General information:fast sets in: 2-3 minutes, regular sets in: 4-5 minutes

Mix approximately 1 part water to 2 parts Monster Gel Alginate ratio by weight (approx. 16 oz. powder to 8 oz. water by volume) until mixture yields a creamy consistency similar to that of yogurt. Larger casts or body casts will require a shell jacket of plaster bandages, which will provide plenty of time for the alginate to set. Although Monster Gel™ Alginate has high initial tear strength, demolding must be done carefully to avoid tearing.

Model Preparation: Monster Gel™ CSF can be applied to most surfaces with little preparation since the material will not stick to itself, or most other non-porous materials. A small test should always be performed to ensure proper release. A thin coat of petroleum jelly should be sufficient as a release, when needed. For lifecasting, apply a thin coat of skin moisturizer to the skin, and a generous amount of petroleum jelly applied to all exposed facial hair and eyebrows. Do not apply alginate directly to hair.

Mixing and Curing: Weigh or measure proper amounts of Monster Gel™ Alginate powder and mix with cool to room-temperature water. Warmer water will greatly decrease the cure time. Do not use hot water as alginate may cure too quickly. Mix together rapidly, being careful to avoid introducing air bubbles. A Jiffy Mixer® or other variable speed drill is recommended, but manual mixing is adequate. The mixture can be thickened with additional powder or thinned with water. Apply to surface with a flowing motion pushing out air ahead of material.

Please Note: Be mindful of the amount of material needed as the alginate will not bond to itself once cured without special bonding agents.

Further processing: Monster Gel™ CSF Alginate is an organic based product and is to be used only a temporary mold material. To avoid shrinkage and distortion in castings, it is best to make a positive cast immediately. The mold may be kept usable in water, plastic bags, or an airtight container for a few days. Wax, plasters and wax or oil based clays below 100°C/212°F may be poured into alginate molds. Molds should be immediately discarded after use.