How to Mix Plaster for Ceramic Molds -Take a look at the best tips

Plaster of Paris is a building material which is used for the coating of walls and ceilings and for moulding and casting decorative elements.

It is a powdered substance and when combined with water, it becomes a pourable mixture. The most common type of plaster generally consists of gypsum, cement or lime. But all work in a similar way.

If you are planning to decorate your home, then you can use fine quality of plaster of paris. For this you have to contact a great POP supplier or manufacturer who can offer you good quality materials.

The POP manufacturer in Rajasthan can provide you materials which are very cost effective and are highly reasonable.

Now, you can look at the tips on how to mix plaster for ceramic molds  

1.       Prepare your mold.

·         You have to make sure that your model is set before casting.

·         The mold board is secure, and all the surfaces are coated with a parting agent i.e. mold soap.

2.       Prepare your work area:

·         You may require a clean mixing container for the plaster, a measuring cup for the water, a rinse bucket and a scale for weighing the plaster.

·         Also note that plaster is not allowed to go down the drain, as it forms a rocklike mass.

·         Even small amounts can accumulate over time.

·         Line a rinse bucket with a plastic garbage bag.

·         Fill it with water in order to clean your hands and tools.

·         Let the plaster to settle for a day.

·         Pour off the water and dispose the bag.

3.       Use fresh water:

·         The mixing water that you use should be at room temperature or 70°F.

·         The plaster will set too fast, if the water is too warm.

·         Make use of only clean, drinkable tap water or distilled water.

·         Metallic salts like aluminium sulphate will speed up the setting time and soluble salt causes efflorescence on the mold surface.

4.       Plaster is calcined:  

·         It means chemically bound water that has been driven off through heating.

·         If the plaster is sitting around a damp environment, it may develop lumps in it.

·         In this case, it is no longer usable.

·         Pitch it. Use plaster which has been stored dry and is lump free.

5.       Weigh out materials:

·         Do not guess regarding the amount of plaster and water you will need.

·         You do not want to go back and adjust quantities once you start with the mixing process.

·         Estimate the volume in cubic inches in order to determine the amount you need.

·         Then divide it by 231 to give gallons or by 58 to give quarts.

·         Deduct twenty percent to allow for the volume of plaster and then refer to the table.

6.        Add plaster to water:

·         Slowly filter the plaster onto the surface of the water.

·         Do not put the plaster or toss it in by handfuls.

·         Adding the plaster should not take more than three minutes.

7.       Soak the plaster:

·         Let the plaster to soak for one to two minutes maximum.

·         Small batches need less soaking than large batches.

·         If the soaking time is less, it may contribute to pinholes.

·         On the other hand if it’s too long, it may contribute to gritty mold surfaces and early stiffening.  

8.       Mix the plaster:

·         Small batches of plaster are mixed with hand.

·         With constant motion you may notice a change in consistency from watery to a thick cream.

·         As you mix, break down lumps with your fingers.

·         Mix only for a minute or two.

·         Be very careful not to agitate the mixture so much that air bubbles built in into the mix.

·         Mixing time affects absorption rates.

·         Longer mixing times create tighter and less absorptive molds.

9.       Pour the plaster:

·         After mixing, tap the bucket on a hard surface and release trapped air.

·         After that carefully pour the plaster.

·         Wherever possible, pour the plaster carefully into the deepest area so that the slurry runs uniformly across the surface of the mold.              

·         Once the mold is poured, tap the table with a rubber mallet.

·         This is done in order to vibrate the mold and to liberate more air bubbles.

10.   Drying plaster:

·         When plaster sets, it heats up as a result of a chemical reaction.

·         When it gets cooled, it becomes safer to remove the Cottles or forms.

·         Before use, molds should be dried.

·         Dry molds provide uniform absorption, good strength, and reduced efflorescence.

·         Dry molds evenly and do not set them near a kiln wherein one side is exposed to excessive heat and the relative humidity is near zero.

·         Put them on racks in a relatively dry location which is away from drafts.

Gypsonaplaster- Garg Brothers and Plaster Industry is a well established POP manufacturer in Rajasthan. We offer plaster of Paris which is affordable and genuine.

We provide high strength, light colored and extra fine Plaster of Paris i.e. POP which has BIS marked standards.

The plaster of Paris can be used in:

·         Making statues

·         Finishing walls

·         Designing of masonry interiors and exteriors

·         Interior decoration such as false ceilings, studio sets etc

The high quality POP settles down slowly and provides enough time to the mason or a worker to finish his task.

Another benefit is that after settling, the POP gets strong. Thus, it has a greater longevity.

By using the finest quality factor inputs & advanced technology, the plaster of Paris is processed accordingly.

We test the plaster of Paris on various quality parameters and thereby deliver it to our esteemed clients.

The POP is processed accurately and is of high purity. It is ready to use straight from the pack, easily available and is efficient to use.