Bust sculpted from plaster
Plaster molds form a wide variety of products. The most popular products made with a plaster mold are ceramic home decor items. They are also useful in making industrial and machinery components and products. Figurines, vases and other fragile pieces of greenware (unbaked ceramic pieces) are made with two-piece molds. Figurines and other pieces that you have sculpted from clay can be duplicated with a two-piece mold. The amount of plaster and water to mix will depend on the size of the piece being copied.
Instructions
1. Line each shoe box with a plastic garbage bag. Fold the edges of the garbage bag around the outside of the box, and place a strip of masking tape around the top of the box to secure the edges. Keep the plastic on the inside as straight and smooth as possible.
2. Fill the plastic-lined box one-half to three-fourths full with water. Carefully pour the water into the mixing container. Sprinkle in dry plaster of Paris until all the water has been absorbed. No clear water should remain in the top of the container.
3. Stir the plaster quickly and thoroughly with a paint stirrer or old wooden spoon. Make sure it is smooth and free of lumps. The mixture should have the consistency of cake batter. It will begin to set as soon as you begin stirring, so work quickly.
4. Pour the liquid plaster mixture into the shoe box. Fill it one-half to three-fourths full.
5. Gently shake the box so the plaster evens out and any air bubbles pop. Let the box sit untouched for about 10 minutes.
6. Draw a line completely down the center of the figurine on the front and on the back with a marker. Be careful to draw the mark directly at the center point. This line will be your guide when you place the figurine in the plaster.
7. Lay the figurine you are copying in the plaster horizontally. The plaster should be solid enough now to support the figurine. Push the figurine down into the plaster up to the mark you drew.
8. Let the figurine remain in the plaster until the plaster has set. Remember which side of the figurine you have duplicated. The plaster will become warm and then begin to harden. This process should take about 30 minutes.
9. Remove the figurine once the plaster has hardened. Place the plaster block with the figurine impression in the top in an area where it can dry, such as a baker's rack. Placing the block in the sun will lessen the drying time.
10. Repeat these steps to create the opposite side of the figurine. When both pieces are completed, strap the two pieces together with a heavy rubber band or strong duct tape to use for greenware slip.
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