Molds & Mold Making

There are basically two different types of alginate molds. One is a "bucket mold" and the other is a "layup mold". For bucket molds, the alginate is poured into some sort of rigid container, the object to be molded (hand, foot etc.) is put into the alginate and then removed when the alginate is set. For bucket molds, use the 380CC or the 570PVG. For layup molds, a non-slumping alginate is applied to a surface (head, face, etc.) fairly thinly (1/4"-1/2") and then layers of plaster bandage are laid onto this so that when they harden they maintain the shape of the mold. For layup molds use the 570PVG, 590IBG or the 880 grades.  Mix-In-The-Bag is the simplest and neatest way to mix alginate.  Simply pour the water directly into the bag, squeeze out the extra air and mix by mashing the bag against a flat tabletop.