How Do You Make Plaster Of Paris Molds?
Plaster of Paris is a molding material composed of calcium sulfate hemihydrates, calcium carbonate and crystalline silica. By mixing the powder form with water, you can make simple molds to use for small craft projects–with the exception of hand prints. Because the plaster heats up while hardening and my become uncomfortable in the hands, a different type of molding products is best for hand prints. And though children would be understandably attracted to the process of mixing Plaster of Paris, adults are better suited to this task. Lubricate the object to be molded with oil or petroleum jelly. Plaster is activated by water and will attach to objects unless a release agent is used. The oil and water won’t mix easily, so oil-based lubricants work well as release agents. Place the object to be molded in the paper bowl. Pour plaster into a plastic cup and add water, mixing thoroughly. Pour the mixed plaster over the object so that the fattest part of the object is no more than halfway in
