Soapmakers- I have a question

[thistle]

For those of you who have done the glycerine soap thing- could I just remill some regular glycerin soap?

I have a bunch of soap molds and want to make some for gifts. Could I just buy glycerin soap bars at Walgreens when the put them on for 39 cents and melt them down and pour them into the molds? Is there something special about the melt & pour stuff?

Thanks!!

thistle

[JessicaS]

no, you can't.

Glyerine soap isn't melt and pour. Glycerin soap is made through a complicated process involving alchohol and glycerin. It is regular soap that alchohol has been added to to make it clear. Then glycerin is added to keep the moisturizing properties. It is hard to do well and I am afraid of trying it as I am pretty accident prone and afraid of blowing up my kitchen.

(I can't type much about it as my keyboard is broken..I will add more tomorrow when I don't have to delete all the extra letters)

Melt and pour is specifically formulated for melting down.

Regular glycerin will melt about as well as other store bought soaps.

I did try it once before I found that out and it comes out all lumpy and icky, it was gooey and soft and never hardened. It can be done but it will not come out as well as melt and pour.

You can finsd cheaper melt and pour at some of the soap supply websites.

[Selena]

Hi!

I did that a few times before I learned how to do cold process. Just regular little clear ish jellow colored bars from Safeway. it worked fine in the micro but smelled hideous BUt it was fun!

Try walmart ifyou have one, sometimes they have melt and pour intheir craft section, otherwise, Joann's and Michael's carry melt and pour, might be just as inexpensive as buying 3 or 4 bars at walgreens...

[JessicaS]

It melts better in a double broiler. You can just improvise one..I use a metal bowl in a pot of water.

Michael's has M&P for $6 for 2 lbs this week and thats on sale. You can get it cheaper online but the shipping can be harsh but usually the product is of higher quality.

Most molds are for about 4 oz.

You might try and see if anyone carries soapmaking supplies near you, besides michaels or Hobby Lobby or something...try a search on google sometimes that can bring something up.

A beekeeping supply store near me carries oils and M&P and stuff and it is much cheaper than trying to get it at a craft store.

[JessicaS]

http://members.citynet.net/leab/Suppliers_by_State.html

this link has a list of suppliers by state.

[twirlgirl]

I've always bought melt and pour at Hobby Lobby or Joann. With a JoAnn's 50% coupon you could get 10lbs or so relatively cheap.

And the link posted with suppliers online is fabulous. I lost all my soapmaking bookmarks, but one that I remember well is www.soapcrafters.com

Melt and pour can become an addiction, but cold process can become an obsession I love making soap!