My first batch !!! Oh no, it cracked.

[scout]

I was so excited, I made my first batch of cold process. It went fairly well for my first time, there is definately a learning curve here. I scented with apple jack and peel but decided not to color it just to keep it simple for the first batch. I put it in the freezer to prevent gel and when I checked it 20 minutes later there is a crack in the middle of it.
What could be the cause of such a disappointing event?? I had made beautiful swirls on the top and everything.

 

[scout]

I just looked at it and it is very dark down in the crack, does that mean a gel is going on?

 

[southernvtsoap]

Your soap is overheating. I made 6 batches today and one cracked on me, too. If you leave it alone, the crack may close as the soap cools, but you will probably end up with a partial gel. You can also try to close the gap yourself, just smoosh the sides together and smooth it out with a fingertip while the soap is still soft. You can slways camoflage a crack by brushing some mica on top.

 

[carebear]

yep it's gelling! And overheating a bit too, it seems. You can actually push the crack together while the soap is still warm. I just press down and it works.

yea - the freezer thing doesn't always work when the cards are stacked against you: spicy FOs tend to overheat. You can minimize the chances of it by soaping cooler and chilling your mold ahead of time (keep it in the fridge that day).

 

[scout]

Thanks guys. I was wondering if it was the FO. I soaped at about 120. the crack wasn't very big, not even 1/4 inch in diameter so it didn't completely ruin the looks. The color turned out ok for the scent, it resembles apple cider. When I get batteries for my camera I will try to post a pic. I loved making soap!!! How long till I can safely try it? Do I really have to wait for four weeks? That will be so HARD.

 

[jarvan]

I did Enchanted Apple last night, CPOP, and for the first time I had a small crack in the top. I was able to patch it without it being obvious, but it definitely cracked a bit.

 

[jarvan]

I did Enchanted Apple last night, CPOP, and for the first time I had a small crack in the top. I was able to patch it without it being obvious, but it definitely cracked a bit.

 

[carebear]

120 is pretty darned hot - especially for a spicy fragrance and double especially if you want to avoid gel.

you can try your soap any time once it's zapless and unmolded. but it'll improve dramatically over about 4 weeks so reserve judgment till then. IN GENERAL I've found that it mellows over the first half of that period and the second half is all about hardening up and thus improving the lather.

 

[ohsoap]

I am so glad for this forum. I made my first Patch soap today and it cracked for the first time. It traced super fast, and cracked down the middle in the mold. I just read this thread, and mushed the crack back together... it's still there but barely noticable!
Thank you SMFers!