Hey, Thank you so much for the vid. It helped to see the process. It's too bad you have to destroy the mold to get at the finished product. If you poured liquid latex, I would imagine then you could yank it out. As you say, it would depend on the casting agent. I am thinking since the mold is rubbery you may not damage the mold if the item to be extracted is also flexible. I think I read in one of your posts you have used your hand mold for lots of castings. This may sound like a dumb question (but that never stops me)......I take it the materials you use in your projects are "Non-Toxic" Yes??? Thanks once more for your advice!!!
here's a link to an easy to follow video. YouTube - Life Casting: How to Make a Mold of Your Hand with Alginate I didn't use a release, but it is advised. depending on the shape of your hand,(and your casting agent) sometimes you can just yank the hand out (like he does with his own hand) with things like plaster, you'll have to break the mold. you can see in the vid how it stays somewhat rubbery. Insta-mold or aligi-safe (pretty much the same product) cost about $10 for a small bag. (cheaper if you buy larger amounts) If you use containers barely large enough for your hand, you'll save a lot of cash. I can't stress how quick you need to be with mixing this product. you take too long mixing, and it will set up on you long before you get your hand into it.
Thanks for the imfo! questions; to make the mold itself, do I stick my hand into this stuff in a vertical position or do I lay my hand in flat and cover it? Also, how hard is it to extract the finished casting from the hand mold, do I just yank it out and do I need to coat the mold first with a release agent of some kind? And the insta-mold ....expensive? Please forgive all the questions, but "casting" is new for me. Thanks for your help.
hey mad mark no problem. you want insta-mold from micheals (or a similar aligate type product) Simply mix with water and it sets up in a couple min's. try and find a container just big enough for your hand. (to limit waste) mix with a power tool or blender (if not your mold will set up before you get rid of the lumps. you don't have a lot of time) Makes for awesome castings (right down to your fnger prints) if your using latex or something flexable, you should be able to make numerous hands using the same mold.
Hey! Saw your comments on the thread about making teeth . looks like you have made some great hands. Could you please tell me what I need to ask for at Michelle's ? "Alginate" was it? How did you make the mold for the hand and is the mold itself made of the same Alginate? I make a lot of life size zombie/human props and the hands are always a problem for me.
