Molds

[stargazer44]

I am a relatively new soaper, and have realized I should have done more research on molds before buying. I got excited about the No Liner molds by mr do right - only to find out they do in fact need a liner, they warp, and are just a pain. And the warping isn't from the heat. Even my cutter has warped. Yesterday I couldn't get my soap out of the mold and resorted to throwing the whole thing in the street to try to get it to release.... :crazy: I have decided it's $80 down the drain.

I am debating do I continue to suffer with them - invest in silicone sheets to cut down and use since I don't like lining with paper - or buy something else? I am intrigued by the acrylic molds, but not by the price... And I want molds, not boxes. And there are so many silicone molds and wood molds, (which I would consider if they had a silicone insert and didn't carry a $100 price tag!)

So what I want to know - what do you use? What do you recommend? What have you liked? And why? Oh and what to avoid?

I need to back up my need for different molds to my husband... who isn't so happy I am not happy with my new fancy-they are going to be awesome and worth the money- piece of garbage molds :shh:

 

[Sammi_552]

Sorry your molds are being such a problem. They are too expensive to be frustrated by them.

I don't like my silicone mold because the soap sticks and my corners break off. It may just be my recipes but I've tried numerous recipes and prevention techniques with no success.

I do like this wood mold from BB with the silicone liner:

http://www.brambleberry.com/5-Pound-Mold-With-Sliding-Bottom-P5426.aspx

http://www.brambleberry.com/Silicone-Liner-for-5-lb-Wood-Mold-P5270.aspx

I'm very happy with its results.

 

[Badger]

This is the mold that I bought on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/122755405/adjustable-soap-mold-cold-process-4-to-1?ref=shop_home_active It was a reasonable price and I love the fact that it is adjustable. The cutter could be a bit better (or I could learn to cut straight lines using guide lines), but overall I am really pleased with it. It does need to be lined, but once you learn how to line the tray it is really not that bad. I am a new soaper also and I am mostly making small batches, so the fact that I can make them is nice and only make bigger batches as needed is especially nice for me.

 

[kazmi]

^^ I love the adjustable one Badger. But I already spent the money on a silicone 2-lb loaf mold. I'm happy with it and no problems getting my soap out. But having the adjustability without having to buy another mold (or two!) is a great investment.

 

[Shannon_m]

I got these ones on Etsy and so far I'm very happy with them. You do have to put in a slip or partial liner, but I'm not too fussed about that. I have been considering cutting up a silicone mat and lining it with that so I don't have to every single time.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/104531642/2-hdpe-soap-molds-22-bar-6-lb-y-line-kit?ref=shop_home_feat

 

[kdaniels8811]

Here are the no liner molds - three pound molds and you get two. I highly recommend these.
https://www.etsy.com/transaction/102467946

 

[melstan775]

Do you really not have to line them? How easy do they release the soap without liners? Any issues with warping of the molds, or breaking soap corners?

 

[stargazer44]

Do you really not have to line them? How easy do they release the soap without liners? Any issues with warping of the molds, or breaking soap corners?

That is my question too. I am cautious as I was already fooled by the "no liner" mold idea. :wtf:

I want to avoid lining for several reasons. One, its a pain and I don't like the creases I get with the paper. (And I am not very good at it!) Two, I like the reusable aspect - the green & cost effective part. Buying paper to throw away doesn't appeal to me. I would rather have something I can use over and over. I am wondering about purchasing silicone sheets and cutting them and using them as liners.... but wonder if I am still going to have setting issues with the molds.

For those that have the silicone molds, when you say your corners break off, is it just a little? I trim my edges anyway, but do you lose more than what you would trim off?

I really appreciate your comments!

 

[melstan775]

That is my question too. I am cautious as I was already fooled by the "no liner" mold idea. :wtf:

I want to avoid lining for several reasons. One, its a pain and I don't like the creases I get with the paper. (And I am not very good at it!) Two, I like the reusable aspect - the green & cost effective part. Buying paper to throw away doesn't appeal to me. I would rather have something I can use over and over. I am wondering about purchasing silicone sheets and cutting them and using them as liners.... but wonder if I am still going to have setting issues with the molds.

For those that have the silicone molds, when you say your corners break off, is it just a little? I trim my edges anyway, but do you lose more than what you would trim off?

I really appreciate your comments!

I hate wasting paper. Throwing it away is such an obvious waste. I don't know why it bothers me but it does. Also I hate lining molds because of the wrinkle issue. It stresses me out to line a mold. and it takes like 10 minutes. No liner = more better!

 

[Shannon_m]

That shop listing for the 2 black molds says just about the same thing as the white ones I got... some forumulas may require a liner. Mine do because I usually don't gel my soaps and sometimes I forget to put in Sodium Lactate so I usually have soft bars.

 

[stargazer44]

I hate wasting paper. Throwing it away is such an obvious waste. I don't know why it bothers me but it does. Also I hate lining molds because of the wrinkle issue. It stresses me out to line a mold. and it takes like 10 minutes. No liner = more better!

SO glad I am not the only one!

 

[stargazer44]

Thank you all for your replies! I ended up ordering 2 of the new molds from Essential Depot tonight. I actually ordered 2 of the soap kits. Very excited to try them!

 

[kazmi]

I use this silicone mold and haven't had any corners break.


http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/ProductDetail.aspx?CatalogID=1&GroupID=261&CategoryID=1899&ProductID=8475&ProductName=Crafters+Choice%e2%84%a2+Loaf+-+Regular+-+Clear+Silicone+Mold+1501

 

[kdaniels8811]

I have not had any problems with broken corners. Since the molds come apart in pieces, they are easy to unmold.