Which molds to buy, and question about drying racks?

[ChristinaB]

As a VERY new soaper, I have no idea what mold I should first invest in? I've been using bread pans for practice but the soap is hard to get out and I don't like that the sides aren't straight.

I think I want to buy a loaf mold and also a slab mold with removable dividers so I can play with all the fancy swirling I've been learning about.

What suggestions do you have regarding type, as well as where I should buy these molds from? My husband could easily make wooden molds for me but I really don't want to have to mess with lining them (yes, I am lazy that way )

Also, I've just been using baking racks to dry my soaps on; is there something better that I should be using?

Thanks in advance for all the help and suggestions!!

Christine

 

[Araseth]

I use silicone molds, they come in all different shapes and sizes and it's super easy to get the soap out. No need to line those either. As for curing I use a cheap wooden set of shelves. Five shelves with slatted wood.

Edit: I buy mine here: http://siliconemoulds.com/
But you can buy them at so many places, I know in US there's quite a few straight sided ones available online for soap making, here in UK they're a little harder to find.

 

[calico21]

As long as your baking racks are coated or you line them they're fine. Its what I use. I just bought a Kelsei divider mold but its the only one I've bought. Its good but I can't rave about it I've only used it 3 times. My log ones are home made, as far as lining them I find the best way is to do it the first time like alot of the directions say. Then when that first log comes out before you cut it use it to make you next liner by semi wrapping it like a gift and you have your next liner with smoother edges.

 

[ChristinaB]

Thank you. Any other suggestions as to which brand of molds and the best place to buy them?

 

[Happy Lass]

I have two of these and I can't say enough how much I love them.

Made such a difference in my soaping.

http://wholesalesuppliesplus.com/Produc ... ers+Choice™+Loaf+-+Regular+-+Clear+Silicone+Mold+1501

 

[Laurie Gator]

If you are looking for silicone loaf pans, check out Bed, Bath and Beyond. I was there last night and they carry the food grade Silicone loaf pans for $9.99. They also had 8x8 silicone pans too. I am trying the 8x8 for some sample batches...

Edited to add - I tried a 1 lb sample batch in the 8x8 silicone pan. IT WAS THE BEST! The soap came out smoothly and looks great! I cut it into bars right out of the pan and the bars looked great! This really made a huge difference from the plastic molds I was using and having so much trouble getting the soap out of...

 

[ctay122]

If you are near an IKEA they sell a nice type of metal rack. I got mine there. You can use needlecraft plastic to set your soaps on so they don't touch the metal and still provide some aeration around the soap. I've also heard that sometimes bread stores will sell their old plastic racks.

 

[ChristinaB]

The needlecraft plastic is a great idea, I'll grab some of that today. I don't want to use baking silicone molds, I want to buy real soap molds; just didn't know which place had the best molds. What I'm looking for is the slab mold with dividers so after I swirl I can put the dividers in to make individual bars. I've seen them on Youtube, I just don't know where to get them. I've looked at WSP and a few other sites and haven't seen them. I'm still hoping for suggestions!

 

[SilverFox]

Brambleberry.com has the slab molds with dividers. I've been eye balling those myself lately.

 

[Fullamoon]

I was on a website this morning (I totally forget where, sorry because I'd like to give credit) and she was using those large plastic plant flats as soap curing trays. She laid one on the floor flat, then the next one stacked going the other way, then another, etc. It was brilliant! She said the nurseries throw them away so she gets them for free. I am going to look into this for sure.

 

[oh2bejoy]

I got my no line mold at soaphutch.com I LOVE IT! Here is a picture of all the configurations it can do:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 32.3431941

It was a little difficult (make that REALLY difficult!) to get the soap out for the first 2 or 3 batches, but now the sides just slide off the soap. As soon as I can afford it, I plan on buying another one.....

Hope this helps....

Joy