Includes one painted plaster parent and baby clasped hands cast on a plinth mounted on a plinth.
Prices quoted are for a baby under 1 year and vary depending on caster and the age of the baby so please use the suggested price as a guide. You will choose your paint colour and plinth at your appointment. Engraved name-plates are extra.
At your appointment, a mould is taken of you and your baby's clasped hands using dental alginate as the impression material. It is the same material used by dentists to make those gum shield-like dental impressions. It is completely safe to use on babies' skin and has been used by lifecasters for decades. The process to take the mould is very fast - about 2-3 mins, as the mixture sets in that time. The impression powder must be mixed with cool water, especially in hot weather, or the mixture sets too fast.
If your child has any kind of skin problem you must seek advice from your GP before having a cast done. It would also be wise to wait until any blemishes have cleared up as they will show up in the cast as every detail is picked up. It is best to dress your baby in a short-sleeved vest so your caster has full access to his hand.
After your appointment, the mould is cast in plaster using a high definition stone plaster. Once set, the cast is tidied and left to dry out thoroughly for at least 2-3 weeks. It is then painted in classic or pearl white or metallic silver, rose gold, bronze or gold paint and mounted on a plinth.
The turnaround is normally 4-8 weeks depending on your caster but this can extend at busier times or during the school summer holidays. If you have a deadline please let your caster know when you book.