A question about Trace....

[brandiesnap]

I'm a newbie who has made 7 small batches of soap with a pretty good success rate. I'm interested in having a better understanding of trace. So far I have got as far as what I think is a light-medium trace, but nothing that I could create a nice top with. Is there a basic recipe that is great for a getting to a thick trace quickly? Is that even a thing?

 

[artemis]

... but nothing that I could create a nice top with. Is there a basic recipe that is great for a getting to a thick trace quickly? Is that even a thing?

Can you define "nice top"? What kind of top are you trying to make?

 

[brandiesnap]

Can you define "nice top"? What kind of top are you trying to make?

I'd like to get to a thicker consistency so I can shape the top or add a pattern using a spoon etc. Maybe I am not stick blending/ stirring long enough.

 

[shunt2011]

It would just be stickblending it more or soaping at a bit higher temp. Or, just let it sit for a bit then texture the top.

 

[artemis]

I'd like to get to a thicker consistency so I can shape the top or add a pattern using a spoon etc. Maybe I am not stick blending/ stirring long enough.

When I want to spoon-texture my top, I often just set it aside and check it for the right consistency. If you're doing a swirl on the inside, that's have you'll have to do-- the right trace for swirls isn't necessarily right for the spoon top. If you're only doing one color, or a layer, then just keep stick blending until you have a nice thick pudding. Even at that point, though, I still sometimes have to wait to make a nice "fluffy" top.

 

[brandiesnap]

It would just be stickblending it more or soaping at a bit higher temp. Or, just let it sit for a bit then texture the top.

What temp do you consider higher?

When I want to spoon-texture my top, I often just set it aside and check it for the right consistency. If you're doing a swirl on the inside, that's have you'll have to do-- the right trace fo swirls isn't necessarily right for the spoon top. If you're only doing one color, or a layer, then just keep stick blending until you have a nice thick pudding. Even at that point, though, I still sometimes have to wait to make a nice "fluffy" top.

Not ready for swirls yet So I could leave it in my pot and check back every 5 mins or so. Would I need to continue blending?

 

[artemis]

What temp do you consider higher?


Not ready for swirls yet So I could leave it in my pot and check back every 5 mins or so. Would I need to continue blending?

I get it thick as I can, mold it, then check back. That way, I don't run the risk of it getting too firm in the pot.

 

[shunt2011]

What temp do you consider higher?


Not ready for swirls yet So I could leave it in my pot and check back every 5 mins or so. Would I need to continue blending?

Warmer than you are currently soaping. I don't soap with a thermometer. Sorry. Personally, I would just stickblend to where you want it or leave it sit a bit.

 

[Primrose]

I pour at emulsion or light trace, otherwise I find I get bubbles. Then I just wait, usually 10-15 minutes, until it firms up enough to make a pattern on the top

 

[brandiesnap]

I pour at emulsion or light trace, otherwise I find I get bubbles. Then I just wait, usually 10-15 minutes, until it firms up enough to make a pattern on the top

Great thanks - this really helps. I will do this on my next batch.