OutlandishLady Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 Right after you pop out of the mold? It just seems like my patterns get a little smeared, the soap is soft and it looks just a bit off. Should I wait longer, or will the soap look different once it's completely cured? Maybe I just need to clean it up when it's harder? Dang, two batches down and I'm not an expert?!?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaybee23 Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 LOL, I am still a newbie too. But I would wait until it is a little more firm, if it is still pretty soft, to cut it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grannyscandles Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I usually cut mine within 24 hours of unmolding. Then I know it isn't going to be too soft and yet I can still cut it relatively easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryann Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I've cut only 5 batches so I'm not an expert but I couldn't WAIT w/ the first two and it shows :undecided they are smeared just like you said yours are! One I waited 4 days and it cut nice and clean. I trimmed up the sides on one of the 1st batches and it looked great compared to the fronts. When I used the crinkle cutter I found that I could cut after I took it out of the mold as long as the log was firm not squishy. Can't wait to hear what the experts said I'm curious too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elle110 Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I use a huge water discount and almost have to cut w/i 12 hrs of actually making the soap or it is very hard, I have to wear gloves to cut because it is still new soap.I have always cut pretty much after taking out of mold even b4 using discount, I am very impatient even if I have made the soap b4. LOLTake a damp cloth and wash them up a little, the smears just go away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 A lot of cutting depends on recipe and process. I normally do CPOP and cut my soap right after unmolding (and unmold in about 12-16 hours). But if I'm doing a castille and using the same process - it is days before cutting. If the soaps are smearing I'd wait a day or two. Sounds like they are still too soft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunny Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I've found the longer I wait to cut my bars the better the cut. It's hard not to cut right away - I usually cut 1/4 inch from the end just to see if my swirl came out, then let it set for another day for a smooth cut. Now, when I use the wire cutter, I cut right away. Don't want to pop a wire! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca_IA Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 There are many variables that determine when I cut my soap. Oils used - some of them will eventually contribute towards a very hard bar, but within the first few days contribute to a tacky soap. Water discount - if you use a 50% discount versus full water, the soap will be very soft initially. Gel or no gel - if my batch doesn't gel, I let it sit longer too.Experience will teach you when to cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EMercier Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I only have made a few batches and the last two I made I waited a little longer and got a decent cut. I was concerned that the soap wouldn't cut right, but it did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindsaycb Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I need to learn control in cutting too...I dwcp and usually cut within 12 hours. But sometimes I think a good 24 would be better. I'm just too darn impatient Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpy Girl Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but generally I'll cut my base recipe within 24-48 hours after unmolding without any issues. Any harder bars get the knife immediately after unmolding. Softer recipes can sit for a week or two, but I do like Bunny and cut the first 1/4 off and check my swirls 'cause I just can't stand not knowing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcandleattic Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I have to agree with most the people here. Depends on the softness of the soap, but generally about a day or so after taking it out of the mold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crafty1_AJ Posted March 10, 2006 Share Posted March 10, 2006 I agree with Rebecca. Sometimes I use a lot of soft oils and no water discount. Those batches are going to need more time before I cut. Sometimes I use a lot of hard oils and the batch will be too hard to cut if I wait too long!And gelled batches are firmer and can be cut sooner than ungelled batches, which are sticky/tackier longer. The weather can also play a role -- in warm, humid conditions, I have to wait a bit longer to cut as the new soap is still too soft. In low humidity, I can cut sooner.But generally speaking, I cut about 24 hours after pouring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenniejr Posted March 11, 2006 Share Posted March 11, 2006 I get too impatient and have cut when they are too soft. Makes a mess! I have been trying to wait 24 - 48 hours now before attempting to cut. They are turning out much better that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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