Basic Instructions for Melt & Pour Soapmaking

1. Place desired amount of melt & pour soap in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Cutting the soap into small pieces will help it melt faster. Do not put the plastic tubs in the microwave; take the soap out first.

2. Heat on medium heat (50% power in microwave) until fully melted. Stir occasionally and do not overheat. If using a thermometer, around 140 degrees F is good.

3. Add 2 teaspoons of scent for each pound of soap base. This amount can be adjusted according to your preference and the strength of the scent you are using. Use only soap-safe fragrance or essential oils.

4. Optional: Add 1/4 teaspoon of powdered colorant per pound of soap base, and mix well. We recommend micas for melt & pour soap. Oxides & ultramarines can also be used, but are a little harder to work with for beginners. You can also use food coloring or FD&C colors in liquid form - just add a couple drops at a time until desired color strength is reached.

5. Carefully pour soap into molds. Spritz the soap with alcohol to remove any little bubbles that may form at the edges.

6. Let soap cool for several hours or overnight.

7. Gently flex mold to release soap, or pop mold into freezer for 20 minutes if the soap is hard to get out. Don't force the mold.

8. Soap is now ready to use!

Advanced Techniques

Additives

When adding 'extras' to your soap base, such as butters, botanicals, etc., keep the temperature of the base as cool as possible (while still hot enough to stay liquid). If your base is too hot, items will either float to the top or sink to the bottom. Keep stirring the base until the items start to suspend. A film may start to appear on top of the soap, just stir it back in or remove it if it becomes too thick.

We do not recommend adding any significant amounts of oils like olive oil, sunflower oil, tallow, etc. They will just reduce the soap's lather and give them an oily feel. Our mp bases are already made with coconut, olive, castor, and sunflower oils - the oils are added at the time of soapmaking, when the oil combines with lye to produce soap & glycerin molecules.

You can add small amounts of butters such as shea, cocoa, or mango butter. Five to 10 percent max, or again you may get an oily feel. Just melt the butter in the microwave, and stir well into your melted soap base.

Layering

Allow layers to cool slightly between pouring - about 10-15 minutes. If the hardened soap layer is too thin the next layer will melt through it. When the first layer is firm, score the top with a knife, not too deep, just enough to scratch the surface. Spritz with alcohol and pour the second layer. Repeat steps for as many layers as you want. Let the whole block sit overnight, then slice into bars.