Shark Fin Soap Mold

I wanted to make a shark fin soap, but there were not any molds online that fit what I wanted. So I created a 3D model of a shark fin swimming through the water and printed that out, I grabbed the print and used it as the negative for a silicone mold, then add the soap base, with colors into the silicone mold.

Prep time to print the model : 1 hour per model

prep time to make the silicone molds : 10 minutes of work, 24 hour (at least) set time

soap making time: about 3-5 minutes by yourself, 10 minutes with children including time to reheat soap in the micro wave (this makes sure the glycerin soap is hot enough to mix colors with, but not hot enough to burn (about 105 degrees, and we use a coffee stirrer as well)

to make the print:

3D printer - I am using Ender 3 S1

PLA filament - I use this one : https://www.amazon.com/OVERTURE-Filament-Consumables-Dimensional-Accuracy/dp/B07PGY2JP1/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3GYE6TEWBOE7Q&keywords=overture%2Bpla&qid=1692602239&sprefix=overture%2Bpla%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

to make the mold - follow this instructable: https://www.instructables.com/Worlds-easiest-silicone-mold/

silicone glue bottle - 100% silicone (it will say this on the bottle): https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-10-1-oz-Silicone-1-White-All-Purpose-Caulk-2749483/317804562 I got this one from Home Depot.

dawn platinum soap - https://www.amazon.com/Dawn-Platinum-Dishwashing-Liquid-Refreshing/dp/B0BBQ8S9VK/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1B8HXLA6UMGKJ&keywords=dawn+ultimate&qid=1692602663&sprefix=dawn+ultimate%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-6

water

bucket or bin that can hold water and get very messy

to make the soap:

glycerin soap: https://www.amazon.com/Primal-Elements-Clear-Moisturizing-Crafters/dp/B096T98189/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?crid=3S0RMJ1A4HLFB&keywords=glycerin%2Bsoap&qid=1692602709&sprefix=glycerin%2Bsoap%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-13-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&th=1

mica powder (grey, teal, and blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078MKBM5C/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B078MKBM5C&ref_=sxts_sparkle_sbv&pd_rd_w=YRIlW&content-id=amzn1.sym.cd95889f-432f-43a7-8ec8-833616493f4a%3Aamzn1.sym.cd95889f-432f-43a7-8ec8-833616493f4a&pf_rd_p=cd95889f-432f-43a7-8ec8-833616493f4a&pf_rd_r=ZN86393G44AG2VQYAB1T&pd_rd_wg=G7GwM&pd_rd_r=24da8810-f682-4aca-8fe1-83f694ebb707&pd_rd_plhdr=t&th=1

essential oils for smell

Create a blank using tinkercad, or use this one:

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/l982j3JDnJS

I would recommend using gloves for the smell and also I find that my skin around my hands is dry and flaky after this process for about 48 hours after. But no big issues happened to me for not using gloves. please use this instructable to make the silicone mixture:

https://www.instructables.com/Worlds-easiest-silicone-mold/

After you make the mixture, dip your 3D printed blank in the soap water before gently but firmly pressing the blank into the silicone mixture.

once the blank is completely pressed in, but not covering the bottom of the blank, gently form edges on the bottom of the mold so that is less likely to wobble when pouring or mixing the soap.

place the mold in the water again for at least 2 hours.

pull out and use pure dawn platinum soap and rub it gently but thoroughly across the entire mold. leave for 5 minutes and drop back into the soap water for at least another hour.

I find that the molds are firm enough after about 24 hours of curing.

first step is to melt the soap, use a microwave to melt the glycerin soap to a liquid. this will get he glycerin soap VERY hot, please be careful at this point

once it is completely melted, let it cool to about 110 degrees faranheit, or when it is slightly congealing together.

NOTE: if it is only adults doing this, you can speed up the process by making the soap hot and cooling after, this method is assuming kids aged 5-7 will be mixing the soap

add enough soap to cover the fin portion of the shaker fin mold

add the grey mica powder to the fin, about 1/4 teaspoon

add more soap to cover the remainder of the mold and then add the teal and the blue mica powder and mix again, making sure to mix in a bigger circle than the shark fin to reduce color mixing.

the result should look like the color is mixed but the soap will be bumpy, lumpy, and sticking out from the soap. this is okay.

we are going to put the molds back into the microwave for 6 seconds, let rest for 10 seconds, then another 4-6 seconds, if you see the soap boil bubbling, stop the microwave and wait for the soap to settle, boiling the soap will make the grey mica powder and blue powder to start mixing.

add the molds carefully into the freezer and let rest for about 10-12 minutes. pull out and let the soap cure for another hour before its ready to be used.