This was my first time in a very long time working with alginate and Plaster of Paris to cast and mold an object. I have had some experience in the past working with alginate to create molds of teeth.

Using the recommended ratios of alginate to water, the molding mix was made. While still liquidy, I inserted my pointer and middle finger into the solution. Here, I made the mistake of not fully inserting my pointer finger, resulting in a shorter finger. After the alginate mix solidified, I was able to remove my fingers, leaving a perfect negative mold of my fingers.

Using the recommended ratios of Plaster of Paris to water, the plaster mix was made and poured into the negative alginate mold. Placing cardboard with screws attached, the ends of the screws were affixed to the bottom of the plaster fingers.

After a few days, the plaster fingers were removed from the alginate mold. When removing the fingers, I noticed that there were a few pieces that chipped off the bases of the fingers.

To post-process, a single coat of clear coat was applied to both fingers.

Cost Estimate:

Materials:

• ~2 – Alginate Powder – ~50 g ($17/454 g) [Amazon]
• ~1.50 – Plaster of Paris Powder – ~.5 lb ($11/4 lb) [Amazon]
• Screws – negligible
• Clear Coat – negligible

Time:

• 2 hours*$7.25/hr (minimum wage) = $14.50

Total Cost: ~$18