Casting the Hand in Plaster

This video shows how to make a mold and a cast the hand using plaster strips. Alginate is the easiest and most efficient way to cast but can be expensive in large quantities. As a teacher I am always searching for ways to save money while preserving rich art making experiences for my students.

[@katiuskadel7310]

Thank you, this is exactly the project I was looking for to teach a sculpture unit 🙌🏼🙏🏻🌟😍

[@artwithandrews7267]

You are so welcome! I’m glad you could use it in your teaching.

[@siraa2008]

Thank u. This is an awesome idea. Almost anything can be casted using this method. ❤

[@artwithandrews7267]

Yes! I have had students cast arms, torso, and feet for sculptures. Thank you!

[@velvetzoid]

Excelente, felicitaciones.

[@artwithandrews7267]

gràcies i gràcies per mirar-ho!

[@dedecosmic3545]

This is such a great video! I've been trying to figure out a good way to have a lighter hand figure that creates a smooth finish.
This tops it all so far🎉
Few questions.
When you say "fill with plaster", what is the filling? Shredded up plaster mixed with the substance and dumped in? Or something else?
Also, do you know of any substitutes for the drywall? That'll create smooth finish and is lighter?

[@artwithandrews7267]

Thank you for watching! The filling of the mold is plaster of Paris mixed with water and is relatively light weight when it dries out. Joint compound is my favorite medium to create a smooth finish and is pretty light weight.

[@ginapereira8948]

This is cool, thanks!
Would you mind explaining the part about filling it with plaster?

[@artwithandrews7267]

Yes. I actually spray inside the mold with wd-40 first, then I mix powder plaster in water using the island method. I mix and pour into the mold and it hardens in about an hour.

[@ginapereira8948]

@@artwithandrews7267 Thank you for such a fast reply, appreciate that! Very inspiring ❤️

[@simon.587]

Hi, thanks for your video. I have a question: In your video it seems the joint compound has the same color as the plaster. So what joint compound is it?

[@artwithandrews7267]

Yes! It is pure white like the plaster. I use USG all purpose joint compound. It has a green lid. This is pretty accessible at home improvement/ repair stores in the Northwest USA but I am not sure about other parts of the world.

[@simon.587]

Thanks for your answer. Unfortunately, the product cannot be purchased in hardware stores here in my country. . But basically it's just grout for grouting bathrooms and sanitary facilities, right?

[@artwithandrews7267]

@simon.587 Joint compound is a product we use to close the joints between drywall sheets. It is used to add texture to walls as well. It is primarily composed of gypsum so if you can find an alternative that is mostly composed of gypsum it should work.

[@simon.587]

​@@artwithandrews7267I sought advice at a hardware store and was then recommended a product. Unfortunately, the exact ingredients are not specified. However, the packaging says that it is suitable for all mineral surfaces. Such as plaster, concrete, masonry, etc. The product is called universal crack filler. It is also coated with synthetic resin.

[@gabrielarios9587]

how long would you say the process took?

[@artwithandrews7267]

Casting takes about 30 minutes but refining takes a couple hours. I would say in its entirety about three to five hours.

[@nightmaremoonstudio9743]

How dose that feel? Wow I mean it's got to be cold ... right?

[@artwithandrews7267]

Actually it feels warm since the cementation process heats up a bit.

[@nightmaremoonstudio9743]

@@artwithandrews7267
Oh ok that make sense now didn’t know that.

[@mandycairns6816]

Was it hard to get the bandage off, I would of thought it would of stuck to the bandage as they are both plaster, I'm scrolling on YT because I'm making a project today and wanted to see if this works and clearly it does, thank you 🙏