Alginate is a powder which, when mixed with water [2:1 for pouring, 1:1 for spreading], forms a gel suitable for taking impressions of human tissue. 

This natural plant extract is quick-setting, self-releasing, and gives excellent reproduction of fine detail. It has been used by dentists for many years and is safe for use on the skin. 

The skin can be lubricated with petroleum jelly to protect hair growth. 

This Slow type gives four minutes for mixing and two minutes for setting. 

The Fast type gives two minutes for mixing and one minute for setting. 

Both types set quite soft making them easy to demould. Each 550 g package is enough to make a full face cast. An outer casing can be made with Mod Roc or Plaster bandage to support the Alginate or consider a Plaster of Paris mould to do the job.

Sometimes called Dental Plaster.