About Terry Knorr Expertise I can answer most questions concerning the making of handmade soaps. Those which I cannot answer, I am willing to research for you.
Experience Began making and selling handmade soaps under the name of Earth Soaps in 1994. Have since expanded under the name Good Earth Herbs to 24 different soaps. We do both retail and wholesale business. I also teach two different classes on soapmaking: a basic class and an advanced class.
You wrote, "A better choice would be to use ethyl alcohol, also known as ethynol or grain alcohol. You will want to use the purist form possible (look for at least 190 proof)."
Where can I get this type of alcohol?
You also asked, "It seems as if you have done this before with good results. Have you changed brands of melt and pour soap? Are you using the same type of alcohol? Something must have changed. Is the altitude the only change that has been made?"
The brand of soap is differnt, the alcohol is different, and the altitude is different (I used to live at sea level and now I am at over 3000 feet). Today I purchased some new soap to try and I will get the kind of alcohol you prescribed and see how it works. Wish me luck! I'll let you know how it turns out.
Thanks again, Shari
I'll continue to look into the altitude question. Have a great day!
Terry
Answer Hi Shari!
The grain alcohol can be found at two places: a liquor store or at a chemical supply where it will be know as ethyl alcohol.
You could also try denatured alcohol. It is generally made from grain alcohol, but it also has other chemicals added to make it unsuitable for drinking. Because the other chemicals differ from brand to brand and are never listed on the packaging, you will not get consistant results using it. If you choose to try it, it can be found at most any hardware store.
I'm still looking into the altitude question. It might take me several days. I have a lot of reference materials to look into.
Let me know how these changes work for you. Have a great day, and good luck!
