Hi, this week in ENGI 210 we explored the process of molding and casting by making a cast of our fingers that could be used as wall hook.

First, I made a mold of my finger using a 4 to 1 Water to Alginate mix (by weight). One trick I learnt to make the alignate super smooth is to add the Water to the Alginate (not vice versa) and only 90% of the water initally, mix, then all the water rather than all at once. This resulted in a super smooth mix of alginate, and a mold that captured slightly more detail than my first attempt. I then stuck my finger in to make the mold.

Then, I mixed 2:1 Paris to Water (by volume) and poured this into my mold. I then left this to cure for 4 hours before repeating for my next finger.

Once my hooks were dry and cured, I went inwith a good coat of spray paint, and a matte coat to retain the “plaster of paris” look.

And Voila! My wall hooks

My Clean Workspace!

Cost Breakdown!

Item Price Qty Cost

Alginate  11.19/1.75lb 0.2lb $1.277

Plaster of Paris $10/8lb 0.18lbs $0.25

Labour 15/hr 2 hrs $30

Wood Screws 15c/screw 0.30

Total: $31.827