Premixed all my powders

[jenneelk]

Who else does this? How has it worked for you?
I decided I don't like working with powders, especially white, and premixed 8 oz of it in oil.
Then I just kept going and going with 8 now done of mica and pigments.
Plus went ahead and mixed my lab colors also into squeeze bottles.

So far it great and all are fairly concentrated so just pop
The top and squeeze a few colors in my batch of soap. So much less mess! And no lumps.. All
Mixed so so smooth.
Can't wait to make a batch of soap tonight!! Going to try 4 colors with my new loaf divider I got today. Yay!!

If there is a downside I need to watch for with premix let me know. I couldn't think of one.

 

[funastrum]

The only downside I can think of is the mica/TD, what have you, floating down and becoming a sort of sediment. A good shake would fix that though. Sounds like a good idea to me.

 

[OliveOil2]

I have purchased oxides from TKB Trading that were pre mixed with glycerin, I really like them. I purchased the 4 oz. size, and that was a good size for what I needed. The oxides haven't seemed to dry up, but a couple of the other pigments seemed to get thick and wouldn't squeeze out of the bottle. Not really a big problem, I was still able to get the color out of the bottle. I would mix them as you have done in the future as opposed to purchasing them already mixed, much more cost effective.

 

[lpstephy85]

I actually just thought to do this yesterday because I too was getting fed up with my powders not mixing very well. I only tried it with the Ultramarine blue from BB since I have had the most issued in other batches, and it worked wonderfully. I am now not afraid of powders, and I think it will save some money too since they are easier to pour!

 

[houseofwool]

What did you mix them into?

 

[jenneelk]

I haven't had luck with glycerin, almost too thick. So I didn't sweet almond oil and concentrated it!!
Used my magic bullet and they are all smooth as silk. Took a long time and big mess between colors but worth it in the end since they will be so easy to use now.
Here are some of the powders that are done. Neons, blues, purple, green, red, black and micas like pink, mocha, blues.

 

[sistrum]

It's very handy to premix but just remember they will only last as long as the oil you mix them in stays good. I would keep them in the fridge.

 

[savonierre]

your colors look great..

 

[kazmi]

I should do that since I hate making small batches and either having too much or not enough. Much easier to work with too.

 

[MKRainville]

I haven't had luck with glycerin, almost too thick. So I didn't sweet almond oil and concentrated it!!
Used my magic bullet and they are all smooth as silk. Took a long time and big mess between colors but worth it in the end since they will be so easy to use now.
Here are some of the powders that are done. Neons, blues, purple, green, red, black and micas like pink, mocha, blues.

have you had any trouble with clumping/drying?

 

[jenneelk]

No not at all.. I did between 3-4 TBS in 3.5-3.6 oz of oil so it would fit in a 4oz bottle.
I have a bunch of bottles because of the other products I do so it worked out easy enough. I just shake and pour. they are slightly thick which is nice because they it doesn't pour out too easy and give me too much.

 

[roseb]

What were your percents of powder to oil?

 

[jenneelk]

I didn't do %. I did between 3-4 TBS powder depending on color in 3.5-3.6 oz oil. I wanted it thicker and concentrated.

 

[roseb]

Thanks! I have that bunch of powders coming and will try it on some of those.

 

[silvercb67]

Can't wait to try this.

 

[kazmi]

Does it matter which oil to use? Is sweet almond oil better than say OO?

 

[jenneelk]

I used sweet almond because the other wasn't working well and it's a light oil. Also doesn't go bad as quick as some and works ok in the fridge if need be. I made a big 16 of white so that's in the fridge in case I can't use it all.

 

[osso]

Jenneelk, I am curious how your pre-mixed colorants have held up for you. I really want to do this and it sounds like mixing with oil created the right consistency (and that is typically what I mix them with for each batch). Have you run into any issues?

 

[judymoody]

I use olive oil to premix my mineral colorants.

Glycerin, by the way, does not mix well with blue ultramarine. When you add it to your soap batter you will get little blue droplets that resist incorporation. It can be done but your stick blender will get a workout.

I use small 2 ounce bottles and fill them using a funnel. I use them up before the oil goes rancid.

 

[osso]

Thanks for the tips, judymoody!