HandGEL Alginate (1 lb. bag)

HandGEL is a color changing alginate. When mixed it turns bright pink. This color slowly fades to white just before it begins to set. This is the user’s indication to get very serious about having the hand (or other body part) into the mold. Any undue delay after the alginate mixture turns white could very well end in a bad mold.

HandGEL is formulated to fade to white at 2:15 and set at 3:00 when using 80°F water. As with all alginates, HandGEL will set quicker with warmer water and slower with cooler water. The fade time will also be faster or slower accordingly.

When using HandGEL for baby hand or foot molds, the manufacturer recommends using approximately 95°F water. During mixing, the alginate will cool slightly and since baby skin temperature is about 92°F, the baby will hardly notice the alginate being applied.

The manufacturer recommends mixing HandGEL at a “water to powder” ratio of 4:1 (by weight). If it is necessary to measure by volume, the ratio should be approximately 4:3 (by volume). HandGEL mixes this way will be thin and pourable yet set to a firm yet flexible rubber-like consistency.

NOTE: In a one gallon bucket, it takes approximately 1.3 pounds of HandGEL to make a mold of two adult hands.

The Basics of Alginate

Please consider the following if you are interested in using alginate or any of the LifeCasting Arts casting kits.

• Alginate is a molding material. The alginate powder is mixed with water to form a thick liquid. In a predetermined amount of time this liquid "sets" into a rubbery solid.
• Each alginate has its own setting time and working properties that make it suited to a certain type of mold. In general, bigger or more complicated projects require more working time.
• Setting time is dependent on water temperature. Warmer water will cause the alginate to set faster and cooler water will delay the set. Each alginate has a "recommended" water temperature but these are only guidelines. To a lesser extent setting time is also dependent on air temperature and humidity level. ie. Warmer- faster, More Humid- faster.
• Alginate can be mixed several ways. Quantities up to about 1 pound (alginate powder weight) can be mixed with a sturdy metal kitchen whisk in a bowl. For quantities over 1 pound, a power mixer is advisable. A power mixer consists of an electric drill with a paint-mixer attachment. It is best to mix with the drill running counter-clockwise because this will not cause a lot of air to be whipped into the alginate mix. Start slowly, and then increase your speed. Either method should take between 45 seconds and 1 minute to mix sufficiently. Do not worry about a few small lumps in the alginate mix.
• There are two basic types of molds that are done with alginate- "Bucket Molds" and "Layup Molds". A hand cast is a good example of a bucket mold. The alginate is mixed and put into a container. The hand is plunged down into the alginate until it "sets". The bucket holds the flexible alginate rigid. A face cast is a good example of a layup mold. The alginate is placed onto the surface in a fairly thin layer. Plaster bandages are used on the outside of the alginate to reinforce the flexible alginate so it keeps its shape.
• For Bucket Molds, a thin pourable alginate that sets firm and flexible is ideal. HandGEL and MagicGEL are thinner and designed for bucket molds. For Layup Molds, an alginate with a higher viscosity and less tendency to drip is much better. FaceGEL and BodyGEL are thicker and designed for layup molds.
• Alginate will not stick to non-porous surfaces like skin, finished wood, plastic or glass. It will stick to porous surfaces like cloth and carpet. Alginate will not stick to alginate that has already set. If you want to adhere one alginate to another, you must start applying the second batch of alginate to the first BEFORE the first has completely set or you must use Algi-Bond. An Algi-Bond solution painted onto an alginate surface will slightly soften the top half millimeter of alginate allowing the fresh batch to adhere.
• Once an alginate mold has been made, it must be poured (cast) as soon as possible. Alginate, on a microscopic level, is like a wet sponge. There is no way to keep the water from leaking out and it will eventually shrink to about half its original size. Shrinkage is NOT uniform. To minimize short term shrinkage, drape a wet paper towel over the surface of the alginate and enclose the entire thing in a plastic bag. This will minimize the evaporation and slow the shrinking.
• Alginate molds can be poured (cast) with a variety of materials. Plaster, gypsum cement (like the LifeCAST), platinum-catalyzed silicone, wax, fast-set urethanes and even chocolate have been used. Polyester acrylic resins and other materials that do not like moist surfaces are not compatible.
• Once the casting material has "set", the alginate mold is literally torn off. An alginate mold is usually only good for one casting. Alginate is completely safe to toss into the trash.
• Alginate is extremely safe. No known case of allergic reaction has occurred in nearly 100 years of use. That being said, it is advisable to use a NIOSH class N95 nuisance dust mask when mixing.