Have you done CP before?
You'll have to learn how to make basic CP, the properties & SAP values of oils, properties of EO's, FO's, etc. You'll need to learn how additives like scents & colors behave in CP. You'll need to learn what pigments & colors you can use & not use in CP. Some EO's & FO's can change the color & accelerate trace time, etc. Some lose their scent right away, some over a matter of months. You could end up selling soaps with no scent that smelt heavanly when you cut them. You need to learn which scents stay, which anchor, etc. You'll need to learn about DOS & the shelf-life of oils & how to use Lye Calculators.
Most importantly. Do you know how to use Lye safely? It's highly caustic!!!!
My best advice is to do TONS of research on CP before you attempt it. Use a recipe from a book or from a seasoned soapmaker, then make lots of batches & test as they cure. Run EVERY recipe, no matter where it comes from, through a
lye calculator.
To answer your question: It takes a minimum of 4 weeks & generally 6 weeks for CP soap to cure. You can know right away if it's lye heavy, but that's something you want to avoid AT ALL COSTS.
Many people will tell you to don't plan on making CP now for sale in Oct if you've never made CP before.
I'm not saying not to, but I'm not saying go for it either. That's your call, but you have a LOT of accelerated learning ahead of you if you decide to do this. I just touched the surface of what you need to know about CP soaping. Some things can only be learned by experience. Some things can only be learned over a period of time.
My best advice is, be EXTREMELY careful!!!! Proceed with a GREAT DEAL of caution. Do your homework before you attempt your first batch, 'cause I don't want to hear you've been burned with lye, or you dropped some on a child who ran through the room or something.
I did TONS of research, & I must have a Soaping Guardian Angel, because I haven't had a failed batch yet. I've been soaping for 1 month & have done 15 batches. I'm using my first batches, & they are good, mild soaps.
However, I have no idea what those batches will be like 6 months from now. I think they'll be ok, but I won't know for sure. Only time will tell.
My luck will run out eventually. Every soaper makes a bad batch. It's recognising that it's bad when it's not glaringly obvious. Sometimes a loaf of soap looks great, it even looks great as your cutting the bars, then somewhere in the middle, a cut reveals a lye pocket. It happens to even seasoned soapers. Would you use the bars that look good?
I guess I'm not trying to scare you, but there are plenty of horror stories to do that. I just want you to be aware, because soapers have made me aware.
There are questions to ask yourself. Can you run the risk of a lawsuit if someone gets hurt by your soap, or even has an allergic reaction to an EO or FO in your soap & they decide to take you to the cleaners? Can you afford insurance?
Have you sold at a craft fair before? You'll need to know the business end of things, like collecting sale tax, etc.
I'm not trying to be condescending, nor am I trying to discourage you. Like I said, I just want you to see some of what's ahead.
This is a wonderful forum, with lots of helpful, knowlegeable & experienced soapers who will help you in any way.
Glad you're with us!
