Gene

To help people who are experimenting with master batching and pre-mixed lye here are the ratio's for lye percentages. Remember record the weight of your container, water, and lye so that when solution has cooled you can replace evaporation loss. lye weight x water weight =solution ratio (%) (Lye parts) x (water parts) = solution ratio (%) 1x 1.0= 50% 1x 1.15= 46.5% 1x 1.2= 45.45% 1x 1.25= 44.44% 1x 1.3= 43% 1x 1.4= 41.66% 1x 1.5= 40% 1x 1.6= 38% 1x 1.7= 37% 1x 1.75= 36% 1x 1.8= 35.7% 1x 1.9= 34.5% 1x 2= 33% 1x 2.1= 32% 1x 2.3= 30% lye weight (1) x water rate (2.3) = solution ratio (30%) for this example 1:2.3 = 30% solution lye weight (1) x water weight (1.5) = solution ratio (40%) for this eg. 1:1.5 = 40% solution

I have a bunch of the 9oz I might part with

Yep, sound that's what I thought

I use mostly fd&c color and don't have problems. Don't understand why the oil would cause problems? Color mutations in soap are nearly always a result of the high ph Have you tried D&C red 33 Lake?

I use RBO all the time now and have never found any problems with coloring that I didn't have with OO. Doe's your RBO have additives? The high temp additive cause problems with soap.

Shouldn't be any left once they dry?

I bought some on my last visit with the plan of duping. Well, I relly liked it and with the cost of numerous different formulations I deciced that it would be more cost effective to buy it. They are local to me so I save on shipping and $15 gal is a good price. The stuff is fantastic! Doesn't wash off easily

is this from ky candle? If so, just keep whipping, also helps to warm it gently

If you are soaping at low temps,the oils will thicken the instant the lye hit's it, looking like a medium-heavy trace. At this point you might panic and want to throw it in the mold, but in a few seconds it will start to heat up and thin out. I use RT oils and a 40% lye solution, I see false trace every time:D

I am also a fishing guide:D It works!!!

Anise EO is one of the oldest fish attractants. It was illegal to use in 11 states until around 1970. The first commercial fish attractant spray was called "FISH FORMULA" and was anise EO in a carrier oil. Not only is it appealing to fish,it helps cover human odors.

PKO, i've also done 100% OO

Coffee soap w/ sweet orange works

try the soy whip body butter http://www.kycandlewaxsupply.com/

Do you have any of the Hallmark butter? If so, post the ingredient list and we'll help figure it out:D

Dragon lily's "polar bear purple" will give you any shade you want

add the fo to the oils before the lye. I do it all the time:D

Probably not. I make 100 oz batch and whip it as needed. Letting it "set" for a day or 2 makes for a better finished product

I get the best results by letting the scrub mixture set for a day or 2 before adding sugar. I actually make up a large batch( without sugar) , store it in a bucket and take out what I need to whip up for each fragrance

citrus EO's are sun sensitizers

It will not replace the Ewax, but might replace some of the stearic. Adding soy wax would make it firmer. The ewax is nessesary and is what make the scrub take on a lotion like texture when it mixs with water

You already have 25% oil which should be enough. Was the shea oily and soft or firm? I would whip it some more and see what hapens. I normally use 20% or a little less oil with Agbanga shea

Wire type cheese slicer:D

No, that is the point I wanted to make. The trays from the sporting goods store are reloading trays ( I reload a lot and have several) They are for holding cartridge cases that have been charged with powder, and the bottoms are not open. The lip balm trays are expensive, but would be an intelligent investment if you make lots of lip balms. I don't make that many at a time, so a rubber band around 15-20 tubes and a condiment bottle ( restaurant style ketchup bottle) works fine. "The tray" would make perfect tops on the balms and I'll probably be making a purchase soon (hopefully)