I posted this elsewhere and didn't get any responses. I have a decorative soap that I want to use as a final load. My question is what can I use to make the prop last. I was thinking lacquer but maybe polyurethane...not sure how either would interact with the soap.

RTV silicone mold "splashed off" the original soap, then cast prop soaps out of cold-cure urethane compound - using appropriate dye to color the finished product.

I know, I know... too much work. But that's how you do it if you really care.

TW

The decorative soaps I've seen have been around for years. Turns out few people are brave enough to use them, even if they're sticking in a bowl in the bathroom...

However, some quick google research indicated lacquer may be a good way to go. You should probably look into it more yourself- I'm no expert and don't want to give out bad advice.

I'm of the opinion that you may also want to look into making a mold or two, so you can recast duplicates from wax if something should happen to the original.

Edit- Looks like Thomas got to this first, concerning the mold-making. His advice is better and more complete than mine.

I agree with thomas.. unless you REALLY want the smell of real soap... make it out of quick cast urethane...

if you REALLY want the soap to be soap... make a mold.. and occasionally pour yourself a new one with new soap.

I don't think you could get a thick enough coat of lacquer on there to matter.. and if you do. it will change the look of the soap drastically.

You could try coating the decorative soap with melted paraffin wax. I remember my parents doing this years ago with soap bars and old Christmas cards.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2211504_decorate......oap.html