Frequently Asked Questions, Tips & Tricks
Perhaps you have a few questions before you want to start with your handprint; here you will find answers and tips.
Is the molding compound safe for my skin?
Our " Made in Italy" casting material is a natural, algae-based material called alginate. It is non-toxic , biodegradable , and safe for the skin , even for babies. Our alginate is used daily by the #GipsME artists. It was specially developed to create amazingly detailed, high-quality casts while being gentle and safe.
What else do I need besides the sets?
We usually recommend having a mixing bowl , a hand mixer (mixer, with only 1 whisk!) , if none of these are available, a wooden spoon , kitchen scales and/or a measuring cup on hand.
You might need a disposable glove for mixing plaster, or a fork. All additional items are easy to find around the house and are listed in the DIY instructions.
How can I maximize the time I spend preparing the impression material?
Alginate hardens quickly, which is perfect for working with small children. We definitely recommend using cold water . Warmer water will cause the alginate to set faster, which can happen very quickly and could mean you don't have time to immerse yourself.
Does the alginate need to be lump-free?
No! If you stir until the alginate is free of lumps, that's definitely too long and you probably won't be able to dip it in before it solidifies.
It's important that there's no loose powder left in the bucket; the powder and water must be completely mixed, including the sides and bottom . Once the water and powder are mixed, tap the bucket firmly on the table a few times to release any air bubbles, then you can dip your hand in. Clumps won't affect the print!
How do I avoid air bubbles on the sculpture?
Air bubbles form when stirring the alginate. Therefore, we recommend using a hand mixer (speed 1 and only one beater) or a wooden spoon . Using a mixer is much faster, however. Before immersing your hands , firmly tap the bucket containing the freshly mixed alginate on the table a few times to allow the air to escape.
Mixing plaster of Paris also requires care to avoid incorporating too much air into the mixture. Use a disposable glove or a fork and avoid leaving the plaster mixture undisturbed , as this will cause it to begin hardening. Pour the plaster gradually , swirling and gently tapping the bucket occasionally to release any air.
Will alginate and plaster always harden?
Yes! The key is the correct powder-to-water ratio . Too much water can make it a never-ending process. The water temperature also greatly affects the setting time, but with the right amount of water, both alginate and gypsum will ALWAYS set.
How do I paint my print?
The sculpture dries to a brilliant, classic white finish. If you wish to paint your sculpture, you must ensure it is completely dry, which should be no later than 5 days after any post-processing.
Acrylic
We recommend using acrylic paints for the print, as these are easy to apply at home, are usually water-based and therefore safe to use.
Spray paints
Alternatively, you can use spray paint. However, due to the lightness of the droplets and the fumes, we don't recommend it as the first choice. If you do use it, it must be a spray paint specifically designed for plaster and ceramics.
What if I make a mistake?
Our detailed step-by-step instructions were written by the professional casting experts at GipsME. If you follow these instructions, you're sure to achieve a great result . Feel free to also read our additional tips and tricks and watch our video.
Should something go wrong despite everything, click on the menu item “HELP” and then on “WON” or simply click on the link directly below this text.
All in all, it's quite simple, just read our reviews 😊
It worked perfectly.
Be sure to read the instructions carefully, then nothing can go wrong.Amazon customer FK93![]()
We are absolutely thrilled with the result. The instructions are easy to understand and the result is truly fantastic.
Amazon customer Anna![]()