Topic outline

  • General

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    • This tutorial demonstrates how to use 3D-printed moulds inspired by chess pieces to create your own soap chess set at home. The process requires only everyday tools, a few supplies, and patience.

  • Materials

    •  

      Material

      Notes / Use

      3D-printed chess moulds

      For shaping the soap pieces

      Soap base (100 g per batch)

      Main material for each batch

      Oil

      Helps soap release from moulds

      Soap colouring (1 drop per 100 g)

      For tinting soap

       

      Tool

      Notes / Use

      Kitchen scale

      To measure the soap base accurately

      Knife

      To cut the soap base into smaller pieces

      Coffee pot or small saucepan

      For melting the soap base

      Wooden chopstick or spoon

      To stir the melted soap

      Gas lighter (optional)

      To remove surface bubbles or reheat

      Rubber bands

      To keep moulds tightly closed

      Cotton swabs

      For applying oil to moulds

      Alcohol spray

      Sprayed on the surface to prevent bubbles

      Scissors or a knife

      To trim excess soap after unmoulding

  • Instructions

    • Step 1. Prepare the moulds with oil for easy release.

       

      Apply a thin layer of oil inside the moulds using cotton swabs. This helps the soap pieces release smoothly once hardened.

      Step 2. Melt the soap base carefully on low heat.

       

      Cut 100 g of soap base and place it in a coffee pot. Heat gently over low flame, stirring constantly. Avoid high heat, which burns the soap and produces an unpleasant smell.

      Step 3. Add colour: one drop per 100 g of soap.

       

      Once melted, add 1 drop of soap colouring per 100 g batch. Stir until the colour is evenly distributed.

      Step 4. Cast the soap into tightly sealed moulds.

       

      Pour the melted soap into the prepared moulds. Secure the mould halves with rubber bands to prevent leaks. Lightly tap the moulds on the table to release trapped air bubbles. Spray alcohol on the surface to further minimise bubbles.

      Step 5. Solidify.

       

      Allow the soap to set. Wait until fully hardened.

      Step 6. Unmoulding the finished soap chess pieces.

       

      Carefully remove the hardened soap pieces from the moulds. Trim away any excess material along the seams using scissors or a knife.

  • Learnings

    • ●        Soap pieces come out clean and detailed when temperature, oiling, and bubble control are well managed.

      ●        Candle wax can also be used with the same process, opening possibilities for a full candle chessboard.

      ●        Patience and low heat prevent burnt batches.

      ●        Oiling moulds and spraying alcohol are crucial for quality results.

      With practice, this process transforms digital 3D-printed designs into tangible, functional, and creative artefacts.

  • Maker Worksheet

    • Materials

      1

      3D-printed chess moulds

      2

      Soap base (100 g per batch)

      3

      Kitchen scale

      4

      Knife

      5

      Coffee pot or small saucepan

      6

      Wooden stick or spoon

      7

      Rubber bands

      8

      Oil + cotton swabs

      9

      Alcohol spray

      10

      Soap colouring (1 drop per 100 g)

      11

      Scissors/knife (for trimming)

      12

      Freezer (optional)

       

      Step Checklist

      1. Prepare the moulds

      Brush oil inside the moulds with a cotton swab.

       

      Close moulds securely with rubber bands.

       

      2. Melt the soap base

      Cut 100 g of soap.

       

      Heat gently over a low flame.

       

      Stir constantly (don't boil).

       

      3. Add colour

      Add exactly 1 drop of colouring per 100 g.

       

      Stir until even.

       

      4. Cast the soap

      Pour melted soap into moulds.

       

      Tap moulds lightly on the table.

       

      Spray alcohol to remove bubbles.

       

      5. Cure

      Let the soap partially set.

       

      Store the moulds until they harden.

       

      6. Unmould & finish

      Remove hardened pieces carefully.

       

      Trim seams with scissors/knife.

       

       

      Tips

      Low heat = smooth soap.

      Alcohol spray prevents bubbles.

      Oiling moulds helps to easily release.

      Freezer speeds curing.