If the outline floats clearly on the surface and forms a pattern, you ve got a trace. Then you can add the essential oils, stir vigorously and pour into molds. Here s another beginner s mistake. The ingredients must be measured exactly. That means that using a chemist s scale is far more accurate than a simple kitchen scale.
Measurements are usually in grams, again for accuracy.
Longtime soap makers know that investing in a high quality scale will make the difference between many lost batches and a successful batch each time. The lye you choose must be pure Red Devil is available at most stores. Don t use products like Drano that have lye as one of several ingredients. And water should be distilled, again so that there are no natural chemicals that will alter the saponification. An electric mixer is the easiest way to mix well.