This objective of this week was to learn how to mold and cast, so we were tasked to make two identical finger hooks.

In order to make the mold first, some of my peers and I mixed alginate powder with water by 1:1 ratio and poured in smaller cups. I dipped my index finger in it and waited for about 7 minutes to cure. Then I took out my finger carefully so I don’t break the mold.

For the plaster to pour into the mold, I initially used the one mixed with water by 2:1 ratio. However, when I attempted to take the finger out after a few hours, the plaster wasn’t fully dry yet that I ended up breaking mine.

Starting over from making the mold, this time I increased the amount of plaster so that it can dry quicker. I almost did around 3:1 ratio and it dried incredibly fast (less than 30 minutes). I made another mold for the second finger hook and repeated the steps.

Then I spray painted with gold to give them a luxurious look and came back the next day to clear coat them. Wish my fingers were longer enough to hold objects better, but overall I was happy with how it turned out!

Cost Analysis

• Alginate molding powder: $10 ($1.25/ounce, Amazon)
• Plaster of Paris: $0.42 ($0.14/ounce, Amazon)
• spray paint and clear coat: negligible
• labor: $10 x 3hrs = $30
• total: 40.42