Smallest Batch Size for Trial

[kebrown]

I just received my order of pigments and fragrances and I want to experiment with trying different recipes to determine which ones I like best. What is the smallest batch size you can recommend for trials? I have two adjustable log molds so I can set the length based on batch weight. I will be experimenting with both cold process and hot process.



Thanks in advance...

 

[mandolyn]

You can make batches as small as one bar, you just need something to put it into. It can be a little box or something.

You can have several small containers for molds, made a 1 lb batch & divide it up & mix each one differently.

 

[Deda]

You can make batches as small as one bar, you just need something to put it into. It can be a little box or something.

You can have several small containers for molds, made a 1 lb batch & divide it up & mix each one differently.

What she said!

I used to, and after a couple of disasters, do again, test all my new fragrances in a Crisco batch of 8 oz.

I know this doesn't help with the recipe, but it helps me know how potent a fragrance is in the soap, how well it lasts - 6 months or a year out, but the most important info I get from the test batch is discoloration and trace/seize.

Same thing with colors, helps me identify morphers and faders and generally ugly colors. It's great for testing clays, too.

 

[kebrown]

I have started my first batch. I opted for a 1-pound trial. I have a very accurate scale. However I used the ounce scale instead of the gram. I will use the gram scale on the next batch. I plan on making 2 or 3 trial batches today. I am doing a HP batch first. So far so good. I reached trace and now have the crock pot on low. I added 1 tsp of titanium dioxide after I reached trace and blended it in with my stick mixture. The color looks bright white.

 

[Deda]

The proof comes about 6 months down the road.

Make sure you save a bar from each batch, labeled with a control #.

Link the control # to a spread sheet with all your notes.

Your notes should include your recipe*, temp (both of materials and environment), and exact process.

*Link your recipe to a spread sheet with the exact ingreds, including supplier and date of purchase.

Trust me, it will make it much easier to have consistent successful batches in the future.

 

[AshleyR]

I bought some silicone ice cube trays (in fun shapes!) and have been making 1 lb batches of soap, then separating it into about 10 different small portions and adding different fragrances and/or colours to it.

I've been filling my little trays with the soap. It works well. They come out easy and I can use the little shapes as embeds in other soaps later on (or just use them as guest soaps).

 

[Deda]

I bought some silicone ice cube trays (in fun shapes!) and have been making 1 lb batches of soap, then separating it into about 10 different small portions and adding different fragrances and/or colours to it.

I've been filling my little trays with the soap. It works well. They come out easy and I can use the little shapes as embeds in other soaps later on (or just use them as guest soaps).

Don't you just love those silicone trays?!?! A million and one uses!

 

[mandolyn]

The proof comes about 6 months down the road.

Make sure you save a bar from each batch, labeled with a control #.

Link the control # to a spread sheet with all your notes.

Your notes should include your recipe*, temp (both of materials and environment), and exact process.

*Link your recipe to a spread sheet with the exact ingreds, including supplier and date of purchase.

Trust me, it will make it much easier to have consistent successful batches in the future.

Amen to all that!

I don't use spreadsheets, but I have a Soaping Journal. It's a composition notebook. I use it constantly, & I prefer it over the computer, because I don't have to drag out my laptop & fire it up every time I want to jot something down or worry about backing it up.

I start with the recipe & all notes regarding the process. Every batch has a batch #, so I can find it in the journal, & I know how old the soap is. I go back & add notes as the bars cure, & as the soap ages. If it's a new recipe, I'll check the soap every month & jot a note about it. Every once in a while, a tester bar will reveal something out of the ordinary, so I go note it in the journal.

I keep another journal I call my Potions & Lotions Journal. I do the same thing with it as the Soaping Journal.

 

[jcandleattic]

I was going to say what kebrown said. Make sure you have a very accurate scale and use the gram selection for anything (IMO) smaller than a 2 lb batch.

Good luck!

 

[Deda]

Exactly! I had STACKS of notebooks! A big PIA to go through, so last winter I started putting them all into spread sheets. I'm bored, I have no life. What else can you do while the soap cures?

 

[kebrown]

I made two hot process trial 1 pound batches yesterday. I took everyone’s advice and recorded all the pertinent information. I made a peach fragrance batch and a green musk fragrance batch. The peach batched needed more fragrance but the musk came out just right. See picture below. I used a crockpot on the first batch and it was dry around the edges and some was burned. So I used the oven method on the second batch at 195 degrees and had no heat issues. I am going to try two more 1 pound trials today. A coconut fragrance and a Blue Bell Ice cream fragrance.

Thanks again for the advice everyone,

Keith

 

[Woodi]

My smallest trial size is one pound. Below that, one has to measure lye crystals VERY accurately, or the mixture may be unforgiving. Also, I find that if the lye/water doesn't get hot enough, the thing doesn't work.

You're doing great!

 

[Lil Outlaws]

They look great! Be forewarned, Blue Bell Ice Cream has a tendency to turn your soap brown - LOTS of vanillan in it.


And I do like Mandolyn. I keep a journal, and each page has the name of the soap on the top, the size of the batch, and the date I soaped it.
If I come up with a recipe, I write it in there but leave the date off til I do it.

I have the ingredients in oz. at the top. HOW I soaped including temps and which mold/FO in the middle. And the bottom I use for notes, both for soaping day and subsequent house-calls when I check in on it in the closet

 

[digit]

They look great kebrown!!! I gotta try the crock pot HP.

Digit

 

[IanT]

very nicely done!

 

[Lindy]

Yay you!!! People I think we have another addict.... 8) 8) 8)