As a beginning soaper, I was always nervous about pouring before trace. It took me a long time to get over that fear. But the more I soaped and observed, I became able to determine when the soap had emulsified to the point where it wasn't going to separate again. I'm not sure I could explain to someone how to tell the difference. It's one of those things you learn by feel and experience, watching the soap batter as you mix it, noticing when there are no oily streaks any more, or oily shine at the top, is the best way I can explain it. If you use the same recipe most of the time as I do, and about the same size batch, then you know about how long it takes to reach trace, so you need to mix it long enough, but not quite to that point. I know, that's not much help, but I remember reading posts where experienced soapers talked about pouring at the point of emulsification, and wondering how the heck they could tell, and then eventually......I got to where I could recognize it myself. I stick blend for a while, then stir with the stick blender, blend again.....and watch. I wish I could explain it better than that. The more you soap, the easier it will become. Fingers crossed for you!
