Plaster is a rigid and versatile substance that can be used to make many things.
Plaster of Paris is a very versatile substance. It is used extensively in construction and home repair. You probably have plaster covering the ceiling of a room in your house. Plaster also has a variety of uses in craft making and art. Michelangelo's paintings in the Sistine Chapel are frescoes, painting made directly on plaster. Another use for plaster is mold making. Plaster, once set, rigidly holds whatever shape is placed inside of it. Making plaster molds is easier than you might think.
Instructions
1. Put on your face mask and goggles. Pour the plaster powder into the large bucket. Pour and mix in enough water to make the mixture thick, but still fluid like a thick syrup or oatmeal. The package directions will usually indicate how much water is needed and generally a 2-to-1, water-to-plaster ratio is sufficient. Stir the mixture until all lumps have broken up and dissolved.
2. Pour the plaster into the aluminum pans. Fill each pan about 3/4 full. Allow the plaster to set about 30 minutes until it stiffens to the consistency of soft cheese.
3. Create a model of the object(s) that you want to mold using the clay. This model will create the mold. You can create any shape you desire; a heart shape, a starfish, seashell or whatever. You can also use an actual object instead of the clay; a ball, a toy, or any other small object you wish to make a mold of. Do this step while the plaster of Paris is drying.
4. Press the clay model(s) or the object(s) into the soft clay in both pans and remove it. The indentation left in the plaster of Paris will create the mold of the object(s).
5. Allow the plaster to continue to harden until it is rock solid. The molds are ready to use.
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