Lining molds

[Hausfrau007]

I don't line my PVC molds -- I wouldn't even know where to begin, because mine are ripply down-spouts that I cut into one-foot lengths. My soap logs either slide right out or, if not, I stick them in the freezer for a few hours. They get pretty submissive after I freeze them out.

Here is a sample of what I've used for molds (other than my recent adventure with a Pringles can). See the one that doesn't have the sides cut off -- the one on the very right? That would be impossible to line.

 

[Gryfonmoon]

Thanks for the info! I have another question, how do you seal your PVC pipe on the bottom?? Mine spilled all over the place Thankfully I was able to save most of it.

I like the molds you made out of those home gutter things!

 

[sperry]

Hausfrau.... do you think it's practical/possible to smear half with baby oil, and use no oil on the other half? (Or do one batch with, and one batch without?) Then we would know if it was the baby oil or the varnish that was doing the trick. It would be very cool if you didn't need to use baby oil in the future, no? (Consider the idea stolen........)

 

[Hausfrau007]

Gryfonmoon, I duct-tape the bottom end (be generous with the tape). That holds it pretty well when you stand them up. It's not 1,000% perfect, so if you have thin trace, the oily goop might dissolve some of the duct tape glue around the edges, but it's very manageable. Pull the duct tape way high onto the side of the mold, like a third of the way around, and make sure it's on real tight. Easy-peasy.

Sperry, for the sake of this discussion, I shall sacrifice myself and offer my molds AND my soapy goop for experimentation, no question. The mold the Mister is building has three movable and adjustable compartments (oh yes, my Mister is quite the builder), so I shall shmear the first with baby oil, and the second I shall leave unshmeared. The third? To shmear or not to shmear? To shmear with Vaseline?

What say you?

 

[sperry]

Say I that it sounds like you have a saint in your corner. Alas, I have no suggestion for the third section, but someone out there does.

 

[Gryfonmoon]

Hausfrau007, thank you so much!! I can't believe I didn't think of that.

 

[sunfloweracres]

Gryfonmoon, I have not used PVC molds yet, but have done loads of reading. One website said she lines them with freezer paper (and leaves a few inches sticking out the top), another lady uses a rolled (thin) pastry roll out deal. Wow, I can't think of the name of them right now. Do you know what I mean? You could cut it to fit so it is not bulky inside, just overlap a few inches. The Duct tape sounds great for the bottom, maybe with a heavy rubber band around it just in case. I saw one that doubled heavy plastic and put a thick rubber band around it for the bottom of the tube.

Hausfrau007 I love your plastic downspout molds! Awesome idea! Thanks I will be looking through my garage. I do have some corregated, bendable downspout elbow extensions. They might make some cool soap??
Somebody said to use Mineral oil because it does not react with the lye.

 

[Hazel]

I've seen people use Wilton Fondant Impression Mats to line molds. A Fondant Impression mat would make an interesting pattern on the soap.

 

[Gryfonmoon]

Gryfonmoon, I have not used PVC molds yet, but have done loads of reading. One website said she lines them with freezer paper (and leaves a few inches sticking out the top), another lady uses a rolled (thin) pastry roll out deal. Wow, I can't think of the name of them right now. Do you know what I mean? You could cut it to fit so it is not bulky inside, just overlap a few inches. The Duct tape sounds great for the bottom, maybe with a heavy rubber band around it just in case. I saw one that doubled heavy plastic and put a thick rubber band around it for the bottom of the tube.

Hausfrau007 I love your plastic downspout molds! Awesome idea! Thanks I will be looking through my garage. I do have some corregated, bendable downspout elbow extensions. They might make some cool soap??
Somebody said to use Mineral oil because it does not react with the lye.

Yeah, I actually do know what those are, and I don't know the name of them either! LOL! Thanks for the tips!

 

[sunfloweracres]

I've seen people use Wilton Fondant Impression Mats to line molds. A Fondant Impression mat would make an interesting pattern on the soap.

That would be cool :idea: Thank you!

 

[sunfloweracres]

Gryfonmoon, I duct-tape the bottom end (be generous with the tape). That holds it pretty well when you stand them up. It's not 1,000% perfect, so if you have thin trace, the oily goop might dissolve some of the duct tape glue around the edges, but it's very manageable. Pull the duct tape way high onto the side of the mold, like a third of the way around, and make sure it's on real tight. Easy-peasy.

Sperry, for the sake of this discussion, I shall sacrifice myself and offer my molds AND my soapy goop for experimentation, no question. The mold the Mister is building has three movable and adjustable compartments (oh yes, my Mister is quite the builder), so I shall shmear the first with baby oil, and the second I shall leave unshmeared. The third? To shmear or not to shmear? To shmear with Vaseline?

What say you?

You could try Mineral oil on the third section, if you have any. Vaseline in a petroleum product, yuk!

 

[Hausfrau007]

Vaseline is petroleum jelly, a byproduct of mineral oil, same as baby oil. They're both disgusting, but baby oil has fragrance in it which makes it seem less gross. They're basically both plastics (if I may exaggerate to make a point).

 

[Hazel]

I like Vaseline. I used to use it on my face and lips to protect them during the winter when we walked the dogs. After I washed my face, my skin was sooo soft and moist instead of dry and wind burned. It was cheap and did the job better than the specialty products made to protect the skin from wind and cold temperatures. I also occasionally use mineral oil.

 

[sunfloweracres]

I like Vaseline. I used to use it on my face and lips to protect them during the winter when we walked the dogs. After I washed my face, my skin was sooo soft and moist instead of dry and wind burned. It was cheap and did the job better than the specialty products made to protect the skin from wind and cold temperatures. I also occasionally use mineral oil.

I agree, we grew up using it but now I only use raw unrefined shea butter or Olive oil infused with Calendula on my skin. Most of the specialty products have a high price tag and are loaded with toxins. You can find out what is in them on http://www.skindeep.com. That is the reason I started making my own soap and shampoo bars. I also make all my own skin care products and even cleaning products from natural ingredients.

 

[AlchemyandAshes]

I agree, we grew up using it but now I only use raw unrefined shea butter or Olive oil infused with Calendula on my skin. Most of the specialty products have a high price tag and are loaded with toxins. You can find out what is in them on http://www.skindeep.com. That is the reason I started making my own soap and shampoo bars. I also make all my own skin care products and even cleaning products from natural ingredients.

You may want to read this article on EWG (Environmental Working Group), the group behind skindeep.com.
http://activistcash.com/organization_overview.cfm/o/113-environmental-working-group
They aren't always known for fact based peer reviewed scientific analysis. I'm not saying that everything they put out is incorrect, just that I find them to be "fear mongerers".
I like to cross reference with http://www.personalcaretruth.com

 

[sunfloweracres]

I agree, we grew up using it but now I only use raw unrefined shea butter or Olive oil infused with Calendula on my skin. Most of the specialty products have a high price tag and are loaded with toxins. You can find out what is in them on http://www.skindeep.com. That is the reason I started making my own soap and shampoo bars. I also make all my own skin care products and even cleaning products from natural ingredients.

You may want to read this article on EWG (Environmental Working Group), the group behind skindeep.com.
http://activistcash.com/organization_overview.cfm/o/113-environmental-working-group
They aren't always known for fact based peer reviewed scientific analysis. I'm not saying that everything they put out is incorrect, just that I find them to be "fear mongerers".
I like to cross reference with http://www.personalcaretruth.com

Thanks, I will check it out. I know you can't believe everything you read, but it makes us aware to use caution before putting anything on our skin. Boy, did I get off the subject of "lining molds". Sorry, and thanks for the links.

 

[Hazel]

I like to cross reference with http://www.personalcaretruth.com

The Personal Care site is a wonderful resource! Thanks for posting the link.