Introduction

For this project I casted and molded models of our fingers. I then post processed the molds to make fingers that could be used as wall hooks.

Molding and casting

I made a mold of my index and middle fingers in class. After gathering the materials, we used a digital scale to measure out 6.75 oz of Alginate. We then added 1.5 oz of water and stirred until the mixture was homogenous.

I stuck two of my fingers into the mixture and left them there for about 5 minutes, until it solidified enough that I could remove my fingers and the cavities they created would remain. While I waited for the Alginate to harden, Joseph mixed 70 g of Rockite with 20 g of water.

Once I removed my fingers, Joseph poured the Rockite into the mold, and I positioned screws into the cavities so the resulting fingers could serve as hooks. After that, we let the Rockite dry overnight and removed the final cast the next day.

Sorry for the lack of pictures. My hands were too dirty to touch my phone 🙁

Post processing

After removing the fingers and letting them fully dry it was time for post processing. I first screws with painters tape to keep them clean while spray painting. I first applied a single layer of spray paint and then hung them to dry.

However my securement method did not work and the finger fell. Because of this I applied a second coat of spray paint to cover up any imperfections. After letting the second coat dry I then applied a clear coat to better protect the piece.

I then removed the painters tape and the fingers were done!

Conclusion

I very much enjoyed this process. Molding and casting were new techniques to me and this was a fun project to first experience them with.

Cost Analysis

Labor 2 hrs at $10 an hr: $20

Alginate $1.19 per oz: $1.79

Rockite $0.005 per g: $0.35

Spray Paint: $0.50

Total Cost: $31.64

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