Strengthen your plaster creations so that they last through the ages.
Plaster is a compound made from gypsum, sand and water. It has been used since ancient times for construction and artistic purposes. Plaster can be a versatile medium, and is often used for making statuary from a mold. When using plaster for these purposes, however, it can also be brittle and break easily. Paper, lime powder, gum arabic and sodium bicarbonate can all be used as strengtheners for plaster.
Instructions
Paper Method
1. Shred scrap paper finely by passing it through a paper shredder. Pre-cut paper confetti can also be used.
2. Mix 1 1/2 cups shredded paper or fabric to 8 1/2 cups plaster of Paris, which is dry.
3. Add water to this mix in the amounts proscribed on the package of plaster.
4. Follow the package directions on mixing the plaster. The paper or cloth fiber will help strengthen the hardened plaster.
Lime Method
5. Add powdered lime to water to create "milk of lime." Use the amounts dictated on the powdered lime package. Mix this in a large bowl or bucket.
6. Mix the powdered plaster into the lime in the amounts directed by the plaster package. The amount of milk of lime to plaster should be the same amount of water to plaster as directed on the package.
7. Use a spoon to stir until smooth. This will create a harder plaster.
Gum Arabic Method
8. Mix a small amount of gum arabic to water. Use a large mixing bucket.
9. Whisk the mix well in order to dissolve the gum arabic thoroughly.
10. Add 1 part gum arabic to 100 parts plaster of Paris by weight. This helps increase the toughness of the plaster.
Sodium Bicarbonate Method
11. Create the desired plaster. Mix according to directions, and create your molds or whatever purpose you have in mind for the plaster.
12. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
13. Mix 1/4 cup bicarbonate of soda to 1 cup warm water.
14. Stir well in order to dissolve the soda in the water.
15. Brush this solution over the finished piece. Let the solution dry.
16. Repeat Step 5 three to five times.
Related posts
Plaster of Paris not only can make impressions of fossils, but dentists use it for creating casts, models and other laboratory applications where strength does not matter. Careful preparation of d...
Skirting boards can cover an air gap at the bottom of a plastered wall.Lime plaster is commonly used for coating walls to create a smooth surface for decorating. Drywall often is used in place of...
You can make a craft mountain out of plaster.If you are teaching geology to grammar school students, you can make the lessons more exciting by including the students in a hands-on project related...
Plaster casting is a fun way to make artwork. You can also make casts of your children's hands or feet when they are small for mementos of childhood when they are grown.Instructions1. Protect the...
Plaster of Paris is a white powder made from gypsum that, when mixed with water, becomes a thick paste. The paste dries relatively quickly and is used in craft projects. It easily forms molds or s...
