If you’re thinking about getting into cold process soapmaking then you’re probably going to need to learn how to line a soap mold. Fear not, I’m here to help!
This is the technique I always use when lining molds. When you get the basics down, you’ll be able to line any sized mold. I think that I speak for many people out there when I say that I would rather scrub the kitchen floor with a toothbrush than line a mold. Does anyone despise lining molds as much as me? (Did I go too far with the tooth brush analogy?) However, we must put in the work before we get to play. This technique is fast and easy for me. So I thought I would share it with the world…or at least the soapmaking world.
With this technique we’ll be cutting out one big piece of freezer paper that covers the bottom of the mold and the long sides. Then we’ll cut two smaller pieces that will just cover the ends. This technique works on any mold.
ONE: First we’re going to cut out the big piece of freezer paper that will cover the bottom of the mold. Cut a piece of that will be wide enough and long enough to cover the bottom of the molds AND fold over the sides. Place the freezer paper on top of the mold and use your finger to make a crease on both sides of the paper.
TWO: Then carefully cut on the creased lines (that you created above).
THREE: Place the paper inside the mold to make sure that it fits. Trim the edges if you need to make any adjustments.
Set aside for now.
FOUR: Repeat the same method in step one for the two end pieces. Make a crease with your finger along the sides that you can cut on.
FIVE: Cut along the creased lines again and cut the freezer paper in half.
SIX: Form the end pieces on each side and tape down the edge. Then finally put the long piece of paper back in to cover the bottom and sides and tape to adhere the paper to the mold.
Now go forth, line your molds and make beautiful cold process soap!
Thanks for the ideas! I have been using silicone parchment paper, but it’s pricey. Would love to have a permanently lined box!
Hi Sharon!
If you are looking for permanent liners for the wooden molds that Bramble Berry carries, you are in luck. We’ve recently released several silicone mold liners that are a breeze to use. You can check them out here:
Silicone Liner for 5 lb Wood Mold: https://www.brambleberry.com/Silicone-Liner-for-5-lb-Wood-Mold-P5270.aspx
Silicone Liner for 2 lb Wood Mold: https://www.brambleberry.com/Silicone-Liner-for-2-lb-Wood-Mold-P5540.aspx
Silicone Liner for 18 Bar Mold: https://www.brambleberry.com/Silicone-Liner-for-18-Bar-Mold-P5639.aspx
Happy Soaping!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
I’ve been using Glad Press n Seal for years and it’s simply the best and easiest thing I’ve tried. A tip: to cut across the Press n Seal, use the cutter on the box. To cut the along the “length” of it, snip it with scissors, and then carefully tear it. It’s extremely difficult to cut with scissors!
Hi Jane!
I am so glad that you have figured out a way to line your molds. We always love to hear tips and tricks from our customers. Thanks! =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Can you line it the same way with parchment paper? We don’t have freezer paper here or at least I haven’t found any, but I use parchment paper for everything. Thank you 🙂
Hi Karen!
Parchment Paper actually reacts with the soap and you may end up peeling pieces of paper off your soap. You can try looking for the freezer paper (or also known as grease-proof paper) in your local grocery store — I would check the foil and saran wrap section. I hope this helps. =)
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Thank Thank Thank You…. I love making soap…however I hated to have to line my wooden boxes that my husband made for me. I had a hell of a time making the perfect corners. Many Thanks to the now perfect corners. I like the idea of using the mylar and not having to waste so much paper. Love your site.
Rustic Sudz
I’m so the same way, lining molds will be the death of me! Did you know that Bramble Berry actually sells silicone mold liners for our 5 lb wooden molds? They are a totally lifesaver for me and I don’t know how I ever soaped without one. 🙂
https://www.brambleberry.com/Silicone-Liner-for-5-lb-Wood-Mold-P5270.aspx
-Becky with Bramble Berry
This is probably a silly question, but what is freezer paper? Are we talking wax or parchment, or something else all together?
Not a silly question at all, Leslie! Freezer paper or it’s also know as grease-proof paper is what we use to line our molds. It is the paper that is generally used to wrap and protect food that will be frozen. You can usually find it at your local grocery store. I hope this helps. =)
~Becky with Bramble Berry
I admit, I gave up. I cheat;) I took a metal rain pipe and cut it down into foot long sections, and made a wooden box to hold 6 of them in a row. I put the Glad “Press and Seal” paper on the bottom, stand them up in the box and pour my soap right into them. Spray a little Pam into them before pouring in the soap, and the logs pop right out:)
What an excellent idea, thanks for the tip! It’s great that you were able to make something that works for you!
-Becky with Bramble Berry
hmm, I do it a different way with one piece. Maybe I’ll try this.
🙂
If you have a way that is fast and easy for you then stick with it. This is just our “go to” method.
Courtney from Bramble Berry
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! My hubby absolutely hates lining molds and this will help a LOT!!
Thanks for the nice tutorial on lining (because I bought that mold from Brambleberry!)…and I like Jennifer’s suggestion about gluing in mylar so that one only needs to do this procedure once. 🙂
Thanks. This was very helpful.
You can buy sheets of Mylar in the quilting section of a craft store. Cut the sheets to fit each side of your mold. “Glue” the sheets to the sides with a little Vaseline. It will save you lots of time, money, and aggravation, and generate less trash.
Does the soap leak into the mold when using the Mylar attaching it with the Vaseline? And does the soap come out of mold with the Mylar attached to the soap easily?
I hope Jennifer answers – I haven’t tried that idea yet =)
After three back-cramping hours hunched over the molds last night, I swore lining them was going to drive me out of soap making. The toothbrush analogy didn’t go too far! Thank you for this timely and easy to comprehend explanation.
Wonderful tutorial!
Quick and painless tutorial! Thank you. It has always looked hard to me. Now, I need to make a batch!