Starlite Soap Studio now sells a selection of MICA colourants, in addition to botanical, clay and oxide colourants, for an even greater variety of colours in your soaps.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced soap maker, finding ways to make your creations stand out is always exciting. One way to add a touch of extra magic and vibrancy to your handmade soaps is to incorporate mineral micas. These shimmering powders derived from natural minerals can transform your soap bars into vibrant, eye-catching masterpieces. In this blog post, we'll explore the fun and creative side of using mineral micas in soap making.
WHAT ARE MINERAL MICAS?
Mineral micas are naturally occurring minerals that have been pulverized into a fine powder. Micas are composed of various minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and aluminum, and can be found in different parts of the world. The micas used in soap making are specifically chosen for their safety, stability, and skin-friendly properties.
USING MINERAL MICAS
When incorporating mineral micas into your soap recipes, it's essential to consider a few key points:
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Preparing the micas: Before using mineral micas, make sure to disperse them in a small amount of a liquid oil or glycerin to prevent clumping. This step ensures even distribution throughout the soap base.
- Quantity and intensity: The amount of mica you use will determine the colour intensity of your soap. Start with a small quantity and gradually add more until you achieve your desired shade. Experimentation is key!
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Mixing techniques: To ensure a uniform colour distribution, stir the dispersed mica thoroughly into your melted soap base. Avoid over-mixing, as this can introduce air bubbles into the soap.
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Layering and swirls: Mineral micas can be used to create beautiful layered designs or intricate swirl patterns. By pouring different coloured soap mixtures at varying temperatures, you can achieve stunning visual effects.
BENEFITS OF USING MINERAL MICAS
Apart from the aesthetic appeal they bring, mineral micas offer several advantages in soap making:
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Skin-friendly: Mineral micas are non-toxic and safe to use on the skin. They don't contain harmful additives or chemicals, making them a popular choice for handmade soap enthusiasts.
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Lightfastness: Mineral micas are known for their lightfastness, meaning they retain their colour and vibrancy over time, even when exposed to light and other environmental factors.
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Versatility: Mineral micas can be used in various soap-making techniques, including cold process, hot process, and melt-and-pour. They can also be mixed with other additives like clays, herbs, and exfoliants for added visual and textural interest.
Incorporating mineral micas into your soap-making process allows you to unleash your creativity and elevate your soap bars to new heights. Colour your world with the magical allure of mineral micas!
We sell a variety of colourants at our new 622B Courtney St. location, and we offer mica's in addition to the many other colour choices in our soap making workshops.