November 23, 2001, Newsletter Issue #65: Make Great Gifts This Christmas!

Tip of the Week

You will need potting plaster for molds, (it is stronger and finer).

For a bucket of plaster you will need to fill the bucket to just under 2/3 water, then, wearing a mask (as plaster is toxic), consistantly shake in handfuls/containers full of plaster evenly over the water, the plaster will fall and settle. When the plaster is forming islands, (i.e., lumps of grey surrounded by water), shake the plaster onto the water until all is absorbed and the top of the bucket is covered in plaster. Wait until all plaster has gone grey (there should by this time be no water), then stir with your hand, fingers slightly splayed, and move your wrist from side to side, in order to mix the plaster, (this eliminates air bubbles).

When all the plaster has been dissolved, it is ready to pour. Tap the bucket all around. If you have some air bubbles on top of the mix, either scum off with a paper towel or spray with a mix of water and metho 10%. Once the plaster is disolved, time is a crucial factor. You must get the bucket poured and rinsed within minutes. For this reason, organisation is imperative.

The plaster, once poured, will heat, then it will cool. Once cool, it is ready to take from the mold, carve or dry.

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