INSTRUCTION BOOKLET

2 hands

Safety

Alginate is a non-toxic powder made from seaweed extract. If you would like to check your sensitivity to the product please mix ½ teaspoon of alginate with ½ teaspoon of water and apply it on the back of your hand. Once the mixture has set, peel if off your hand. If you see any adverse reactions, do not use the kit.

Do not apply the casting powder to your skin. It is only used for pouring into the mold. Use only cold water

WARNINGS: Keep out of reach of Children. This is not a toy. Do Not Inhale the Powders. Do Not Ingest Materials. If this occurs, please seek medical advice. Please wear gloves and a mask when mixing the casting powder.

Clean-up

Use the Plastic Film to minimize mess!

Do not pour liquids into sinks or drains because it may clog your pipes. Dispose of unused liquids into the waste bin. Once sachets are opened, use within 3 days.

Casting steps

Allow up to 5 hrs

	This process works better if there are 2 people

Preparation

Set-up

Prepare an area that is flat, hard and smooth that can be easily wiped down. Kitchen countertops or dining tables work best. Place the plastic film across this surface.

Have all items listed under ‘What else do you need?’ on Page 2 in easy reach.

Practice

Practice the pose you wish to cast, inserting hands into the casting bucket, ensuring they fit without touching the bottom or the sides. It is best hands go in vertically not at an angle. Ensure the pose is something you can hold for up to 5 mins.

	Better with 2 people. Apply hand cream or baby oil to the hand you wish to cast.

Recommended Poses

Interlocked Palms

Interlocked Fingers

Preparing the alginate

	Ensure you have read the next section ‘Taking the Plunge’. Only begin mixing when you are ready to make the mold. You only have around 1 min

Fill Water

Fill 1900ml (67oz) of water into bucket. For best results, the water temperature should be approx 25°C (77°F)

Add Alginate Powder

Slowly add all of the Step 1 powder into the water.

Mix

Quickly start mixing. You have
around 1 min to stir it.
If it remains slightly lumpy that
is okay.

Making the hand cast

	Vertical Hand Position works the best Ensure your hand holding position is comfortable. Roll-up or sleeves (or wear something short sleeved!) Allow up to 5 mins.

1. Take the hand holding position you practiced
earlier and insert your hands into the bucket.

2. Lower your hands into the aliginate – going down as far as possible until they touch the
bottom and then lift your hands approximately half an inch from the bottom.

3. Hold this position – ensuring you hands do not touch the sides or the bottom of the bucket. Be steady and patient. Wait until the alginate turns white / light grey.

Removing your hands

	Remove your hands one at a time! The person with the smallest hand should come out first.

1. Gently wriggle your wrist and then your fingers.

2. Once you feel like your fingers have come loose, gently remove your hand following the shape of the mold.

3. You will feel suction as you remove your hands – this is normal. Continue to remove our hand slowly and carefully.

4. If alginate falls back into the mold – gently remove it.

5. If there are loose bits at the top, gently trim them so they don’t fall back into the mold.

Once both hands are removed – have a look to see if there are any loose pieces in the mold. If there are – gently trim and remove from the mold.

From mold to cast

	Better with 2 people. Keep a large tablespoon of casting powder aside to help with touch up. You will need to work quickly in this section – the plaster will start setting within 1 minute.

1. Measure out 500ml (17oz) of water. For best results, the water temperature should be
approx 25°C (77°F).

2. Wear gloves provided . It is also recommended to wear a protective mask.

3. Empty all Casting Powder evenly into the water.

4. Rapidly stir to get rid of any major lumps. It should have a paint like consistency.

	Work quickly - you only have up to 1 minute to do this

Filling the mold

1. Have someone tilt the bucket at a slight angle.

2. Pour the plaster liquid into the mold until it is half way filled.

3. Remove air bubbles by rotating the bucket, smacking the bucket down on the work surface then slapping the sides of the buckets with your hands.

4. Pour in the rest of the plaster until the mold is completely filled.

5. Repeat Step 3 to Remove air bubbles'.

6. Let the bucket sit and harden for 3-4hrs.

7. Perfect time to start cleaning up. Do not pour any excess plaster down the sink – let it harden in the bowl to scrape off tomorrow to throw into the trash.

Unveiling & finish up

Remove the mould

1. After 4 hours turn the bucket upside down to slide out the pink mold. To make this easier gently pull and squeeze the bucket around the edges to loosen the mold.

2. Remove the pink mold from the plaster carefully using your hands. You will gradually start seeing the cast appear. It will still be damp so be careful!

3. Use the detailing stick to help clear any tiny alginate particles from the surface of the cast.

4. Whilst damp, use the slanted edge of the detailing stick to smooth out any inconsistencies.

5. If there are holes or gaps that need filling, use the plaster powder you have set aside (mixed with a few tablespoons of water to get a thick consistency).

Finish up

1. Let your cast air dry for 72 hours in a bright dry environment to ensure it has fully hardened.

2. Use the sandpaper to smooth out the base and remove any bubbles on the surface.

3. If you find other pink alginate particles, use the detailing stick to gently pry them out.