Hand casting is a personalized and intimate art form. It helps you capture the intricate details of your and your loved one’s hands or feet, making it a beautiful keepsake. It’s a wonderful way to preserve a moment in time and cherish it for the coming ages.
If you’ve just made up your mind to make your own hand or foot casting, you indeed need to follow some steps to have the best results in fewer attempts. But first things first: if you haven’t bought your couple foot or hand casting kit, do it right away.
Now let’s start by understanding why hand casting kits are more important for better results.
Why Is a Hand Casting Kit Important?
There are many alternatives to creating a hand or foot cast, but having the kit is a super great choice for various reasons.
Firstly, the kit comes with everything you need to create your cast perfectly. You’ll receive everything from bucket, moulding, or alginate powder to casting powder, sandpaper, a metal detailing stick, a pair of gloves, and detailed instructions. By reading the instructions and following the steps, you can make the ideal couple hand casting keepsake.
But most of the time, these instructions are full of jargon, making it difficult for people to perform the activity. That’s why this guide has been made for you to help you have a smooth and seamless casting experience.
Let’s begin understanding the steps, shall we?
Step 1: Practice First
It’s not that simple, the casting process. You may end up making a design that you think you could have done better. So, before you actually make the mixture and dip your hands in it, bring your partner and practice how you want your keepsake to emerge. You’ll definitely not find steps like this in your casting instructions.
Step 2: Prepare Your Mould Mixture
After you’re confident with your idea, you can begin preparing the mixture. This step usually involves mixing the moulding powder with water in the bucket. Try to mix it until no lump is left and the mixture becomes smooth. Wait for a few minutes, and then give a good shake again to get rid of any bubbles in the mixture.
Step 3: Dip Your Hand in the Mixture
Pour the mixture into a spacious bucket where you and your partner can comfortably dip the hands or feet. Remember, this process requires you to wait until the mixture dries, so it’s important to ensure that your bucket doesn’t have any sharp edges that might hurt you. Depending on the specific type of moulding kit you’ve bought, the step can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to half an hour.
Step 4: Wait Until it Changes Color
The key to getting a perfect hand or foot casting is patience. When you see your mixture change its color, it’s a sign that indicates the mould is set, and you can remove your hands or feet. However, you need to be slow and gentle while wiggling your fingers and hands to take them out.
Step 5: Prepare the Casting Stone
Your next step is to prepare the casting stone. Mix the casting powder with water, and again, make sure to get a shot of any lumps or air bubbles available in the mixture. The moment your casting stone mixture gets prepared, you’re ready to pour it into the mould. While pouring, gently tap the side of the bucket so that the mixture settles well. You need to wait again patiently. This process can take several hours for the mixture to set completely.
Step 6: Your Keepsake is Ready!
When your casting stone is set, it’s time to reveal the results. Flip the bucket over and gently press the sides to release the mould. Be very careful while peeling off the alginate mould in small pieces to reveal your hand cast. Your cast may have some rough edges, but that’s okay. After it has fully dried, you can smooth the edges with sandpaper and highlight the details with the metal tool that might be there in your couple hand casting kit.
Takeaway
Hand casting is a fun experience that you must try at least once in your life. But be extra careful while following your casting instructions and the above steps. Avoid mistakes like mixing the alginate by hand or with the spoons that you use in the kitchen. Additionally, measure the amount of water you need and use COLD water to mix the alginate.
Lastly, always add the alginate to the water, not the other way around. This will help minimize waste. Ready to make your hand or foot cast? Get started with a couple casting kits from Little Miracles Casting. Our high-quality kits provide everything you need to create beautiful, lasting memories.
