FaceGel™ 590 Alginate
Accu-Cast™ FaceGel™ 590 alginate is an easy to use alginate mold material that is ideal for making layup molds used to reproduce fine details of a face. FaceGel™ 590 has extra thickener which allows it to hold a vertical surface well with minimal slump, and makes an excellent temporary lifecasting mold. FaceGel™ 590 has a set time of 5 minutes when mixed with water that has a temperature of 90°F/32°C. You can cast LiquiStone™ gypsum cement into the mold to make a reproduction.
IMPORTANT: This product has not been tested and should not be used for dental applications.
Instructions
Safety - Wear safety glasses to minimize contamination risk. Use only in a well-ventilated area. Wear a NIOSH-approved N95 dust mask when processing powdered material.
Preparation - These products have a limited shelf life and should be used as soon as possible. Materials should be stored and used in a warm environment (73°F/23°C). Mixing containers should have straight sides and a flat bottom. Mixing sticks should be flat and stiff with defined edges for scraping the sides and bottom of your mixing container. FaceGel™ 590 powder may get warm in storage/shipping during the summer months which may cause the powder/water mixture to set too fast. To remedy, store FaceGel™ 590 alginate in a cool area (60°F - 70°F or 16°C - 21°C) for 24 hours before using. Do not allow moisture to come into contact with unused FaceGel™ 590 alginate powder.
Because no two applications are quite the same, a small test application to determine suitability for your project is recommended if performance of this material is in question.
Measuring, Water Quality and Water Temperature
Measuring - FaceGel™ 590 is mixed 1 part powder to 4 parts water by weight or 2 parts powder to 3 parts water by volume. If measuring by volume, fill measuring cup with powder, and level off the top. If measuring by weight, use an accurate gram scale. You can vary the water level somewhat to change the consistency of the mixture. Less water will make the alginate thicker. More water will make the mixture thinner and easier to pour. Be Careful... too much water may result in the mixture not curing! Since powder is a compressible material, by weight mix ratio is recommended.
Water Quality- If water quality is in question, use distilled water heated to the correct temperature using a stove top or microwave oven if needed. Check water temperature using a thermometer. Water that has a high mineral content (calcium, phosphate, etc.) may cause any alginate to become “lumpy” or not set properly. If you have a water softener, the water will delay the pot life and cure time of the alginate. You can compensate for this by increasing the temperature of the water. A small-scale test is recommended prior to mixing large amounts.
Water Temperature - At 90°F / 32°C, FaceGel™ 590 will have a working time of approximately 3.5 minutes and a demold time of about 5 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.
Mixing Alginate
Mixing - Alginate can be mixed by hand in a mixing container using a flat mixing stick with defined edges for scraping the sides and bottom of your mixing container as you mix. Review the “hand mix” technique video at www.accu-cast.us/alginatehandmix. Alginate material can also be mixed in the bag it comes in. Remove all jewelry and watches from hands before attempting to mix the material in the bag to prevent puncture to the bag. Review the “mix-in-bag” mix technique video at www.accu-cast.us/alginatemixinbag. Alternatively, you can mix the material using a turbine mixer (mechanical mixer) and portable drill. Review the “drill mix” technique video at www.accu-cast.us/alginatedrillmix. Wearing a NIOSH-approved N95 dust mask is recommended before mixing powdered alginate.
Applying Alginate to Face
Applying a Release Agent – FaceGel™ 590 will not stick to most surfaces. When making a mold of the face, a release preparation is recommended to prevent mechanical lock to hair. A cholesterol based hair conditioner can be applied to haircovered areas prior to applying FaceGel™ 590 . It can be washed out of the hair easily after use.
Layup Mold – Once mixed, FaceGel™ 590 can be layed up by hand onto the face. Model’s eyes must remain closed during the mold making process. DO NOT COVER NOSTRILS! Avoid covering the nostrils or inserting alginate into the nostrils.
For Best Results: Apply a thin coating of FaceGel™ 590 to the surface of the model by brushing, smoothing the material on by hand or using a plastic spatula. Keep your model still until the FaceGel™ 590 sets up. You will know the FaceGel™ 590 has set when it is firm and no longer gel-like.
Applying a Support Shell – Once the material cures, a support shell will be necessary to support the FaceGel™ 590 mold. Gypsona® brand medical grade plaster bandages are ideal for this purpose, and are available from Smooth-On or your local Smooth-On distributor.
Curing and Performance
Curing - Cure time is approximately 5 minutes when mixed with water at 90°F/32°C. Thinner molds made with more water in the mix may set up longer.
Performance - Cured alginate molds exhibit moderate tear strength and are firm but flexible. Mold is temporary and must be used immediately.
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 LiquiStone™ Gypsum Cement, duoMatrix™ NEO (polymer modified gypsum, available from Smooth-On), wax, clay and very fast urethane resins (such as Smooth-Cast® 300Q).
For Soft “Skin-Like” Castings you can cast FUN Silicone™ soft silicone rubber into FaceGel™ 590 molds to make realistic faces or other body parts.