Too Much Coloring - Newbie Mistake

[xyxoxy]

Hi all!
I just decided to begin soaping a few weeks ago and I'm already getting hooked!!

My first batch was an 8# CP avocado mint with fresh dried mint from my garden. Aside from reaching trace a little too quickly I consider it a great success. It looks and smells wonderful and lathers up just great after only a little over 2 weeks.

My second batch... however... oops!

I decided to try a yellow powder type coloring and just didn't understand that a little goes a long way. I blended the powder into some sunflower oil and then mixed it into my other oils before adding the lye... so it is very well blended. But what should have been a lemony yellow is more of a orangy pumpkin pie color. :shock:

I'm very disappointed because the texture and consistency so far seem great... maybe even better than my first batch. But after unmolding it I took a small test sliver and (wearing gloves) rubbed it a bit under running water. And as I feared the lemony yellow coloring just oozed out of the soap and down the drain.

So my first question is - am I correct that this soap would turn a person yellow even after curing and should not be used as is?
And my second question - is it safe to rebatch this and mix with uncolored soap?

I'm thinking of using the same or similar recipe with no added color or scent, letting it cure, then grating and mixing the two batches until I find the right proportions to absorb the excess color. Does this sound right and does anyone have any other ideas on how to salvage this batch? Do I need to let both batches fully cure before rebatching and if so, what is the curing time I can expect AFTER the rebatch process?

I'm hoping to have these ready for Christmas gifts so perhaps I should just sit this one aside for now and do a clean batch. I didn't expect to get to rebatching so soon in my soaping career but here I am!

Sorry for the long post and thanks for any advice and support.

- Michael

 

[starduster]

Mix , match ,have fun

Hey Michael, as time goes on you will know how lucky you are to have this happen.It will push the boundries of your colour mixing and experimenting to greater heights.
There are many ways to rebatch.I would be grating some, chopping some and almost powdering some of it also.
I myself have made a new batch then at various levels introduced the different sizes.By using your electrick mixing stick to say a third ,add just a little at a time you can end up with a subtler colour to that amount.Maybe keep a third white and another third either darker or lighter.
Just layer them in as you feel it would look good.Sorry ,this is for loaf or big slab effect.
Maybe draw up a cross section first on paper other wise you may mix too much.
Slightly swirl altogether with stick .
You will definately need more perume or ess. oils.
I am no expert by the way ,I enjoy playing with the soap. :wink:
Now stand back and wait for a heap of other great ideas.