What is easier for a newbie HP or CP?

[Manda129]

I can say that my head is completely full of information and none of it makes sense anymore, full overload

I want to start making soap but want to know whats easier cold or hot process? and also what exactly is the difference, does it make a difference to the soap at all?

 

[krissy]

if you want the to be able to use the soap sooner, then do HP. i know i started with HP just so I could use the soap I was making faster. for me HP was easy as long as i had good pictures/directions.

 

[coco cooks]

I strated with HP in the CP. Just now venturing into the CP. HP is good to start and more immedoate gratification. Limiting with what you can do style wise, but there are options.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I think CP is easier to start with. :wink:

 

[Dennis]

I started with CP. I'm still starting. Love CP, but haven't done anything else. So many opportunities to screw it up and still have something useful. No matter what you choose, just jump in and do it. If it's a mess, you can always do it again. If it's not a mess, you can always do it again. Scary fun! Don't be afraid to mess up, you learn so much that way.

 

[jennikate]

I started with CP and am learning to embrace HP at this time. For a long time I wasn't liking the look of HP learning to like it better as I get better at doing it.

 

[drtysoap]

CP is so hard sometimes to wait for soap but is prettier than HP but I do both and love both <3

 

[Manda129]

sounds like just need to jump in head first im guessing its a personal preference :wink:

 

[AmyW]

I am really liking HP to test new recipes. Much faster. But aesthetically I like CP soap better.

HP needs to be "babysat" through the cooking process, but CP's "babysitting" is mostly dependent on if you gel/don't gel/don't care.

 

[Jerry S]

CP or HP...which is better...

CP and HP will both make great soap...HP essentially allows you to use the soap in a couple of weeks because you cook it. Cold Process is not cooked and has to be allowed to cure for up to 6 to 8 weeks.
The disadvantage to Hot Process for a new soap maker is that it tends to stiffen up on you very quickly before you get it in the mold. If you use certain Fragrant Oils and colorings, these to can effect or stiffen your soap before getting it in the mold. You can use chemicals such as Sodium Lactate which allows the soap to remain in a more fluid state giving you more time to get the soap in a mold. It also tends to make your soap harder after its cured.
If your a new soap maker try Cold Process a few times before attempting Hot Process, just to get the feel of making soap. Patience is your friend..
Good luck
Jerry S :wink:

 

[Relle]

CP,for me all the way. Just starting again here also.

Relle.

 

[earthbabysoap]

Cold VS. Hot Process

Like many of us here, I do this for a living. I started with hot process because I wanted to use the soap right away. However the consistency of the soap leaves much to be desired. CP is much smoother. I would never charge anybody for my HP soap. Also you will experience much more shrinkage with the HP soap over time. I can't figure this one out. The only time I use HP now, is if I'm making liquid.

 

[Healinya]

I vote for cp. Once you do the physical work, you just wrap it up and wait until it's done... with hp, you have to wait and watch for the right moment to stirr in additives and then get it in the mold as neatly as you can and press it all down and blah blah blah lol.. nothing wrong with that, I'm an hp lover. But I say cp is easier for a beginner (depends on the person tho - do what you think it best)

 

[soapbuddy]

If you can wait, then CP. If not than HP.

 

[dubnica]

I think CP is easier.

 

[honor435]

I do both, more time for hp, but you can use sooner, although I see some use their cp after one wk? I cure mine for at least 4 wks.(cp) 2 wks for hp, Yes, it is just preference, I dont think one is easier than another.