Algiform

ALGIFORM SLOW-SET

Warm-water friendly alginate stays workable for seven to eight-minutes!

We have reformulated our Algiform Slow Set.  It has approximately the same working time of seven minutes when mixed using slightly warm water, to a thickish consistency; but you will need LESS Algiform in proportion to water to create the same thickness of viscosity, representing a savings in material.  So, our new formula Algiform will go a lot farther than the old.

Because our clients employ different ratios of Algiform to water depending on the viscosity they need for a particular project, it is difficult to establish precisely what the ratio difference will be with the new formula, and what the savings in material will represent, but we can suggest that you will only need 75% ( or less) of Algiform powder as compared to what you would normally use in order to achieve the same result in terms of thickness or viscosity.

We have had to slightly increase our pricing, but we think you will find that the savings represented in the volume of material yielded will more than make up the difference.

We have found that our Algiform cures to a much tougher end-product than do some other brands of alginate that are available. This is a new improved formulation of our popular warm-water alginate, so please read the instructions carefully to note all changes. The new formulation requires less Algiform powder in proportion to water, and would therefore prove more economical than was the original; and when fully set, the new Algiform Slow-Set is tougher than our original product.

If you are mixing large quantities of Algiform (1/2-lb. or more), we recommend that you employ a Jiffy Mixer for this purpose (see Jiffy Mixer information). Whatever proportion of Algiform to water you choose for your purposes, it is advisable to mix the material very thoroughly until you achieve a smooth consistency. We generally use water temperatures of approx. 70-degrees, but you can use cooler water.

After approx. 7 minutes, your Algiform will set. Exact curing time will depend upon a combination of how thick the mixture of Algiform and water is, and how thickly that mixture is applied to the model. The thicker the mixture, the faster the cure; the thicker the application, the faster the cure. e.g. A large quantity of Algiform prepared to a viscous consistency with very little sagging (1-part water to 3/4 ( or less) part Algiform by volume)  will set-up in seven minutes or less. Less “pasty” preparations will yield a longer working time.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Ideal proportions of water-to-alginate vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and with personal preference. The proportions we recommend for Algiform represent what we feel yields the optimum working consistency; however, we would suggest that in order to determine what proportions will produce the consistency you personally prefer to use, you should experiment with it.

We chose the seven-minute working time, as it seems to be ideal for the majority of artists for whom we developed this product. If you find that this is more working-time than is ideal for you, simply prepare the Algiform and water mixture, and wait a minute or so before application to the model.

We are sure that you will find that being molded with warm water makes a huge difference in terms of the comfort of your model, and prevents “goose bumps.

*NOTE: When we refer to a “thicker” consistency of Algiform water mixture, we mean a consistency similar to mayonnaise, with barely any flow at all. When applied to a face or a head, this consistency will not tend to drip and will only sag slightly.

**To reduce the working time, we recommend that you add some Algiform Regular Set  to your dry Algiform Slow-Set,  before mixing it into the water.

If you are doing a face mold, adding 25% Regular Set will reduce your working time to about 4-minutes of working.

If you are doing a large body part or head mold, don’t add any Regular Set at all, as you will need the full seven minutes of working time.

Approximately 2 lbs. of Algiform is sufficient to mold one life-size adult head.

Algiform Slow Set

2lbs…………………………………………………$22.40

11-lbs………………………………………………….$107.00

22-lbs………………………………………………….$201.00


Since making”Better One Piece Head Molds From Life” we have discovered another hair coating option which we greatly prefer over the petroleum jelly used for that purpose in the film. We now use a heavy coat of a “cholesterol-type” hair conditioning cream. The advantage of this approach is that the hair conditioner washes easily out of the hair, unlike petroleum jelly which tends to linger after shampooing; also, unlike petroleum jelly, the cholesterol doesn’t liquify due to the natural warmth of the head, and therefore provides a more effective barrier.

Cholesterol Hair Conditioner ( 16 -oz. jar)………………………..$7.00

 



  • ALGIFORM Regular Set

 

ALGIFORM Regular Set Instructions:

Working time: about 2 minutes (approx.)

Water Temperature: Cool

Proportions of mix for a container-type mold (to do a full hand): 

Approximately 1- part Algiform Reg. Set to 2- parts water, by volume, for a

relatively thick but still flowing consistency.  Aim for a consistency

like molasses, which is a little thicker than honey.

For a thicker consistency, as might be required to apply over a small

body part:  Approximately 2-parts Algiform to 3- parts water, by volume.

This will reduce your working time to only about one-minute, so it is a

good mix for molding the mouth and nose area, etc.

Note: this variation in the proportions is a matter of personal preference.

Mixing: Mix to a smooth consistency. We recommend that if you are mix-

ing more than very small amounts, you use a Jiffy Mixer attached to a drill

or other power mixing device to achieve a smooth consistency as quickly

as possible as the working time is so short.

 

2-lbs…………………………………………………$22.40

11-lbs……………………………………………………$107.00

22-lbs………………………………………………….$201.00