Kia ora pauline I have only been soaping since october last year but to answer this question you/we/I would needd to know all of the context around your experience. If I have learnt anything, its that there are so many variables and even the same recipe can do differetn things in different contexts. I have also learnt that you learn most from your 'mistakes' so theres lots of learning coming your way.:-) so for starters whats your recipe? Arohanui Mandy Coleman Mokihinui Mansions 36-56 Lewis Street Mokihinui RD1 Westport 037821837 0273075881 _____ From: soapcraft-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:soapcraft-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Rouse Pauline A Sent: Monday, 2 August 2010 7:45 a.m. To: 'soapcraft@xxxxxxxxxxxxx' Subject: [soapcraft] PROBLEMS My third batch of soap - not good. When I mixed the oil with the lye it instantly went solid before I could put it into moulds. I think I put too much Palm oil in. Next day grated half of that batch and reheated it and trickled in filtered water slowly. Took another 600mls but it looked like and felt like it had a bad cold (snotty). As it cooled it turned white and was manageable but now feels sticky. What went wrong? Pauline