Tips for salt bars in individual molds?

[Paintguru]

For those that do salt bars and individual molds, what tips/tricks do you have to get a nice, uniform bar? I've found that if I wait too long into trace, when I pour into the molds I get gaps and ridges in the bar. I had better luck with my second try by pouring earlier, but I'm wondering how early I can add the salt to the mixture such that the salt doesn't settle to the bottom. I do wish I could do these darn salt bars in log molds, but that was an epic failure for me as well .

 

[Obsidian]

I've only used individual molds once for salt bars but they turned out nice. I added the salt at very light trace and stirred it in by hand, as soon as it was thick enough to keep the salt mixed through out the batter, I poured.
I generally use a log mold when I make salt bars, as long as you cut them soon after pouring they won't crumble.

 

[soap_rat]

I found I had to wait until medium or thick trace to add the salt, because it settled to the bottom of the mold otherwise (or was all in the last part of the poured soap). But I don't get cavities, it's odd that you do. Do you slam the mold on the floor (wearing goggles)? That gets rid of air pockets.

I also take a spatula and smooth the surface of the soap, or I do get ridges that make the soap wobbly.

I make logs too, sometimes I can cut the log in just 45 minutes, although I've learned not to expect that and never make a salt loaf right before bedtime!

 

[paillo]

I add the salt at emulsion, don't wait for trace. I stir with the stick blender like crazy and pour as soon as the salt is mixed in well. By the time it's all poured it's usually already at a very, very heavy trace, so for me, the sooner I can get to the pour the better. Possibly mine moves so fast because I use more clay in salt soaps than in other recipes...

 

[kazmi]

I'm following this thread because my only salt bar batch ended up getting rebatched. I think I poured too early (very light trace) because I was worried about getting it in the mold before it hardened and mine seperated with all the salt at the bottom of the individual molds. I'm using the rebatch bars and really like salt bars but rebatching them made them a little crumbly.

 

[Paintguru]

Thanks. I'll keep trying at super light trace and see if I can stay ahead of it. I didn't slam it because the mold is pretty floppy (it is a silicone mold).

 

[Obsidian]

Set your silicon mold on a cookie sheet, makes it a bit easier to tap it down.

 

[Paintguru]

Set your silicon mold on a cookie sheet, makes it a bit easier to tap it down.

Yeah good idea. My other thought, to remove the not so flat top surface, is to use one of those silicone baking mats, put that on top, and then put a cookie sheet on top of that to weigh it down slightly. Should make for a nice, clean bar all around.

 

[soap_rat]

Yes, or instead of a cookie sheet, a cardboard tray like for cans of soda. (I pick up extra ones from Aldi and Costco)

I also use those trays for curing.

 

[cmzaha]

Thanks. I'll keep trying at super light trace and see if I can stay ahead of it. I didn't slam it because the mold is pretty floppy (it is a silicone mold).

It will really depend on how much salt you are using. If you are using 50% or less salt get your batter to a good trace but not thick. If using 90-100% salt you can add in the salt when you reach a good emulsion. If you use 100% coconut oil it will definetly move faster. When using a log mold you can usually remove a 100% salt bar within the hour and cut, otherwise it will crumble and/or you will not be able to cut it at all. This was poured in a 5lb mold and I got busy and delayed unmolding for 1.5 hrs. It did crumble a bit on the bottom edge. Never met a bad salt bar!