Homemade plaster molding or ceiling molding requires that you construct a mold. The mold can either be one for pouring or one where the plaster will manually be placed on a wall to match the existing ceiling molding. Either option requires patience and time.
Silicone Molds
Create silicone molds for ceiling molding by constructing a frame 2 inches taller than the desired molding size. Place a piece of existing ceiling molding into the constructed frame. Pour the silicone mixture over the top of the ceiling molding. The frame should be filled so there is a minimum of 1/2 inch of silicone over the highest point of the molding. Let cure for 2 to 4 hours before removing it from the frame. Take the mold from the frame. Turn the mold over so the indentation of the new frame work is visible. Pour plaster into the ceiling molding mold and let cure 24 hours prior to installation.
Repairing Plaster Ceiling Molding
Rooms with plaster ceiling molding can have areas that are broken or missing. Repair can be completed on the existing molding rather than tearing it down and replacing all the molding. Purchase a wire mesh made specifically to hold plaster at the local home improvement center.
Remove the plaster molding that needs replacing, leaving a 90 degree angle on the remaining ceiling molding. Make a Mylar (thick plastic) template of the molding design by placing a piece of Mylar at the end of the cut molding. Trace around the molding shape. Cut the shape from the Mylar. Discard the shape just removed. The shape left in the Mylar is what will be used to shape the new molding.
Attach the wire mesh to the ceiling and bend it so it is beneath the line of the existing molding. Place the plaster compound on the wire mesh so it extends past the design of the existing molding. Gently pull the Mylar mold across the plaster. Remove the plaster from the Mylar periodically to avoid bumps on the new molding. Gently run a wet sponge over the freshly cut design to smooth. Let the plaster dry for 24 hours. Lightly sand to refine the shape. Apply matching paint to finish the job.
Plaster Ceiling Molding History
The design and process of plaster ceiling molding is rooted in European classicism. Skilled ornamental plasterers created and applied designs to buildings within the United States from the middle of the 18th century until the 1930s. The decorative plaster creations represented the Georgian, Federal, Greek, Gothic, Rococo, Spanish and Renaissance styles. The methods of producing and installing the plaster has not changed since it was brought to America. The original ornamental plaster was made from lime and gypsum. Processes used included cast, modeled, colored, incised, stenciled or stamped. These processes are still used today.
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