Loaf Mold vs Slab Mold

[Carl]

When do you choose a slab mold over a loaf mold?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?

I have seen some other answers out there saying that there are different design patterns that require a slab mold, but the posts did not go into much further detail.

I've seen swirling done with both types.

Thanks ahead of time!!

 

[earlene]

It is true that certain designs work better in a slab mold, even though sometimes it can be modified to work in a loaf mold with a little adaptation.

Some examples of when a slab mold works best:

Peacock Swirl, Linear Swirl,
Funnel Pour, Dancing Funnel,
Spin Swirl
Column Pour

The main thing is that when adapted to a loaf mold, the cut is is the same direction as if it was done in a slab mold. If cut as one normally cuts in a loaf mold, the design will not have the same look as when cut as a slab cut. Some of these don't lend well to a loaf mold, though because you may need more working space for some of them.

Some examples of when a loaf mold works best:

Taiwan Swirl (but it is cut like it was in a slab mold)
Tall & Skinny Shimmy
Tilted layers, most layered designs probably,
Tiger Stripe, Zebra Swirl,
most hanger swirls are done in loaf molds

Just a few listed, although there are so many different swirls and some can be adapted to other molds, but the cut may not show the design as planned if a different mold is used.

 

[Carolyne Thrasher]

I like to think of a slab mold as more of a canvas medium, more two dimensional. Although I think the loaf mold produces really stunning soap easier. Not sure if that makes sense. To get an idea of the things you can do with a slab mold look up Vibrant Soaps on YouTube. Slab seems a bit more challenging to me but more exciting in terms of ephemeral artwork.