What Can You Add to Plaster of Paris to Make It Stronger?

By Robert Palmer

Plaster of Paris is a popular material used in many applications, from crafting to construction. It is made by heating gypsum, a mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks.

When mixed with water, gypsum forms a paste that hardens into a solid material within a few minutes. Although plaster of Paris is relatively easy to work with, it can be brittle and prone to cracking. Fortunately, there are several things you can add to plaster of Paris to make it stronger.

1. Add Glue: One simple way to increase the strength of plaster of Paris is to add glue.

Elmer’s glue or any other white glue works well for this purpose. Simply mix a small amount of glue into your plaster of Paris paste until it reaches the desired consistency. The glue will improve the bond strength and make your plaster more durable.

2. Use Sand: Another option for making stronger plaster is to add sand.

Mixing sand into your plaster of Paris creates a composite material that has greater tensile strength than plain plaster. To use this method, mix sand into your plaster paste before applying it to your project.

3. Add Fiberglass: Fiberglass is another material that can be added to plaster of Paris to increase its strength and durability.

To use fiberglass with your plaster, first mix the plaster according to the instructions on the package. Then cut small pieces of fiberglass matting and mix them into the wet plaster mixture.

4. Use Portland Cement: Portland cement is another additive that can be used in conjunction with plaster of Paris to make it stronger and more durable.

Portland cement is a fine powder that is often used in concrete mixes as well as other construction applications. To use this method, simply mix some Portland cement into your wet plaster mixture before applying it.

The Bottom Line

Plaster of Paris can be an excellent material for a wide range of applications, but it can also be brittle and prone to cracking. Fortunately, there are several things you can add to your plaster of Paris mixture to make it stronger and more durable.

Some of the most effective options include adding glue, sand, fiberglass, or Portland cement to your plaster mix. By experimenting with these different additives, you can create a plaster that is both easy to work with and highly resilient.