Creating a personal piece of art can be a fun and meaningful activity, especially when it captures something as unique as your own hand or your child’s hand. Our Single Hand Casting Kit allows you to preserve a moment in time with a keepsake you’ll cherish forever. Follow this comprehensive guide — including practical tips from real customer experiences — to help ensure your cast turns out beautifully on the first try.
Before You Begin – Read This First!
⚠️ Note: Please use these online instructions, as they are the most up to date and are easier to follow. The printed manual in the kit is an older version.
⚠️ Important: This kit works quickly once mixed. Read all the instructions from start to finish before you begin so you know exactly what to do and when. Once the alginate and water are combined, you have only 60–90 seconds before it begins to set — so there’s no time to stop and check the next step.
Getting Started
What’s Included in Your Kit
- Mixing bucket – to prepare the step 1 alginate mould
- Alginate (Step 1 powder) – creates the mould of your hands
- Gypsum (Step 2 powder) – poured into the mould to form your cast
- Mixing stick – for stirring
- Pick tool – for removing leftover mould pieces & bubbles from the cast
- Instruction booklet – printed guide included in the kit
What You’ll Need (Not Included)
- Measuring jug – for accurate water measurements
- Whisk or electric hand mixer – for smooth, lump-free step 1 alginate powder mixing
- Scissors – much easier than tearing the sachets open
- Spare bowl or container – to mix the step 2 gypsum powder; an old one is best
- Skin-safe oil or petroleum jelly – to coat hands before immersion
Optional:
- Sandpaper – for smoothing the finished cast once dry
- Old towel, cloth or wipe clean tablecloth – to protect your work surface and catch splashes
- Disposable paper liner – makes step 2 gypsum cleanup much easier
- Sieve - to break up clumps in the powders as you pour them into water
Pro Tips
Find Your Pose: Decide how you’d like your hand to be positioned and practice it once or twice without any materials. Resting on a low surface makes it easier to stay comfortable during the 10 to 15 minutes of stillness.
Quick Set-Up – Timing Is Everything: Once you start, you will need to work quickly. The alginate mixture sets in under two minutes, so your hand must be in the bucket while it is still pink.
Mix Smoothly – No Clumps: Aim for a smooth, lump-free mixture. A whisk or even an electric hand mixer can help achieve this, and once mixed, gently tapping the sides of the bucket will encourage bubbles to rise out.
Lubricate Your Hand: Apply a small amount of skin-safe oil or petroleum jelly before immersing your hand to make removal easier and to help capture finer details.
Stay Still: Once submerged, you must remain completely still until the alginate hardens. Any movement may affect the mould’s detail.
Safe Disposal: Let leftover mixture harden before throwing it in the bin. Never pour it down the sink, as it may block your pipes.
Use an Old Container for the Step 2 Powder: When mixing the step 2 gypsum powder, avoid your best kitchenware. Gypsum, like plaster, can cling and be difficult to clean, so an older bowl, household bucket, or spare container is ideal.
Practice Run (Highly Recommended)
It’s a good idea to do a quick trial before making your full cast. It’s like a dress rehearsal - small scale, no pressure, and a big confidence boost:
1. Mix – In a plastic cup, whisk 30g / 1.05 oz (3 tablespoons) of Step 1 alginate into 120ml / 4 fl oz cold water for 60–90 seconds until smooth and pink. Using cold water slows the setting process, giving you extra time to mix it smoothly without lumps.
2. Watch the Colour – Work while it’s fully pink; once it fades, it’s setting. In the real cast, hands must be placed quickly before setting begins.
3. Insert Finger – Position centrally, away from the sides and bottom, and hold still for a perfect 360° capture.
4. Set & Remove – Hold for about 10 minutes, then gently wiggle free without tearing.
5. Test the Pour – In a separate cup or container, mix a small 25g / 1oz batch (2 tablespoons) of Step 2 gypsum with 15ml / 0.5 fl oz water (add more if needed) until not too thick. Aim for a pancake mix consistency. Once ready, pour in slowly, tap the sides to release bubbles, and let set for 4 hours before removing.
This will help you get familiar with mixing speed, texture, and setting time before working on the main piece.
Let's Start!
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Prepare the Space & Add Water:
Work somewhere easy to clean, and lay out all components before you start. Pour 1.9 liters (2 quarts) of cold water into the provided bucket. If your hand is longer than 13 cm (5 in) from wrist to fingertip, add an additional 850 ml (3.6 cups) of cold water, for a total of about 2.75 liters (2.9 quarts). Using cold water slows the setting process, giving you extra time to mix it smoothly without lumps. -
Mix the Alginate:
Use scissors to open the Step 1 sachet (it’s much easier than tearing). Before adding it, give the powder a quick stir with the included mixing stick to break up any clumps.
Gently pour the alginate powder into the water while whisking vigorously for 60–90 seconds until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Once mixed, the alginate will appear pink and remain liquid for only a short time — during this stage, gently tap the sides of the bucket to release any trapped bubbles. A smoother, bubble-free mix will give you a more detailed mould.
As the colour begins to fade from pink toward white, the setting process has started, so move quickly to Step 3.
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Submerge Your Hand:
Lightly lubricate your hand with petroleum jelly or skin-safe oil, then submerge it straight away into the bucket in your chosen pose. Keep your hand centred and slightly raised off the bottom of the container. To do this, let your fingertips briefly touch the bottom of the bucket, then lift your hand up slightly so it is suspended and not pressing against the base or sides. -
Hold Still:
Remain completely still in your chosen position for about 10 to 15 minutes while the alginate changes from pink to white and sets firmly around your hand. -
Remove Your Hand:
Once the mixture has hardened, gently wiggle your hand free. Take your time and avoid sudden or forceful movements, as this could damage the fine detail of the mould. -
Prepare the Gypsum:
In a spare container or old bowl, combine the Step 2 gypsum powder with 900 ml (3.8 cups / 30 fl oz) of cold water. Sift in and stir steadily with the included mixing stick (or a fork if preferred) until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water gradually until it becomes runny. Avoid using a whisk, as plaster can be difficult to clean. For easier cleanup, you can line the container with a disposable paper liner if you have one available. -
Pour the Gypsum:
Slowly pour the mixture into the mould, allowing it to flow into every detail. Gently rock the bucket back and forth to help the plaster spread evenly, then tap the sides lightly to release any trapped air bubbles. -
Dry the Cast:
Leave the plaster to dry inside the mould for 4 hours. Removing it too early risks breakage, while leaving it much longer can make extraction more difficult. -
Remove the Cast:
After 4 hours, carefully remove the cast from the mould. Use the pick tool to peel away any remaining alginate and reveal your sculpture. -
Final Drying:
Let your casting air-dry for 36–72 hours. Once completely dry, use sandpaper to smooth away bubbles or rough edges. Small surface bubbles are normal — you can smooth them, leave them for a natural look, or decorate with paint or a sealant for a polished finish.
Using the Single Hand Casting Kit is a wonderful way to create a meaningful keepsake for yourself or a loved one. With good preparation, quick mixing, and a steady hand, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful piece of art that will last for years to come.
