is done but I might give it a bit longer. The partial gel isn't as pronounced so I think I can live with it

 

[SoapPapaw]

Where do you get those molds from?

 

[100%Natural]

Where do you get those molds from?

http://www.soap-making-resource.com/slab-soap-molds.html

They are fabulous! Well made and brilliantly engineered!

 

[Badger]

I think it is looking very nice, the color has mellowed out a lot and it looks a lot more even now.

 

[kharmon320]

It will still be great to give away, just a bit darker. I've given up trying to not gel. I agree with the CPOP recommendation. Heat the oven to 170 and then turn off the oven, pop the soap in. It should stay warm enough to finish gelling without any overheating. I know every oven is different. If I leave mine on at 170 (accidentally), I always end up with bubbles on the side from the heat.

 

[Jessrof]

The mold I have came with specific instructions not to CPOP because it might warp, so next batch I will just insulate next time and let it gel. I might also try putting mold in the freezer before and after pouring.