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All of our life casting kits have easy step-by-step instructions. Here are the general steps:

(1) Mix the Create-a-Mold molding powder with water and mix for about 1-2 minutes. Once the bright pink color starts to fade, insert the foot, hand or pairs of hands into the molding material. Within about 1-3 minutes after turning white (depending mixure temp), the mold sets.

(2) Wiggle the foot or hand(s) out of the molding material.

(3) Mix the bag of casting stone with water. Pour the casting stone into the mold. Let the casting stone harden.

(4) Tear open the mold, remove the statue and enjoy.

The molding material a seaweed-based material called alginate. It is non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, biodegradable and safe for skin, including for babies. Our brand of Alginate is used every day in the medical and dental fields for various applications. It is specially formulated to create amazingly detailed, high quality molds of body froms (hands and feet).

All molding powder is not created equal and the molding powder we supply is manufactured to our specifications and is unique to Luna Bean casting kits. You will not find a higher quality molding powder in any retail or pre-assembled casting kit on the market. Our exclusive formula includes chromatic (color-changing) properties, which eliminates the need of timing the procedure. When the off-white powder is added to water, the mixture starts out bright pink and is ready for molding once it starts losing color. The end result is a highly detailed, very strong mold.

When using the average mix as directed in the kits (60g of powder per 1 cup of water) in room temperature water, the total working time of the molding material is about 5-6 minutes. Approximately 1/2 of the working time is for mixing and the second 1/2 of the time is the setting phase. All alginate molds will deteriorate quickly. It is recommended that you pour the cast into the mold within 4 hours. If this is not possible, store the mold in an air tight container in a cool environment, such as a refrigerator, for up to 24 hours.

Room temperature (75F; slightly cool to the touch) works well for adult and child hand kits as it is comfortable enough for most and gives an adequate total working time of about 5-6 minutes. For the infant and toddler foot and hand kits, we suggest using luke-warm water (85-90F) which will give about a 3- 4 minutes total set time. Alternatively, cold water (60-65F) can be used, which will give you a total working time of about 7-9 minutes. 

Water with a high mineral content will cause any alginate mix to become lumpier than normal and if the hard water contains calcium, it will also set faster. If you think your water is a concern, consider bottled filtered or distilled water.

Note: Timing starts from the time the powder enters the water and the above referenced times assume the powder has been stored at at about 70-75F for at least 12 hours.

We use a Gypsum Cement that dries to a pristine white, provides fine detail and is chip & chalk resistant. It has high green strength (such as when demolding), remains workable while wet and gains its full strength once 100% dry. Overall, it is about 5X stronger than the traditional art plaster or "plaster of paris." Blending is important to allow the powder to react with water. Add the powder do the water and allow it to soak in. Then blend for 5-8 minutes for optimal results.

Blending is important to allow the powder to react with water. Add the powder do the water and allow it to soak in. Then blend for 5-8 minutes for optimal results.

Once poured, the casting stone will set and cure in as little as 1 hour (small infant castings), but take up to 4 hours to cure for larger adult castings. For very large castings (XL and Family kits) allow up to 4-6 hours. You will know it has cured when it is hard and cool to the touch. Once demolded, rinse with cold water to remove any residual Step 1 and allow the statue to dry fully in an open (no shelves, dark closets, etc) well-ventilated environment with a lot of natural light. The drying time is approximately 1-2 days for each 1/2 inch of thickness. Once fully dry, the statue can be sealed with water-based paints.