Salt bar help! **Pics added**

[Kleine Teufel]

I made some salt bars in the individual molds, but they busted up trying to get them out. The stupid little bubble top thing wouldn't come out basically. I know that people say they can be next to impossible to cut (crumbling, hard, etc). I just ordered five silicone loaf molds and I'm wondering if it'll be impossible to unmold and cut salt bars. I can always buy some individual bar silicone molds, but if I can help it, I'd rather not, since I've just sunk $300 into soaping stuff and the silicone molds are expensive!

 

[paillo]

i oil my individual molds really well - a mix of olive oil no-stick cooking spray and a little mineral oil rubbed into the molds. mine never stick

 

[Mellifera]

What does the mold look like? What is it made of? What's your recipe?

I've use square and round individual silicone molds without a problem.

 

[Kleine Teufel]

The molds I used were plastic junky ones from Michael's. I'm phasing them out, but would like to know what will actually work. I'd prefer to be able to use the loaf mold to be honest.

 

[KD]

I use square and round Crafter's Choice molds for salt bars, and they are fabulous. I find that, if you leave them alone for a couple of days, they are good and hard and come out easily. Personally, salt bars aren't something I would do in a loaf mold, because I like a really clean look.

 

[MeadowHillFarmCT]

I've done mine in the loaf mold and you need to unmold and cut as soon as they are solid.. Mine are still warm when I cut them and have not had a problem.

 

[IrishLass]

The molds I used were plastic junky ones from Michael's. I'm phasing them out, but would like to know what will actually work. I'd prefer to be able to use the loaf mold to be honest.

I think I know which ones you are talking about- the ones with the bubbles/bumps for making massage-type bars? If so, they should work if you lube them up first as Paillo mentioned. Anytime I'm using indy molds with decorative details, I lightly lube them with mineral oil. Mineral oil is good to use because doesn't saponify. If the soap still has a little trouble sticking to the mold, don't force it- leave it be and instead toss it in the freezer for about 20 to 30 minutes or so, and they should release nicely when a little warmth is applied.


IrishLass

 

[Kleine Teufel]

Well, I just sucked it up and bought some individual silicone molds. Figured what the hey, I have to buy a mitre box, might as well tack an extra $75 onto that order... :roll: Thank goodness I don't have to explain my expenses to anyone else. Thankfully the boyfriend also never questions my soaping/crafting expenses... lol

 

[Fragola]

Individual molds are certainly better, personally I favor cheaper alternatives. Like 3 bucks for half a dozen baking silicone molds from the hardware store.

 

[Kleine Teufel]

I do actually have a lot of silicone molds around, but I want perfect rectangles that are easy to wrap! I just nabbed 6 heart shaped silicone molds for $0.49, brand new. Unfortunately, they're a PITA to wrap. Still trying to figure out what to use them for, lol. I can certainly make my own bars in those, but until I find an easier wrapping method, I'll stick to rectangle bars.

 

[Kleine Teufel]

Nothing spiffy, but I like the mineral specks anyways.

 

[Hazel]

They look nice to me. I think it's a very pretty color.

 

[Kleine Teufel]

The molds are actually perfect. The crumbliness junk on the soap is actually from what was smeared on the mold edges from scraping the tops of the soap, not from the soap bar itself. I was just too lazy to clean it up before snapping a picture, lol. Less than 24hrs and they unmolded nicely.

 

[IrishLass]

Very pretty!

IrishLass

 

[Kleine Teufel]

I took the pics without flash, but the specks are actually a nice red color. Anyways, I think they're pretty, lol. A nice, natural, simple pretty, lol.

 

[Dragonkaz]

Very nice ... and I like the fleck!