Discover how to make detailed family handprints in plaster!

by Shirley Marie Bradby

May 23, 2017

Discover how to make detailed family handprints in plaster!
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Sometimes, when someone puts down a layer of cement, those who carried it out leave their handprints to immortalize a date, a significant event, or an important relationship.

If however, you want to do something more impressive we would like to suggest you create a beautiful plaster cast of hands. Do not worry; to do this you do not need any particular sculpting skills!

Here is what you need:

450 grams of molding alginate 

450 grams of powdered chalk

1 and 1/2 liter of water

A plastic container (preferably tall and narrow )

Dish detergent

Water for other phases of the project

Water for the other phases of the project

A cutting tool

A tool with a sharp-pointed tip

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1. Pour the molding alginate in a container and add 1 liter and a half of water, then stir well (45 seconds will suffice).

1. Pour the molding alginate in a container and add 1 liter and a half of water, then stir well (45 seconds will suffice).

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2. Add the hands that you want to cast, make sure that the fingers are intertwined, dip them in the mixture, and keep still for four minutes.

2. Add the hands that you want to cast, make sure that the fingers are intertwined, dip them in the mixture, and keep still for four minutes.

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CAUTION: Do not touch the bottom of the container because otherwise, it might be difficult to separate the chalk from the material that encloses it. In addition to this step, we recommend in any case, that you follow the instructions given on the molding alginate bag --- the setting time may be different.

3. Gently remove the hands and pour a drop of dish detergent into the holes, and shake the container a little.

3. Gently remove the hands and pour a drop of dish detergent into the holes, and shake the container a little.

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4. In another container, mix the water and chalk powder in the proportions indicated on the bag you have purchased.

4. In another container, mix the water and chalk powder in the proportions indicated on the bag you have purchased.

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Let the mixture solidify overnight.

5. Turn over the mold, assisting yourself with a wooden cutting board.

5. Turn over the mold, assisting yourself with a wooden cutting board.

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6. Use a sharp knife to remove the outer part of the alginate.

6. Use a sharp knife to remove the outer part of the alginate.

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7. Next, with a sharp-pointed tool, remove the alginate from the most difficult areas.

7. Next, with a sharp-pointed tool, remove the alginate from the most difficult areas.

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8. Voilà! Here is the final result! It certainly makes an impression, does it not?

8. Voilà! Here is the final result! It certainly makes an impression, does it not?

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