CBE Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 I've seen a few posts on here concerning gelling of CP soap. Some people like gelling... some avoid it. So, if a soap gels... what properties does it give the soap? Does it give a better looking soap? I've only had two batches gel on me, all the others didn't. I do prefer the look of the soap with the batches that DID gel. What is the difference between a soap batch that gels and a soap batch that doesn't gel? Any experiences anyone would like to share? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcandleattic Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 The only difference I have noticed at all in any of my soaps that gel or not is the appearance and the cure time. Everything else is exactly the same. Gelling really is a personal preference. I gel all of my soaps with the exception of my GM soaps that I immediately shove in my fridge to avoid it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted July 12, 2007 Share Posted July 12, 2007 Can someone please explain exactly what gelling is, how you ensure that it does or does not happen? Thx! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sister Kya Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 One thing I've noticed is that, when using FOs that are known to discolor, my soaps that don't gel tend not to turn as dark as the ones that reach full gel.I used an FO recently that not only turned the soap brown-black (yes, a vanilla blend) but the lather it made was dark brown too. The half of the batch that didn't gel still had brown bubbles, but not as noticeably so as the half that got insulated and reached full gel.Just an observation...Kya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heirloomoriginals Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I prefer not to gel as I like the more opaque look of the ungelled soaps. Some FO's you can't avoid it as they are heaters anyway, as well as honey soaps.Steph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meridith Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 Can someone please explain exactly what gelling is, how you ensure that it does or does not happen? Thx!Once oils and lye are mixed together, they begin to saponify. Saponification is the chemical reaction that makes soap. This chemical reaction gives off heat The soap mixture will retain enough heat to create what's called a "gel stage" - it will get so hot that it almost liquefies and turns translucent and really does look like a gel. Once the chemical reaction is done, it will cool back down and harden. In flat or slab molds, you may only get the gelling in the center or partial gel, leaving the edges cool and opaque.To avoid gel, I put my soap in the fridge. You can also try soaping cooler - with RT oils and lye, and keeping your mold in front of a fan to avoid gel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soycrazy Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I just started gelling and I do love it, mostly for how hard the soap gets. I've learned don't put it in plastic if you gel soap it's a bear to get out lol. I like ungelled also though for the creamy look of the bars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crafty1_AJ Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I prefer gelled soaps for the various reasons stated above, but also because I can cut the soaps sooner. Ungelled soaps stay softer/stickier/tackier longer for me, so I can't unmold and cut as soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapmaker Man Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I gel all my soaps too. I like the looks of the gelled soap especially since I use only goat milk. Many who use goat milk do not like gel, but I embrace it! I also feel the soap is a little firmer faster and has a better texture. I think curing time is a bit sooner also. Just my 2cents worth though. LOl "To gel or not to gel, that is the question!" Paul.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meridith Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I try to avoid gel with my GM soaps so I can get a creamier soap but gel with all my others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBE Posted July 13, 2007 Author Share Posted July 13, 2007 I gel all my soaps too. I like the looks of the gelled soap especially since I use only goat milk. Many who use goat milk do not like gel, but I embrace it! I also feel the soap is a little firmer faster and has a better texture. I think curing time is a bit sooner also. Just my 2cents worth though. LOl "To gel or not to gel, that is the question!" Paul....So, I guess you're "gellin' like a felon"... I need to stop watching t.v. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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