Weird 'lacy' coloration

[AKjulz]

Hi all, I'm Juliet. Been CP soaping for 8 years but recently started getting more creative with it. This is my first post on the forum though I have been lurking for a couple weeks

I've seen a few posts on this problem, but none of them seem to be the answer here. The predominant thought process is that it's a result of TD that is not thoroughly mixed that creates this gelled lacy look in the soap. BUT in these batches there was only lacy stuff in the center bars of the log and the bars on the end were creamy and perfect. And this is NOT a problem I've had in the past, but has happened several times since I started using a master batch for my oils and lye water and wonder if maybe it's a temp issue because my lye solution is now room temp and maybe my oils aren't as warm?


Hope I uploaded the pic right.
TIA for your insights!



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[renata]

I've had exactly the same problem. I think it's just TD not mixed well... I hope more experienced soapers have answer to this question, I'm very curious

 

[dagmar88]

:wink: That's what you would expect. The center gets hotter. Try to avoid gel and use oil soluble TD.

Here's some more info:
http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=37011&highlight=mottled

 

[Donna]

I think dagmar88 might be correct. The article was really informative. I've tried water soluble TD, oil soluble TD and water/oil soluble TD and mixed the wee out of it.
It still happens. I have always gelled my cp soap, but am going to try not gelling. Thanks dagmar!

 

[dagmar88]

I really don't care for that article (it shows some nice examples though), but DeeAnna explains more in the thread.

 

[shunt2011]

I use oil soluble TD and get that if my soap overheats too much in the mold. Usually when I don't watch it close enough. However, it doesn't affect the soap quality.

 

[renata]

Now I really have to try not to gel my soap.

 

[JennH]

I've had the same thing happen. I use oil sol TD. BUT I've also had it happen in my red oxide. When it has happened its always been my gelled soaps. So now whenever I try to get fancy, I put the soap in the fridge.

 

[PinkCupcake]

It definitely looks like a heat issue. See how the purple is darker in the ones with the lacy look? That color is one reason why people gel soaps--to get more vivid colors.

 

[TVivian]

I had this happen to me several times too and it stopped when I started stick blending my TD into my oils very well before adding the lye.


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[judymoody]

It has to do with the heat. That's why you got the crackle in the center of your loaf (which gelled) and not the ends (which didn't or which got partial gel).

I find I get TD crackle only when the soap gets to the point of overheating. Not from a slow, controlled gel.

 

[AKjulz]

Thanks for all the great responses! That totally makes sense. Unfortunately I just ordered a gob of water dispensable TD, so I'm stuck with that.
As for controlling the gel, I will try stickin it in the fridge...new concept for me. Would it help if I just didn't insulate them? Sometimes I cpop but if not I insulate well with wool blankets. What happens if you just leave the molds on the table uncovered?


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[TVivian]

Ya the heat thing makes sense because I've started CPOP ing my soaps which I think helps me control the temperature of the soap.. Haven't had the crackle since then either.


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[AKjulz]

Okay, I'm soaping right NOW and I think I will cpop it. It's pizza night so I won't need the oven for food.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experienced. This forum is awesome!!!


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[savonierre]

I mix the TD into my oils very well too, it does help, it is not foolproof tho..

 

[savonierre]

meant to say that is a really pretty soap, i don't mind the crackle at all..

 

[AKjulz]

Thanks savonierre! I've been playing with new swirling techniques and colors, this one is scented with lavender EO. I'm sure glad the crackle is purely an aesthetic issue!


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[kazmi]

I control my gell so overheating could be the culprit. But I also pre-mix my oil sol. TD in sweet almond oil (or any other oil of choice). Store it in the fridge so you have it handy whenever you need it. Mine is in a 4 oz flip cap squeeze bottle that I've been using for the past couple of months. I've both gelled and ungelled my soaps with it and haven't had a crackle issue.

 

[renata]

Well, I just made a soap batch with TD (water soluble) and put in it the fridge to prevent gel. I just hope I won't be stuck with partial gel...we'll see