penelopejane
Well-Known Member
LBussy
Fantastic idea thank you. So simple!
Fantastic idea thank you. So simple!
How long have you had/used your mold? I keep finding reviews that even this brand bows out after a while.
I'm not Susie but I think we are talking about the same mold so... I've had mine almost two years now. Still holds it's shape well. I also have Brambleberry's and that one bowed slightly from the very beginning.
So, you have had the Crafter's choice for 2 years and none of them bowed? How many loaves would you say that you have made in them?
I use the Crafter's Choice 3 lb mold. I unmold my gelled soaps between 18-24 hours by pulling out each side, turning it over completely, and pushing in the center with the heel of my hand. Never had a single problem with bowing or having trouble unmolding. If I don't gel for whatever reason, I generally give that batch at least a full extra day before testing to unmold. Then I repeat the test until I can press the corner without denting. But, I do not mound the soap in the center. I like being able to flip my bars completely over in the curing process, and I just plain like the shape of a rectangle bar better.
Some people even have trouble with these seemingly perfect molds. Apparently the silicone inner liner does not always fit the mold perfectly so it bows out in places.
https://nurturesoap.com/loaf-soap-molds/222-5-pound-basic-loaf-mold.html
If I knew what I know now I would have bought the inner liners and made my own box surround. When I get good enough to make bigger amounts that is what I will do. At the moment I am pleased with the T&S and Log molds from BB. They are a nice shape for soap - DH really loves the tall and skinny one - and they are super easy to use, the cardboard support I use is good and will be great when I get myself together to do a little woodwork.
Funny that I'm seeing this thread today... I've used the 8" (40-44oz) Crafters Choice silicone loaf molds for a long time and absolutely love them. HOWEVER, I recently ordered two more and they are NOT the same. I used them this morning for the first time. They are thinner and more flimsy and do bow out a little. I weighed one empty to compare to my original mold. The original mold weighs 11.35oz and the new mold weighs 10.7oz, so it's not my imagination. I'm very dissapointed that they've changed these molds and skimped on the quality.
Your original mold weighs less than my flimsy ones, so I don't know if weight is the only factor.
I got them from WSP, same as the original molds, which I purchased probably about 18 months ago. BB sells them too.From where did you order your recent molds?
I don't think we are taking about the same mold, though.
I got them from WSP, same as the original molds, which I purchased probably about 18 months ago. BB sells them too.
The durometer of the silicone changed. The flimsier molds are a higher durometer, most likely 50. The stiffer molds are 30-40. The higher the durometer, the higher the tensile strength and flexibility. Higher durometer is great in some cases, but wouldn't be preferable with silicone that has no support because of its flexibility.
Carrie, I love your silicone molds. I just received two more and they are awesome. My favorite!
Cosmo is Carrie from Nurture Soap.
I just got the basic 7 lb. I don't fill it as I only use 61 oz of oils. I like the extra headspace for a lid (one from other molds). Then just lay a towel over the top. The liner comes out easily and the soap unmolds like a charm