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Less Can Be More – Using Sheer Colors

Filed Under: Melt & Pour Soap

 

We know that when making multi-colored glycerin soap styles we need to use non-bleeding colors, which are usually made of powders that block light. It seems like we can only do two things – use clear bleeding colors or use opaque non-bleeding colors, but we actually have many choices in between! They’re called “sheer colors.” Here are some tips on how to achieve them (they all use clear soap base to start):


1) Use non-bleeding micas, just a pinch at a time to get a light tinted shimmer that still has clarity. In the Woodgrain Soap above, I used just a hint of cappuccino mica. The engraved design still shows up beautifully and the mica doesn’t bleed (you can find the full tutorial here). In the Daisy Bars on the right, I used a touch of opalescent mica as the background color. It’s still pearly without looking too heavy.

2) Use oxides and pigments with a very light hand. It’s best to start with liquid colorants since it’s easier to add the color one drop at a time, but you can also dilute your powders and add by drops, too. You can see in these Ice Bars that I was able to get a clear blue center that won’t bleed into the white frame. Ultramarines (the blue, purple, and some pink pigments) are very fine powders that keep their clarity very well if used lightly. But remember – one drop at a time!

For a quick reference of which micas and pigments Bramble Berry carries that are non-bleeding, check out Anne-Marie’s recent post here. And for some more great projects using sheer colors, pick up your Soapylove book here! Happy coloring!

Debbie, Soapylove

The best soap supplies on the internet are found at Bramble Berry. Click here to browse Bramble Berry.

 

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9 Comments

  1. I just found this post, and I fell in love! I am dying to know how to reproduce the “L” soap on here! Any tips?

    Sarah

  2. Yes, I was just there today and saw they had three kits left and I know Erik is restocking. Be sure to email the store (otionsoap at Qwest dot net) a few days before you come down so the sets are there and put aside for you =)

    You'll love the goodies. =)

  3. Anne-Marie: Can we buy the jewelled colour set, the dessert set, or the associated Soapy Love fragrances in the Otion retail shop? The costs affiliated with the shipping by Fedex (for the fragrances) make purchasing them prohibitive, but I live near the border and love road trips to your shop! Or can I order them and pick them up in the shop? (I run youth groups through a non-profit society, and while we're waiting on possible grants, the only money I have coming in for said programs are from pop bottle returns, kind donations from the readers of my blog, and my wages! We pay for all the supplies for every class, so every dollar I save means more supplies for the kids!)

  4. The Daisy soaps are gorgeous! And I definitely agree – less is more, especially when it comes to clear base.

  5. i love that daisy soap.

    oh, the possibilities.

    less. is. more.

    and, cheaper.

    cheaper is better.

    yes.

  7. great tips! I always go crazy with the colors but I have been working on new lighter ones but I see I can go even lighter then I had been.

    thanks 🙂