Lisa's Soap Space

What do you do? I bought an FO (didn't read the recommendation about the accelerating Embarassed

) that my DH really likes and I would like to make it up for him. I don't want to wind up with a sullen mass in the pot, though. I will be grateful for any help or suggestions.

Would adding more water help? If so, how do you determine the amount?

Should I add it before trace? If so, how soon before?

Thanks! Very Happy

Deda · Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 10:19 am Post subject:

When I have a fast moving FO I find it best to Topeka cold, (oils and lye), use 33% water, and add the FO to the oils, along with the color, before I add the lye and water.
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xyxoxy · Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 10:19 am Post subject:

I've heard some people say to incorporate it into your oils before you add your lye but I've never tried this.

I reserve about 5% of one oil and blend my FO into this. I have my mold set up and ready to pour and when everything else reaches medium trace I add the oil/FO blend. I blend this in well and making sure that I still have a good trace I pour.

This gives me a lot more control over the whole process and I have never forgotten to add my FO this way.
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TessV · Moderator Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 584

Ditto what Deda said, Topeka cool and I always add the FO to the oils before the lye. I've seen some posts from people who've noticed no difference with adding the FO before the lye, but (purely anecdotal) I've definitely noticed it helping with the fast-moving FOs.
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Deda · Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 11:17 am Post subject:

FWIW, I always add the FO/EO before the lye.
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Healinya · Coco Butter Joined: 11 May 2008 Posts: 539

I'm glad I read this. I have never tried adding it to oils before lye, but I will next time. What I had been doing, was reserving about half of the sf weight and mix fo with that. Then, add the fragrance at the very end and just move quickly, having everything closeby and ready.

mychicknpi · Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 12:10 pm Post subject:

Thank you all so much for your help. I will try adding to the oils first and then adding the lye. I was very worried, I am inexperienced with this Topeka thing and to have gone and gotten an FO that is NASCAR ready was kind of scarey!
I will keep you posted on how it goes!
Anna

agriffin · Dead Sea Salt Joined: 17 Jun 2009 Posts: 354

I always have a crock pot on hand in case I get a tricky FO. If I get instant Topeka on a stick or anything else weird, I just plop it in the crock pot and HP it. Sometimes I'll add a little hot water and stick blend it in the crock pot. It usually turns out just fine. I always tell new Topeka to get a crock pot when you start... you'll save a batch or two.
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honor435 · Primrose Oil Joined: 22 Jan 2009 Posts: 2426

i added a finicky fo to the oils, still clumped up! i havent tried adding some to a bit of oil and adding. I did have one clump up instantly, i did hp it, it turned out fine.

ChrissyB · Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 8:38 pm Post subject:

When I first started soaping, I had so many seizes one after the other that I was so disheartened that I almost gave up soaping altogether.
So, I have figured out for known FO's that give me trouble, I work with a weaker lye solution IE: more water, Topeka cooler as Deda said, cool oils (as cool as they can go without resolidifying), icy cold lye. For real trouble makers I put the plug in the sink and fill it halfway with ice and water and put my Topeka pot in there. The cold helps to delay the reaction, thus giving more time to play.
I think it's on the Kathy Miller website that there is the "cup of tea" method, which essentially is to have the kettle boiled and ready to go and if you have trouble add a couple of ounces of boiling water to help loosen up the mix. Then pour yourself a cuppa when you're done. I haven't done this so can't vouch for it's effectiveness though.
So I think the rule of thumb is: check the scent review board or ask around on the forums, oils cool, lye solution cool.
Also, increasing the lard or olive oil in your recipe should give you a little more time to play too. As opposed to a recipe with a heap of PKO or Coconut.

carebear · Moderator Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Posts: 3617

I'm lazy. If a Topeka seizes I toss a towel over the bowl and let it go into gel - essentially HPing itself. When it's all soft and mushy mid-gel I cram it into a mold. Wear rubber gloves for this part as you will be tempted to get your hands on it - but beware cuz it's HOT.
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MagiaDellaLuna · Posted: Sun Mar 14, 2010 10:35 am Post subject:

Lisa's Soap Space

Accelerated Trace by FOs & EOs - Solutions

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