ActivaInstaMold Temporary Mold Compound, 12-oz (340g) | Create Quick, Perfect Reproductions of 3D Objects

I use this product to make molds of various objects then I cast plaste into the molds. It works well, sets fast and is easy to use. Really good but over the course of time (days) it will dry out and distort. So, I can't store these molds long term. Make the mold then once it is dry you cast.

Activa Instamold was recommended by e-NABLE in a 2-part process of making a cast of my son's arm and missing hand. I went to school on this product. Age on shelf seems to matter. Though no date is printed on the box, we actually had to buy three boxes before we got the mold we needed. The first box we bought through Amazon. My husband didn't follow the directions on the back and added the water to the mix not the mix to the water. It was a lumpy fail. The second box I bought at Hobby Lobby. We followed the directions perfectly, but it never had a liquidly, gel consistency. It didn't adhere to my son's arm or create the suction when he pulled his arm out that e-NABLE told us to expect. I returned to Hobby Lobby for their last box. The example photos on the box were the same only more vivid. We mixed by the directions again, and got a totally successful mold. Key tips are as follows: sift out all lumps prior to mixing. We used a kitchen strainer. Don't pack into your measuring cup. Add your mix to the cup like a light snowfall. Slowly add mix to measured water. You need 2 people- one to add the mix and one to stir. It will look like Cream of Wheat when ready to pour into your mold form. We used a heavy cardboard decorator box shaped like a Quaker oatmeal box but taller. When Instamold has set, it'll feel spongy and still moist to the touch, but the product won't come off onto your fingertips. I would definitely use Instamold again just accepting that it might take more than one box to get the result I need.

You'd be better off trying to make a mold out of oatmeal. I followed the instructions to the letter to make the strongest mold. It took three times as long to harden as the instructions said, and the mold crumbled when I tried to take the original item (a very simple positive) out of it. Even after a half hour, the mold material was soggy and worthless. I'm sure there's better alginate-type products out there.

If you're having issues, try using this with distilled water. It doesn't work well with hard water.

Terrible product. Followed the instructions exactly and even watched instruction videos. Didn't work whatsoever. Basically it was a crumbly cookie that when I pulled the object out after molding it fell apart. I tried 10 times to make a mold and then gave up.

Works really well to make molds of almost anything!

I recommend that you read the reviews you can find via an internet search and believe the majority - this is not a good molding product. (Here's another one from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Activa-InstaMold-Mold-Making-Compound/product-reviews/B0042SUKYC)The instructions make this molding process sound simple but they inaccurately describe the waiting time for the mold to dry, and the mixing ratio isn't clear (ranging from 1:1 to 1:4). I attempted two simple molds, and even the thin one of a coin didn't dry fully in 30 minutes (1:1 ratio) let alone the described 3-12 minutes. Once the outside was finally dry to the touch, the inside was still too soft (like uncooked batter). Later, the dry section didn't preserve much detail at all - basically just the disc-shape of the coin.Lastly, the box doesn't warn that you need to pre-seal originals made of materials like plaster or ceramic, so this product also misleads when it says "will not harm originals".

Exactly what I wanted. Couldn't be more pleased. Will be ordering again!