FAQ's

Where will my cast be taken?
The best place for the casting to take place is at my home, this will allow you to see the different options available to you for the finished casts, mount and frames.  These are the finishing touches that will make your cast perfect for you.

How long will the casting take?
Taking the cast itself is very quick, your baby only needs to be in the mould for around a minute, though for a baby that can seem a long time! So, I like to have an hour for a casting session allow you and your baby time to relax and to talk through the process.

What do you use to cast?
The casts are taken using a medically approved material called ‘Alginate’ this is an amazing product made from brown seaweed! It is hypoallergenic for most skin types and allows for rapid mould making in incredible detail. It is used as a dental impression material and as a mould making material for prosthetic limbs.

I would like to have hand casts?
Due to the nature of casting I cannot guarantee hand casts, that is why I charge a basic fee for two feet with extra hands\feet at an addition cost. This means that you will have a beautiful pair of your baby’s feet to frame if the hands are not successful. We will of course refund the additional cost for the hands if I fail to get an acceptable cast.

How do I pay?
I do ask for a £40 deposit to be paid on the day of your casting appointment, the balance can be paid when you come to collect your finished cast or when it is ready to be sent to you. We can accept payment by cheque, credit/debit card or cash.

The Casting Process?
I use an impression powder called ‘Alginate’ to take a detailed mould of your baby’s hand or foot. This product is most often used in the dentistry industry to take impressions of teeth, it is non toxic and biodegradable and is actually derived from seaweed!!!

The alginate powder is mixed with water and when it is smooth and glossy I transfer it to a small bag or cloth, the mixture is then moulded around your baby’s hand and feet. Depending on the temperature, the alginate takes a bout a minute to set. When it sets it has a rubbery texture so it is easy to remove from the foot or hand.

The mould is taken away and I start to make the actual 3D life cast. A fine plaster is used and mixed to a perfect consistency, the mix is then carefully poured into the mould and left to dry, this can take up to two weeks depending on the size of the cast and the air temperature. If the cast is not allowed to dry completely there is a chance of it becoming mouldy and collapsing.

Once the cast is dry it is prepared for framing, this can mean painting or varnishing and mounting in a frame that you have chosen.

What does my baby need to wear, what should I bring?
I would recommend that you don’t dress your baby in their best clothes! Although the alginate is completely washable it save you worrying.
Clothes that are easy to remove and put back on are a great idea ...A popered vest is ideal for when we take the casts.

You are welcome to bring a small toy for distraction purposes, some parents choose to give their baby a breast or bottle feed whilst or just before taking the cast, this can settle a baby. For older babies a small snack such as a rice cake or biscuit is just the distraction they need.

Baby wipes are always handy (I do have a supply) as you can use then to wipe any residue from the feet or hands. This can be rubbed of with fingers too.

My Perfect Impression has full public liability insurance and I am CRB checked as I volunteer at my son's school.