Using LabColors in high pH products:
*NOTE the following info is for High pH Products - refer to the Low pH Info below for everything that does not use an Alkali.
We have developed a system where 12 Prime colors are used as the building blocks for all the remaining color combinations.
The HIGH pH Formulary Guide will give you two options:
• Half Tone
• Full Tone Maximum Amount
These are further separated into the following groups:
• The Prime 12 - the first 12 colors.
• Basic High pH Colors - true colors.
• Mists - muted soft decorator or countryside type tones.
Results in Products:
- CP--as listed
- KOH Liquid Opaque--as listed.
- KOH Liquid Transparent--will remain transparent, may cloud slightly due to fragrance oil.
- KOH Transparent--will remain transparent, may cloud slightly due to fragrance oil.
**If you are using a recipe for Transparent Liquid Soap that requires neutralizing at the end of the process to lower the pH BELOW 7, you will need to use the Low pH Color Guide.
Common Dyes will behave even more unpredictably when added to a product with a High pH. Some will turn redder while some will fade into nothing at all or look like mud. The colors for High pH products in this guide are completely stable.
LabColors have all been tested in cold process soap and cured for 6 weeks. Additionally, they have all been exposed to direct sunlight for an additional 6 months to verify the light stability of the color. Orange tones will go slightly darker after 6 months.
Your soap may look weird when you first mix in the dyes but after the initial 24 hour insulation period the true color will develop. You will not see much of a change, if any, over the curing period. Some colors require a lot of dye per pound of soap - I suggest these colors be used for a marble or swirl effect.
LabColors may be added at any point of your soapmaking process - just be certain to remove the equivalent amount of water you use to make your lye solution. Either add the equal amount of liquid dye right into the water portion of your lye solution - or you may add your dyes at light trace. If you are using Solutions Concentrates undiluted you can simply add in drops without adjusting your water content.
They may also be used with the Hot Process technique. You will achieve better results if the dye is added prior to the cook. If it is added at the end of the cook it will result in an unusual type of marble effect throughout.
The measurements are the amounts that we tested per Lb of finished product to obtain the color samples in the guide. This is a "Suggested" starting point as the actual color you want may be more or less than what is stated.
We have also included the "Maximum Amount " of color per US and Canadian guidelines. You should never go over the Maximum Amount in any product!
Again, the amount shown in the half and full tone areas on the Formulary Guide is a "Suggested" starting point you can use per pound of finished product.
This is the most frequently asked question and we want to make that clear!
Half Tone Measurements are a lighter color which many people prefer. This amount is also per pound of finished product and is a "Suggested" starting point - you may use more or less.
We cannot tell you "exactly" how much you should use in your specific recipe or batch, but we do give you a suggested starting point. (Most people are happy with the 1/2 tone measurements). Color is very subjective. What may be a great color to you may not be to someone else.
HINT:
- When your soap is at light trace add your color. Usually the color of the soap at this point will be the color of your finished soap. (It can be slightly lighter after cure) You can then add small amounts of your color until you reach the shade you desire then add any Fragrance Or Essential Oils.
- Sometimes a Fragrance or Essential oil can CHANGE the color of the soap in the Pot!
- DON'T BE TOO ALARMED! Purples for example, can turn an ugly GREEN color if the Fragrance oil is very yellow. Once the soap has gelled IT WILL BE PURPLE!
- However if the Fragrance oil or Essential Oil naturally discolors the soap or there is a high concentration of Olive Oil nothing can be done to counteract this. For Olive Oil Colors use the Olive Dyes.
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