Alja-Safe™

Preparation - Store and use Alja-Safe™ in a dry environment at room temperature. Alja-Safe™ powder may get warm in storage/shipping during the summer months which will cause the powder/water mixture to set too fast. To remedy, store Alja-Safe™ in a cool area (60°C - 70°F or 15°C - 31°C) for 24 hours before using. Alja-Safe™ has a limited shelf life and should be used as soon as possible. Do not allow moisture to come into contact with unused Alja-Safe™. Use only with adequate ventilation.

Practice: Make a mold of your thumb – make a mold of something small before going on to larger models. You’ll gain a lot of experience with a small test.

Applying A Release Agent – Alja-Safe™ will not stick to most surfaces. When making a mold of the head, a release preparation is recommended to prevent mechanical lock to the hair. CHOLESTEROL Brand Hair Conditioner (available at most pharmacies) can be applied to hair-covered areas prior to applying Alja-Safe™. It can be washed out of the hair easily after use.

Measuring – Alja-Safe™ is mixed 1 part water to 1 part powder by volume (1 cup + 1 cup, for example). You can vary the water level somewhat to change consistency of the mixture. Less water will make Alja-Safe™ thicker. More water will make the mixture thinner and easier to pour. Be careful…too much water will may result in the mixture not curing.

Water Quality – Water that has a high mineral content (calcium, phosphate, etc.) may cause any alginate to become "lumpy" or not set properly. A small-scale test is recommended prior to mixing large amounts.

Temperature Of The Water - At 80° F / 27° C, Alja-Safe™ will have a working time of 8 minutes and a demold time of 10 minutes. Warmer water will cause the material to cure faster (less working time). Colder water will give a longer working time and slower demold time. For best results, sift Alja-Safe™ powder into water and mix as directed.

Mixing – Alja-Safe™ can be hand mixed, but best results will be obtained using a power drill with a mixer attachment. Attach a Jiffy Mixer or Turbine Mixer to a power drill and mix for one minute (depending on volume) to a gel-like consistency – smooth without any powder lumps. Jiffy mixers are available at many hardware stores. Turbine Mixers will yield the best mix and are available from Smooth-On or your Smooth-On distributor.

Alja-Safe™ can be poured around an object or applied to vertical surfaces.

Pouring Around An Object - Once mixed, Alja-Safe™ can be poured around the hand, foot, fingers or other model in a fixed position inside a container. Suspend the model just above the bottom of the container and have at least ½" (1.27 cm) space between the model and the side walls of the container.

For Best Results: Apply a thin coating of Alja-Safe™ to the surface of the model by smoothing a small amount of material on by hand. Pour Alja-Safe™ into the container at the lowest point and let the material rise around the model. Make sure your model has a good clearance distance from the bottom and sides of the container. Keep your model still until the Alja-Safe™ sets up. You will know the Alja Safe has set when it is firm and no longer gel-like.

For Vertical Application – You may want to experiment with the amount of water added to Alja-Safe™ to find a thicker consistency that is right for vertical surface application. For example, some customers mix 1 part water to 1.5 parts Alja-Safe™. Work Alja-Safe™ into model detail with your hands and let cure.

Applying A Support Shell - Once the alginate cures, a support shell will be necessary to support the alginate mold. "Gypsona" bandages are ideal for this purpose, and are available from Smooth-On or your Smooth-On distributor.

Casting Into The Mold - All alginate molds will deteriorate quickly. It is recommended that you cast into the mold within 4 hours following demold. Materials commonly cast into alginates include Matrix NEO (polymer modified gypsum, available from Smooth-On), plaster, wax, clay and very fast urethane resins (such as Smooth-Cast 300Q). For Soft "Skin-Like" Castings – You can cast Dragon Skin 10 FAST soft silicone rubber into Alja-Safe™ molds to make realistic hands, limbs, etc.