Trace and Mold Question???

[SoapBubbles]

I have been watching various videos that show how to make cold process soap. I came across this video that raised a question right after I completed watching the video. The lady commentating on the video states, "You'll want to use a medium to thick trace for our molds." Here's the video I am referring to (I marked it where the commentator begins to talk about reaching trace and using a particular type of mold; the video should start at that part - so you don't have to watch the entire video and save on time). *I just checked the video and it is not starting at the point in the video that I marked so the part I am referring to begins at 5:48.*

[ame]http://youtu.be/y6NtB_7psdE?t=5m48s[/ame]

My question is: 1.) Does the type of mold you use determine what type of trace you'll need to achieve before pouring the soap mixture into the mold?

I hope this isn't a silly question but I thought I would ask anyway.

 

[lsg]

I have a smaller 2 lb mold that is almost identical to the one in the video. The only reason I can think of for blending to medium or thick trace with the mold in the video is if they leak. If it is properly lined, then there shouldn't be much danger of leakage.

 

[AlchemyandAshes]

In general terms, for detailed or intricate molds, or for certain swirl techniques, you want a thin trace. To make mountainous soap tops, you want a thick trace. Just to pour it in a loaf is preference...I like medium trace if I'm doing a smooth top or thick trace for a big mountain top :wink:
It's mostly preference, but as long as you have a true emulsion that doesn't separate (light trace) you can pour into a mold.

 

[SoapBubbles]

Thank you for your replies! I appreciate the clarification you both provided. The video made me wonder about the different types of trace, and the techniques used for different stages of trace.

Does anyone know of a good book that discusses trace and the techniques you can use with different levels of trace? For example, one that explains how to know which technique will need a thicker trace then say a medium or thin trace? I just bought the book The Soapmaker's Companion but I do not think it mentions much about designing techniques and the required level of trace needed to achieve a certain design.

 

[lsg]

I can tell you that you just want a good emulsion, just barely thin trace, when doing swirls.