Trying HP soap for first time

[mjt123]

I am going to try HP for the first time. I will be using 100% lard.
The reason i'm trying it is because you guys have told me the fragerance will survive the process better than CP. I have a couple of questions, should I bring it to trace before putting it in the crockpot? should the pot be set on high or low? How long does it usually take? what does it look like when its ready to go in the mold, mashed potato? are there any other benefits HP has over CP?
I assume the finished soap is going to be more rustic looking than CP?

 

[Obsidian]

I usually bring my HP to trace in the crock pot before turning it on. I have a lot in trouble with lard soaps separating when I do HP, the trick is to cook it on low. If it does separate, don't panic. Stick blend it every few minutes until it stays together.
Also, I pour my HP into a warm stainless steel bowl before I add my scent. I've had the hot crock pot burn my scent completely away before.

It will look similar to mashed potatoes but a bit more transparent. Make sure to use full water and don't over stir. Too much stirring can dry the batter out which makes it harder to mold or leave little bits of ligher soap through out the bars.

Yes, it will be very rustic looking. There really is no difference between HP and CP that I've noticed except HP takes longer to cure since it usually has more water in it. The texture is different too, more spongy which I don't like at all.

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

I would also check out a few HP videos from different soapers, too - just so you know what it is likely to look like.

Let the cooked soap cool a little before adding the scent, but not so much that it becomes unworkable, that will vary for each person/situation, of course.

Enjoy it - HP is good fun.

 

[Seawolfe]

When I HP I:
1) Bring to thick trace in a crockpot and then turn the crockpot on low
2) beat ANYONE who opens the crockpot, just watch it. I dont stir unless its trying to climb out
3) my batches only take 45 min to saponify (looks translucent, zap test doesnt zap), but I've never done 100% lard
4) when done I move the batter to a bowl to cool down, adding the superfat and any additives at this point. Leave behind any dry white bits - make a soap ball with them after your batter is in the mold.
5) I add the EO and stir it in well last, when the batter is still stir-able, but cooler.
6) glop into the mold

 

[kumudini]

When I HP I:

4) when done I move the batter to a bowl to cool down, adding the superfat and any additives at this point. Leave behind any dry white bits - make a soap ball with them after your batter is in the mold.

I have a friend who likes those soap balls flattened into a disk better than a hard CP bar. I call them veggie patties, lol
On the question of this thread, i agree with EG, watch some you tube videos on that subject before you make soap. It helps if you have one handy on your screen during the process should you forget anything.

 

[DeeAnna]

What the others are saying. Don't cook it to death.

If you have it, try adding sodium lactate solution at 2-3% of the total fat weight. I add it to my fats or to the batter at trace or even to the finished soap while it's still in the soap pot. SL will make the soap more fluid so the finished bars have a smoother look.

I also sometimes spread a layer of plastic food wrap over the top of the molded soap and then press the soap with a flat object (my palm in a pinch!) to compress the soap and smooth the top for a tidier look. I think some people have a board cut to fit into their mold, and I'm sure that will give the best results. I'm not that organized -- I just grab something handy.