What Do You Line Soap Molds With?

Soapmaking is a popular hobby and craft that allows creators to customize soaps with different scents, colors, and designs. Using a mold is one of the easiest ways to shape handmade soap bars. The mold contains the soap mixture while it hardens, creating bars with a consistent size and shape. Mold materials like silicone, plastic, and wood each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to releasing the cured soap and durability over many uses. This article will provide an overview of the most common materials used to line soap molds and tips for choosing the right liner for your soapmaking needs.

Why Use a Mold Liner

The main reason to line your soap molds before pouring soap is to prevent the finished bars from sticking to the sides and bottom of the mold. When soap hardens during the saponification process, it adheres tightly to whatever surface it is touching. This makes removing the soap difficult without damaging the bars. Using a mold liner creates a barrier so the cured soap releases easily.

Lining soap molds is especially important when using materials like wood, plastic, silicone or glass. These smooth, non-porous surfaces offer nothing for the soap to grip onto when removing from the mold. A layer of liner provides the release that unmolded soap needs.

While lining is optional for materials like cardboard, paper or even aluminum baking pans, it can still help make unmolding easier. The main downside is that liners prevent soap from absorbing properties from the mold material, which some soapmakers desire.

Overall, lining soap molds is a useful technique for neatly removing finished bars without distortion or tears. It saves time and frustration when unmolding, and helps keep soap looking attractive.

Silicone

Silicone is one of the most popular mold liners used by soap makers. Silicone provides a smooth, flexible surface that allows soaps to release easily from the mold. According to Brambleberry, silicone molds are non-stick, heat-resistant, and easy to clean (https://www.brambleberry.com/shop-by-product/molds/silicone).

Silicone molds come in many shapes and sizes to accommodate different soap designs. They are more durable than plastic wrap or freezer paper liners. The flexibility of silicone allows intricate soap designs to release cleanly from the mold without sticking. Silicone liners can be used many times before needing to be replaced.

When lining a mold with silicone, it is important to avoid air bubbles. Slowly pour the silicone in a thin stream to allow air bubbles to rise to the surface. A heat gun can also be used to eliminate bubbles. Allow silicone liners to fully cure before using them for the first time.

Plastic Wrap

Plastic wrap, also sometimes called cling film, is a very common household item that many soap makers opt to use when lining their soap molds. Plastic wrap can be purchased at any grocery store or big box retailer for just a couple dollars, making it one of the most affordable mold lining options.

Some of the benefits of using plastic wrap for soap molds include:

• It’s readily available and cheap – usually $1-2 for a box of cling wrap.
• It’s easy to use – just lay a sheet over the mold and press it in before pouring soap.
• It prevents soap from sticking to the sides of the mold.
• It gives the soap a smooth surface on the sides.

There are a few potential downsides to be aware of with plastic wrap. It can rip or tear easily when removing from the mold. It also doesn’t offer much stretch or give. For larger or deeper molds, soap shrink wrap bags specifically designed for soap making may be a better option.

But for most basic soap molds, standard plastic wrap from the grocery store can serve as an effective cheap liner.

Freezer Paper

One of the most popular and readily available options for lining soap molds is freezer paper. Freezer paper is waxed on one side, which when placed waxed-side down in the mold creates a non-stick barrier between the soap and the mold. The wax coating prevents the soap from sticking to the mold, making removal easier. Freezer paper can be purchased at most grocery stores and big box retailers and is relatively inexpensive. It also holds up well to repeated use in soap making. Simply trace the mold template onto the dull side of the freezer paper and cut out. Smooth the waxed side down into the soap mold and you’re ready to pour. Freezer paper is an easy, versatile option for beginner and advanced soap makers alike.

Source: https://houseoftomorrow.net/how-to-line-a-soap-mold-what-to-use/

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil like canola, olive, or coconut oil can be used to line soap molds and acts as a release agent. The oil creates a barrier between the soap and the mold so that the hardened soap can be removed from the mold more easily. When using vegetable oil as a mold liner, apply a light coating to the inside of the mold before pouring in the soap batter (1). The oil prevents the soap from sticking to the sides and bottom of the mold. Once the soap has set up, it should pop out of the mold cleanly. Vegetable oils are readily available kitchen staples that soap makers often already have on hand. They provide an affordable and effective option for lining soap molds.

(1) “Vegetable oil for practice?,” Soap Making Forum, October 11, 2020. https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/vegetable-oil-for-practice.81282/

Vaseline

Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a common household item that can be used to line soap molds. Petroleum jelly creates a barrier between the soap and the mold so the soap releases easily. To use Vaseline:

Lightly coat the inside of the mold with a thin layer of Vaseline. Use a pastry brush or your fingers to spread it evenly. Be careful not to use too much or it may leave an oily residue on the finished soap. Just a light coating is sufficient. According to this source, petroleum jelly is an effective mold release agent for soap making:

“I’ve been using [Vaseline] for years with no problems.” (Source: https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/vaseline-to-line.5620/)

Allow any excess Vaseline to drip out of the mold. Then pour your soap into the mold as usual. The petroleum jelly will allow the cured soap to pop out of the mold easily. Vaseline is inexpensive, readily available, and provides a simple option for lining soap molds.

Beeswax

Beeswax is a great natural option for lining soap molds. As a byproduct of honey production, beeswax is readily available and affordable. It works well as a mold release agent because its natural non-stick properties allow the hardened soap to pop out of the mold easily. Simply rub a thin layer of beeswax directly into the mold cavity before pouring your soap batter. The beeswax will solidify quickly and provide a protective barrier. When cured, the soap releases cleanly from the mold with no sticking or residue. Beeswax is also gentle and won’t interact with any soap ingredients. It’s an all-natural, non-toxic choice. Some soap makers even add a bit of beeswax directly into recipes as an additive for its skin-nourishing properties. When used correctly, beeswax is a versatile mold liner that makes unmolding soap a breeze (Beeswax Mold, n.d.).

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is a popular choice for lining soap molds. According to The Flaming Candle, cocoa butter makes a luxurious soap base that offers creamy lather and a pleasant, chocolatey aroma (source). When added to soap, cocoa butter also provides skin nourishing benefits. Cocoa butter contains fatty acids and vitamins that moisturize and soften skin. Using cocoa butter to line your soap molds will impart these nourishing properties to your final soap product.

To use cocoa butter to line a soap mold, first melt the cocoa butter slowly on low heat. Let it cool slightly so it thickens but remains pourable. Then pour a thin layer of cocoa butter into each soap mold cavity. Swirl the cocoa butter around to coat the sides and bottom. Place the lined molds in the fridge or freezer to harden the cocoa butter before pouring in your soap. The cocoa butter will pop right out when the soap has hardened.

Conclusion

In summary, the top options for lining soap molds include silicone, plastic wrap, and freezer paper. Silicone liners are reusable, flexible, and easy to remove soap from. Plastic wrap is disposable, smooth, and cheap. Freezer paper is also disposable, can be cut to size, and is readily available. Other options like vegetable oil, Vaseline, beeswax, and cocoa butter also work but have some drawbacks. Overall, silicone liners are best for frequent soap making since they are reusable and effective, but plastic wrap or freezer paper can work well for beginners or small batches. The liner you choose depends on your budget, soap making frequency, and personal preference.