Because opaque cold process soap undergoes a chemical reaction in the molds, there are a few extra considerations to keep in mind. These considerations don’t apply to transparent soap since it’s neutral when poured. Transparents also lack stickiness, so there shouldn’t be any problem unmolding them.

1. Soap needs a certain amount of heat to properly saponify. Most cold process soap recipes call for pour temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees F. These temperatures are fine if you’re pouring several pounds into one large mold. When soap is poured into individual 3 or 4-ounce Milky Way molds, heat is more easily lost regardless of how much insulation you use. If you’ve measured your ingredients correctly but your finished soap is soft and/or grainy, raise the soap’s temperature to between 115 and 120 degrees F the next time you pour.

2. When filling many cavities, realistically consider how much working time you have before your soap begins to thicken beyond the “easy pour” state. Dividing soap into smaller portions for different colors and fragrances will slow you down. Some artificial fragrances will speed the thickening, in which case think about making smaller batches. If your soap does thicken before all the cavities are filled, spoon the soap in and tap the molds lightly on the counter top. The clear plastic Milky Way molds will allow you to see if any air bubbles remain on the mold’s detail surface.

3. Superfatted soap and/or soap high in soft oils such as canola, avocado, safflower, etc, are a bith sticky and therefore may unmold with more difficulty than firmer soaps high in palm oil or tallow. These softer soaps will unmold easily if you place the mold in the freezer for one hour.

4. More on unmolding soap.
If the soap is allowed to remain in the Milky Way molds for 12 to 24 hours after cooling down, it releases much easier than unmolding immediately upon cooling. During the extra time, the soap is both shrinking and crystallizing.

A fairly effective mold release can be made using one part paraffin wax (by weight). Stir in 3 parts mineral or baby oil. This is best used when hot and liquid, but if applied to the Milky Way molds when cold, use a stiff brush to ensure thin and even application.

The above information is provided courtesy of www.MilkyWayMolds.com

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