All About MoldsUpdated 4 months ago
Silicone Molds
Silicone molds are very easy to clean and can withstand very high temperatures, making them perfect for all kinds of MP (melt and pour) and CP (cold process) soap recipes. Silicone molds are sold as loaves, as column shapes, and as unique cavity molds.
Silicone Loaf Molds
Silicone loaf molds come in various sizes and can create a full loaf of soap. The loaf can then be sliced into bars. By using loaf molds, you can increase your production and create more consistent designs.
Video: Using Silicone Loaf Molds
Silicone Column Loaf Molds
Column molds create long, vertical loaves of soap, which allows soap makers to easily place and embed different shapes and designs. Column molds can be used to create either standalone bars or as embeds when used in conjunction with other loaf molds. These can be difficult to layer and work best with a single color or swirl.
Video: Using Column Loaf Molds
Silicone Cavity Molds
Silicone cavity molds allow for the creation of individual soaps in unique shapes. These molds are ideal for small batches, particularly when the temperature is very high. Silicone cavity molds are incredibly durable, unlikely to warp due to their high temperature tolerance, and very easy to remove soap from.
Video: Euro Round Silicone Soap Mold
Plastic Molds
Plastic molds are durable, inexpensive, easy-to use, and have tapered cavities for easier soap removal. These clear PVC molds allow for incredibly intricate designs that can only be matched by the work of a very skilled soap carver. Plastic molds are also appropriate for lotion bars, bath bombs, and bath fizzies.
Plastic molds typically have a maximum temperature tolerance of about 135-145°F and may warp at higher temperatures. It is important to monitor your pour temperature to preserve the integrity of the mold.
Video: Making Pinwheel Body Bombs
Metal Bath Bomb Molds
Metal molds are durable, solid, spherical molds that can last a lifetime with proper care. They can be cleaned, reused, and transported without fear of damaging the mold.
Video: Shark Week Bath Bombs Video
Choosing a Mold Size
Question: How can I calculate how much cold process soap a mold will hold?
Answer: Since oils used to make cold process soap are lighter than water, we recommend using this formula to estimate the amount of cold process soap a mold will hold.
Mold Volume x .40 = Ounces Mold Holds
Troubleshooting
Problem: MP Soap is difficult to remove from plastic mold.
Solution:
1) Always fill the mold completely to the rim.
2) Place the soap in the freezer for 10-30 minutes.
3) Carefully heat the soap by running the back of the mold under warm water.
Problem: CP Soap is difficult to remove from plastic mold.
Solution:
1) Use a water discount to ensure a harder bar of soap. It is not recommended to discount any more than more than 1.5:1 as the concentration of lye to water can be too high and even leave undissolved lye.
2) Use hardening ingredients. 76º Coconut Oil or Palm Oil will help make for a harder bar of soap. A lower superfat creates a harder bar of soap. If you do not want to change your oils or butters, consider adding sodium lactate to your recipe. Our Best CP Soap Recipe for Plastic Molds is a great recipe to start testing with.
3) Freeze your mold of soap before unmolding.
Problem: Bath bomb is difficult to remove from the metal mold.
Solution: Add a few drops of LuxGlide N5 to the mold and swirl it around to create a very light coating before adding the bath bomb mixture. This measure should be taken with care -- too much coating and the bath bomb may be activated.