New Challenges for my Third Batch

[kc1ble]

I got up early this morning, 4 a.m. and got to making my third batch. I used some ingredients that were new to me and started some new techniques. I posted a few days ago about a black and white soap and this is it. It was my first time coloring soap, using activated charcoal and titanium dioxide. It was also my first time using any kind of swirl and more than one color. Here is the picture.

It is white on the bottom, black and white in the pot swirl in the center, black on top and supposed to be some sort of tawain swirl on the top. It went well for the most part, except I forgot to be gentle when pouring the top black layer so that may have sunk into the center more than I was planning. I also need to work on my top swirl, but at least now I know what to expect and I can work on it. I can't wait to unmold it and cut it and see what it looks like in the middle

 

[Susie]

It is still very elegant and beautiful. We need cut pics, please!

 

[kc1ble]

It is still very elegant and beautiful. We need cut pics, please!

I will post pics as soon as it hardens, hopefully this evening.

 

[Barbsbreakingbath]

What a beautiful soap, especially for a third batch. I am thinking about starting to work with colors, and your beautiful soap is really encouraging.

 

[snappyllama]

Fantastic third batch! I think you've got a talent for this.

 

[Navaria]

It looks awesome! So excited for you! Can't wait to see the cut pics!

 

[cmzaha]

It is gorgeous. I love black and white soaps and always use activated charcoal for my black. Wish my third batch of soap had turned out so gorgeous. Of course I do not remember my third batch, but I can guarantee it did Not turn out so pretty!!

 

[LisaAnne]

Very pretty, your swirls look great! Look forward to seeing it cut.

 

[kc1ble]

You are all very generous, thank you for the great comments. I too am anxious to cut into it.

 

[kc1ble]

The cut was a little disappointing. My black turned gray and my top layer of black was definitely poured to high. I was hoping for a straight line between layers but the top is kind of blobbed on. That's why it was a test batch, I did learn a few things to change the next time around. I will use a little more AC in the next one and pour my layers more carefully. I didn't let this batch gel and I wonder if that might have kept the black darker. I also tried to remove it from the mold last night, and it was too early and I broke the corners off my loaf.

 

[Navaria]

Gelling should help your colors be more vibrant. For what it's worth, it's still a beautiful soap even if it's not what you envisioned.

 

[LisaAnne]

Well not what you wanted but still very pretty soap. I like it.

 

[kc1ble]

Well not what you wanted but still very pretty soap. I like it.

I agree and do like the way it looks, Thank you.

Thank you as well Navaria, next time I will try to get it to gel.

 

[CaraBou]

Looks great! Can't be disappointed with that.

 

[cmzaha]

It is still very pretty. The type of mold you used will release better if you put it in the freezer for an hour or so. Also it takes a lot of AC to make a true black. It needs to be a real shiny deep black. The drawback is it will usually create gray lather or at least drip gray when the soap is wet. I only use AC for black and do get true black

 

[SuzieOz]

Awesome, love the black and white. I have a lot of trouble with crumbly soap when I use titanium dioxide - still trying to figure out why. You've done a great job. Go you!

What's next? ...

 

[Saponomancer]

I wonder if the top went grey because of soda ash? Have you tried washing it off?

either way they're lovely!

 

[kc1ble]

I wonder if the top went grey because of soda ash? Have you tried washing it off?

either way they're lovely!

I did wash it, even the inside of the bar went a dark gray color after it started to cure. Probably just need to up the amount of AC in the batch next time.

Awesome, love the black and white. I have a lot of trouble with crumbly soap when I use titanium dioxide - still trying to figure out why. You've done a great job. Go you!

What's next? ...

Thank you, I think I'm gonna do a hot process shaving soap this weekend and then I'm gonna do some experiments with this recipe and try to improve the black in it.