Starter kit for alginate molds and plaster copies

In this article from Feroca we had the little ones in mind to make those days at home more enjoyable, since all the materials we're going to use are harmless and free from toxic agents, both for skin and airways.

That's why we've created this special kit for making small hand and foot molds that we describe below, so you can enjoy and create together with the youngest members of the family.

The best starter kit for making molds of hands, feet and more

The components that make up this ideal fun kit for the whole family, are the following:

Alginato

Alginato is a specific material for making single-use molds of parts of the human body without damaging them.

The best part? It's made from seaweed and mixed with water, all natural and biodegradable materials, safe for use by the little ones in the house.

Our alginato comes in two versions:

1. A fast version, for professionals and quick face molds, which is the Agacast Fast. It has a cure time of between 3 and 4 minutes depending on the water temperature.

2. The other version is the Algacast Slow. Designed for beginners, courses, children's classes... It has a longer working window of around 9 to 12 minutes, depending on the water temperature, which we'll explain further on.

Plaster

Plaster is a very affordable material for reproducing decorative pieces with great results and a high level of detail.

The plaster we're going to use in the kit is in particular a very strong plaster with a high level of detail.

This is a harmless material, though there are a few clear precautions to keep in mind when working alone or with children:

• It's a powder, so you should avoid shaking or sprinkling it carelessly.

• When mixing it, do so carefully, as prolonged exposure to the airways can be harmful. Since the quantity is small this isn't a problem, unless a very large dust cloud is created.

• Another thing to note is that it dries out the skin. Handling and mixing by hand, which we don't recommend, can dry out the skin a little, so it's advisable to wash your hands thoroughly after use and then apply moisturizer to that area of the body to prevent dryness.

Tools for preparing the mixture

In addition to the materials mentioned above, the molding kit also includes a wooden stick for stirring and a transparent container for making the mixtures.

As you can see, it's a perfect and complete solution for family fun. In fact, we'd go so far as to say it's one of the best activities to do with kids at home. Say goodbye to dull afternoons that offer nothing for your little ones!

Super guide to making hand and foot molds with your Feroca kit

1. Choose the body part and find the best position for an amazing result

To start, you need to think about the position your hand, foot or chosen body part will be in, keeping possible air bubbles in mind. The more relaxed and flat, the better, though you can always touch things up at the end.

2. Prepare the mixture for your alginato mold

Once you've decided on the position, prepare the alginato mixture. For every 3 parts of water, use one part of alginato powder. You can measure it with cups or clean recycled containers — the important thing is that the ratio is 3:1.

It's very important that the mixture is well combined, as otherwise there will be a lot of lumps that will affect the mold quality. The process is as follows:

Step-by-step guide to preparing the mixture

• In the kit container for making the mold, pour in the 3 parts of water.

We recommend using lukewarm water, as hot water will speed up the cure time and cold water will slow it down by a few minutes.

• Then, gradually add the alginato to the water.

This material should be added little by little while stirring the water. This way you'll avoid lumps of alginato that don't mix in properly.

• There's an optional prior step. It involves sifting the alginato, breaking up any lumps so that it can mix more easily with the water.

You shouldn't take too long with this process, as the working time with lukewarm water is 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Creating the mold

• Once the mixture is ready, wet your hand or foot with water and submerge it in the mixture. Once it's in, open and close your fingers and make sure the whole surface is covered.

Hold it still in the desired position and wait for it to cure.

• We recommend doing this in a comfortable position, whether at a table or similar surface, as you'll need to keep your hand inside for 10 minutes.

• As it begins to set, it will take on a more jelly-like consistency and texture, until with full cure it becomes completely gel-like.

• At that point, you need to start gently moving your hand and fingers to begin demolding (or whichever body part you chose). Do this carefully so it doesn't tear.

• You'll notice it gradually peeling away until you can remove your hand completely.

Don't worry if you have any hair as it won't pull it out, but you do need to be careful with rings, bracelets or jewelry, as they'll get dirty and when demolding they can tear the mold — we recommend removing them beforehand.

4. Pouring the plaster

Once you have the mold ready, and without removing it from the container, it's time to pour the plaster. This step should be done as soon as possible, as after about 2 hours, depending on the ambient temperature, the alginato will start to dry out and gradually deform.

This kit contains a pot of Ultra cal 30, a standard-setting plaster with extra-high hardness specially designed for sculpture.

Step-by-step guide to pouring the plaster

For the plaster mixture, it's best to follow the same approach as with the alginato.

• In a cup, pour in the water you think will fill the pour.

• Start to sprinkle the plaster in gradually (without mixing it, just sprinkling).

• When the water is saturated and a cracked desert effect appears on the surface, leave it to rest for 2 or 3 minutes.

• After these minutes, once the plaster is hydrated, mix it well and pour it into the mold a little at a time, less than halfway.

• Do a gentle rotational pour so the plaster registers all the possible nooks and crannies of the mold, then finish the pour.

To help remove any possible air bubbles, it's a good idea to tap the container a few times so the vibration brings them to the surface.

5. Demolding your piece

After an hour you can demold. The setting time is 30 to 35 minutes, but for a piece with thin fingers and such delicate parts it's advisable to wait between 45 and 60 minutes.

To demold, you can use a craft knife, but you need to be careful not to scratch the plaster.

Gradually remove the alginato in sections to reveal the copy of your hand.

6. Drying the piece obtained with your molding starter kit

You'll need to let the piece dry a little more after removing it from the mold, as it will still contain moisture and will take between 24 and 48 hours to lose it. If you leave it on a terrace or balcony it will dry on its own.

Simple, right? A great kit for creating tender, unforgettable memories with the kids.

Also, if you want to impress all your guests at a party like Halloween, you can do it with alginato. You'll find all the information at the following link: Body mold for Halloween

Find the best molding materials at Feroca

We're constantly innovating our product and materials catalog, to always offer you the best molding and casting solutions on the market.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch — we'll be happy to guide you and answer all your queries.

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