Mixing Colors

[SoapSap]

After three years of soap-making I have discovered the related tasks I really enjoy and a few I really dread. The second most dreaded is prepping my colors. I will say though since taking advice read on this forum I purchased a Badger mixer and the actual mixing has become so easy. A big "thank you" to the person who shared that bit of information.

The current questions I have regarding prepping colors is:
1. Can I mix my colors in advance and put them in containers to use as I need them?
2. How long could I store the mixtures? (I usually make soap twice a month. I would want them
to last about 6 months).
3. Would I need to store them in any special way? (Refrigerate maybe)?

 

[kchaystack]

1. Yes. I premix colors and store them either in 2oz bottles I bought for lotion, or in the small sample cups with lids you can get from the grocery store. Links are for the pictures, I they are not the ones I have.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DGZ9JE/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
or
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZS2NH8/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

2. Depends on what you mix them with. If you use an oil with a long shelf life they can last a while. I never mix up more than I can use in a couple of months, and use olive oil. Some people use glycerin to premix micas, but I find it too sticky and messy.

3. You could refrigerate them if they are going to last more than 2-3 months or if your mixing medium has a shorter shelf life. I just keep mine in a cool dark place.

 

[SheLion]

kchaystack, how do you account for the mica colored oil when you make soap? Do you just not worry about it, since it's a small amount? Or do you weigh it and deduct that amount from the rest of the oils in the batch?

 

[kchaystack]

I do not worry about it. I mix at about 1:1 ratio, so I am not adding that much oil. My batches are normally ~800 grams so a 1/4 tsp of mica and oil won't change my superfat that much.