FiberGel alginate is a unique patented alginate formula that is quite strong and resistant to tears. Yet, it sets soft and has delayed shrinkage which makes it perfect for special effect works.
The simple alginate powder that was initially used for making dental impressions has slowly evolved over the years into a valuable concoction for making life casts.
The beauty of alginate powder is that being a natural substance, it is completely safe for the skin. However, regular alginate has a quick setting time and is prone to tearing as well.
Various manufacturers try to play around with the formulation to slow the setting time on the one hand and increase the tear resistance on the other. They also try to manipulate other characteristics - like hardness/softness of the alginate once it sets – to suit specific applications.
Accordingly, different groups of alginate are available in art stores today. Apart from the regular life casting formulae that are characterized by a firm set and high strength, there are special formulations with a soft set (suitable for use on babies).
The simple alginate powder that was initially used for making dental impressions has slowly evolved over the years into a valuable concoction for making life casts.
The beauty of alginate powder is that being a natural substance, it is completely safe for the skin. However, regular alginate has a quick setting time and is prone to tearing as well.
Various manufacturers try to play around with the formulation to slow the setting time on the one hand and increase the tear resistance on the other. They also try to manipulate other characteristics - like hardness/softness of the alginate once it sets – to suit specific applications.
Accordingly, different groups of alginate are available in art stores today. Apart from the regular life casting formulae that are characterized by a firm set and high strength, there are special formulations with a soft set (suitable for use on babies).
The famed art supplier, EnvironMolds has launched a unique alginate formula called FiberGel E F/X Grade alginate. This is fortified with special fibers that considerably increase the adhesion, strength and tear resistance properties of the alginate. In fact, it is independently tested 40% stronger than the leading brands.
This alginate formulation is thixothropic and will stay in place without dipping or running off like regular alginate mixtures. Moreover, the fiber matrix enables the alginate to retain moisture and reduces the shrinkage rate manifold. Therefore, the alginate mold stays soft and flexible and boasts of delayed casting time as well. Yet, despite the fiber content, the alginate mix still manages to yield the same creamy smoothness that is characteristic of regular alginate formulae.
During studio use, artists find that the mixing and consistency of FiberGel alginate is just like regular alginate. It can easily be applied in a smooth and uniform manner and will continue to stay in place without running. The mold will set within 5 to 6 minutes and does not necessarily require a shell mold either. When demolded, the alginate mold comes off easily in one piece without pulling itself apart. Even bigger body molds will not tear when removed in spite of the larger area or even undercuts. And as the mold will not shrink soon, the cast will turn out closer to the original size without losing any detail.
This is why FiberGel alginate is considered ideal for professional high-production, high-end detailed E F/X work. It can easily be used for creating different kinds of special effects on the sets of movies and television shoots. As the alginate mixture does not run or drip, it can even be applied on vertical structures to capture molds. The comparatively thicker mix of the alginate ensures that it will continue to stay as applied and will recreate all the surface details of the structure as it is!
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