Teach Soap

So, I am pondering this: What exactly is the difference between light and false trace?

I see in my research that "blending to light trace" is often mentioned when working with different FO's (the ones that accelerate trace it seems) and also when doing froo-froo color stuff to allow time to work with the soap...but then I also see that "false trace" can be a cause of "soap gone wrong"....so what is the difference? How can one tell?

I am sure it gets easier with time and all...but are there any clever tips or pointers to be able to differentiate between the two?

As I take my "scenting soap journey" I am curious to know...I am excited to start playing more with different scents in small batches, but want like always to be as prepared as possible before I dare move forward

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Making soap one loaf at a time - it's better than bread 'cause soap doesn't have calories!

If you're not sure that you reached light trace, take a whisk and stir the mixture around. Does the soap leave a light coating on the side of the container? If so, that's light trace. If it separates, you have a false trace.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

How long does it take to notice the separation? Do you mean like in my mixing...or when I add my fragrance? Or once I mold it? Is it pretty fast...or would you not notice for a while?

There in lies my biggest confusion...course I still whip the heck outta it at this point...nice, thick, get up and walk away on it's own trace is my goal I think So I have a hard time stopping at "eh...kinda thin-ish"...

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Making soap one loaf at a time - it's better than bread 'cause soap doesn't have calories!

If you stir with a whisk and it stays the consistency of thin gravy and doesn't separate, then you've reached thin trace. Some fragrances accelerate trace, which would make the mixture look like pudding, make the soap seize (turns to cement) or break trace, which would look like curds and whey. Once the soap is thick, do not walk away. You need to pour into your molds asap.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

So...it would separate in the mixing pot and then I would know? In particular if I am moving pokey slow?

I keep having visions of getting it all blended together (scent included) and then getting it molded and coming back to find it has separated....like my evil batch gone wrong that bit me with zap a while back

Thank you I dunno if I have the courage...but I want to give it a go...gotta order something challenging first though I suppose...Energy was so easy to work with

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Making soap one loaf at a time - it's better than bread 'cause soap doesn't have calories!

Yes. It would separate in the mixing pot. You will notice a slight color change (whether you add any color or not) when the soap comes to a light trace.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I think I did it (happy dance, happy dance, trips falls, gets up and dances around some more!)

So...I DID notice a slight color change - I had the house lit up like The Griswolds at Christmas time to see it (poor lighting, live in a barn, had to steal hubby's drop light thing). But I made it work, and sure enough it DID look different.

THEN - here's the important part, the part that was hard for me - I made myself put the stick blender down and back away from the soap! Yup. I sure did...and I waited a bit, kinda poked at it some with the blender but did NOT push the button...added Vanilla Oak FO from BB, mixed just a tad (not to death) and flop into the mold it went

Currently it is doing it's 'soapy thing' at Camp Kenmore (in the freezer). Hopefully I got this right

It's the first one I didn't blend to death, so we will see....

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Making soap one loaf at a time - it's better than bread 'cause soap doesn't have calories!

Congrats! Now pat yourself on the back. You know we'll need pics when you cut it.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

YAY for you! Isn't the Vanilla Oak a great scent?
Your descriptions crack me up...

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

LOL - I'm a mess aren't I? But a well meaning mess at least

It won't be cut for a few days - especially since today, once I finish this coffee, I have a Looooonnnng day ahead. We have some other things scheduled for Camp Kenmore around here and they ain't soap...I will have some pics of soaps for sure before the weekend is over I think.

I have to admit, currently it looks and smells like a very fine soap! I am in love with yet another scent! Heck, I'm just proud I didn't whip it to death

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Making soap one loaf at a time - it's better than bread 'cause soap doesn't have calories!

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Lisa
“What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul” ~ Yiddish proverb

Good job and grats! It's so hard to be patient but Vanilla Oak is worth it. Can't wait to see the pics.

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!