How Do You Make Plaster of Paris Sculptures?

By Michael Ferguson

Plaster of Paris is a popular sculpting material that has been used for centuries. It is a fine white powder made from gypsum that hardens when mixed with water.

Plaster of Paris sculptures are versatile and can be made into various shapes and sizes. If you’re interested in making your own plaster of Paris sculpture, here is a step-by-step guide.

Materials Required:

  • Plaster of Paris
  • Water
  • Bowl
  • Spoon
  • Mold (can be made from various materials such as clay, silicone, or plastic)
  • Release agent (such as petroleum jelly or cooking oil)
  • Sandpaper (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mold

Firstly, prepare the mold. You can purchase a pre-made mold or make one yourself using clay, silicone, or plastic. If you’re making your own mold, make sure it has a smooth surface to ensure easy removal of the plaster after it hardens.

Before pouring the plaster into the mold, apply a release agent like petroleum jelly or cooking oil to ensure that the hardened plaster will easily come out of the mold.

Step 2: Mix Plaster of Paris

Next, mix the plaster of Paris with water in a bowl according to package instructions. Usually, you’ll need three parts plaster to one part water. Mix thoroughly until it forms a smooth and consistent mixture.

Note: Be sure to wear gloves when mixing plaster to avoid any skin irritation.

Step 3: Pour Plaster into Mold

Slowly pour the mixture into the prepared mold until it’s filled up to about three-quarters full. Tap the sides of the mold gently to remove any air bubbles.

Step 4: Allow to Set

Let the plaster of Paris set for at least 30 minutes or until it’s completely dry and hard. You can leave it overnight to ensure that it’s fully set.

Step 5: Remove Plaster from Mold

Once the plaster is completely dry, remove it from the mold by gently tapping on the sides of the mold. If it doesn’t come out easily, run warm water over the outside of the mold to loosen it up.

Step 6: Smooth Out Edges (Optional)

If you want a smoother surface on your sculpture, use sandpaper to sand down any rough edges or bumps.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully made a plaster of Paris sculpture. Now you can paint or decorate it as desired.

Tips:

  • Work quickly with plaster of Paris as it sets fast.
  • Be careful not to inhale the plaster dust when mixing.
  • If you want more durability, add glue or acrylic medium to your mixture before pouring into the mold.

By following these steps and tips, you can create beautiful and unique plaster of Paris sculptures that are sure to impress. Happy sculpting!