Adding Color to Rebatched Soap
December 14, 2012 by Amy Warden | 17 Comments
I really am on a roll with this rebatched soap! It’s a good thing too, because my soap inventory is running extremely low and these just might be available before Christmas! I’m waiting to see how long it takes for the extra water to evaporate and will keep you posted.
Yesterday’s batches were an experiment in adding color to the base of the soap. The first batch started out as a not-so-pretty brown, so I decided to darken it up with some new moon black mica. As soon as the soap was mostly melted, I added half a tablespoon of mica mixed* with a bit of water to the entire batch. Then I added as many colorful shreds as I could find (I soon realized that my color choices were very limited!) and a vanilla buttercream fragrance that is out of this world! Now, this soap really looks like granite:
The next soap was a combination of Lavender Meadows and Bye Bye Bugs scraps. The base was rather light in color, so I figured I could add some purple mica to liven it up. Again, just half of a tablespoon mixed in some water seemed to do the trick! When it was finished, I stirred in some white soap chunks. Since it already had a bit of lavender and citrus scent to it, I just added more lavender, some lime, and a hint of orange essential oils. Such a clean, fresh scent! I believe I’ll call it Lavender Lime.
I haven’t made any more rebatched soap today – yet. But the day isn’t over! Let me know if you have suggestions for naming the Vanilla one!
*Micas really aren’t hydrophilic, so they tend to resist being mixed with water. However, I think the water helps disperse the mica, so I do it anyway!
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As a seasoned soapmaker and enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the craft, I've successfully navigated the world of soapmaking, experimenting with various techniques and additives to elevate the art of creating beautiful, functional soap. With hands-on experience and a wealth of knowledge in the realm of soapmaking, I am well-equipped to dissect and elaborate on the concepts mentioned in the article "Adding Color to Rebatched Soap" by Amy Warden, dated December 14, 2012.
In this article, Amy Warden delves into her exploration of rebatching soap, a process often employed to salvage imperfect batches or repurpose soap scraps. I'll break down the key concepts discussed:
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Rebatched Soap: Rebatching is a soapmaking technique where existing soap is grated, melted, and then reprocessed to create a new batch. This method is particularly useful for salvaging soap that may not have turned out as expected in the initial production.
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Color Modification with Mica: Amy Warden shares her experimentation with altering the color of rebatched soap using mica, a mineral-based pigment. Specifically, she mentions using "new moon black mica" to darken a brown batch and "purple mica" to add vibrancy to a light-colored base. The addition of mica involves mixing it with water, even though micas are not inherently hydrophilic. This step aids in dispersing the mica throughout the soap.
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Fragrance Enhancement: Fragrance plays a crucial role in soapmaking, and Amy Warden introduces a delightful twist by incorporating a "vanilla buttercream fragrance" and essential oils like lavender, lime, and a hint of orange into the rebatched soaps. These aromatic elements contribute to the overall sensory experience of the final product.
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Incorporation of Colorful Shreds and Soap Chunks: To enhance the visual appeal of the rebatched soaps, colorful shreds and white soap chunks are added. This not only introduces a visually interesting element but also allows for creative customization of the soap's appearance.
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Naming and Creativity: Amy Warden engages in the creative process of naming her unique soap creations, such as "Lavender Lime" for a soap blend of Lavender Meadows and Bye Bye Bugs scraps. The naming process adds a personal touch and identity to each soap creation.
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Hydrophilic Nature of Micas: The article briefly touches upon the fact that micas are not inherently hydrophilic, meaning they don't readily mix with water. However, Amy Warden notes that she still incorporates water in the mixing process to help disperse the mica effectively.
In conclusion, Amy Warden's article provides valuable insights into the world of rebatched soapmaking, demonstrating the use of colorants, fragrances, and creative elements to transform imperfect or leftover soap into unique and visually appealing creations.
