beautifulfeetcandles Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 Is trace when you start to see the paterns of spoon drips/drizzle (is this light trace?) or is it much further when you see it stay clearly on top of the mixture? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandmaArial Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 I'm relitivly new at soaping, so I may be wrong, but I don't consider it trace until the shape starts to hold. if you stop stiring when its just starting to show it can still seperate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovelyLathers Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 Here is some info on trace. http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/coldprocesssoapmaking/g/glosstrace.htmAlso if you do a search on google there are lot of sites for beginners that have valuable info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mystical_angel1219 Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 Trace is when the soap resembles very thin pudding.Basically, it's when the entire mixture is emulisified completely and starts to thicken. I usually pour at very thin trace, but have kept stirring/stickblending to get a thicker trace on a few occasions. IMO, you have more control and time with the raw soap when you stop at a thin trace. If you like swirlie, textured tops, you will need proceed to thick trace. It's all personal preference, and what method works best for you. I find the the less I use the stickblender after I reach trace, the more time I have to play with the soap. I use a slotted spoon or whisk once I reach trace and it works for me. My theory is to use the stickblender sparingly before and after trace for less drama in soapmaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crafty1_AJ Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 When I start to see a trail leaving a "trace" on the top of the mixture, I consider the soap to be at a light trace. The next step in the progression is when a small blob stays on top just a moment before sinking in. That's the latest point at which I can probably safely play with swirls and such and still have time. If I want fluid swirls, I generally stop sb'ing and start adding color to my swirl portions at the first stage, when I'm seeing a little trail left.The amount of time between those two stages varies according to the recipe, the temperatures, and the fo/eo I'm using.Hope that answers your question! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beautifulfeetcandles Posted October 9, 2007 Author Share Posted October 9, 2007 Thanks for the info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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