Van Dyke's Alginate Instructions

Alginate is a very quick acting medium that picks up excellent detail for molds. It is an inexpensive casting medium that is for single use pulls. Alginate is not intended to be used for any mold that requires more then one part cast.

In a mixing bowl, add cool water to the approximate amount of casting material needed to make the mold, quickly mix the Alginate into the cool water until the paste has a smooth consistency (similar to Mayonnaise). With the water temperature at 72 degrees, the Alginate will set up in approximately 3 minutes, so you will need to work quickly.

The part to be cast should be as dry as possible before making the impression. If a back-up plaster is to be used over Alginate, you should cut gauze strips prior to mixing, in order to imbed them into the Alginate before gelling. This will give the plaster something to hold on to.

Note: Alginate impressions should be used within the hour, after this time the mold will rapidly decompose, shrink and deteriorate.

Use Mixed Materials At Once

Keep Out of Reach of Children

Go Back