Objective: How to shape melted aluminium?

Which of the following solutions is more sound in terms of naive physics reasoning?

Available options: *Transfer the melted mixture into a cast or groove and let it cool off and solidify to make the desired shape.; *Dip the vessel or object of the required shape and dip it in the melted mixture. Later dip it in cool water so that the aluminium is shaped accordingly.;
Transfer the melted mixture into a cast or groove and let it cool off and solidify to make the desired shape.