Plaster of Paris Mixing Guide

Plaster Of Paris Mixing Guide

[@ginniecrabtree4408]

THE BEST VIDEO I HAVE SEEN. You explain exactly the volumes of water and Plaster of Paris in ozs, gms and ml for those of us who are just starting to use Plaster of Paris. THANK YOU.

[@marianaschmitt35]

Wonderfull video! The best one! Thanks from Argentina!

[@MrGarry128]

This is one of the best video on plaster of paris mixing that I have seen on youtube, precise and wonderfully executed. Really enjoyed watching it and learnt a lot. Thank you.

[@caroldavis417]

Than you for your fast response. And for your teaching video so glad i found it. Have a wonderful day.

[@CMYT2023]

Very informative & comprehensive guide especially the links provided. Thank you.

[@sleazylala49]

thank you for the tip regarding not putting the material down the drain, you did me a solid, I know I would've made that mistake, liked your video thanks for the knowledge.

[@claygirl6133]

Thanks Ken, I purchased some but hadn't used it yet, glad I saw this vid!!!

[@kimkas7]

This has been extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@mikemartin3877]

Very nice video. Wifey is now full time moulding!!

[@merryclicker]

I saw an art instructor do it on KZbin just this way, and his students felt the mix to see that there weren't any lumps. I had to try it in a relatively deep silicone mold of a cat, and I was pleased to see the mold was perfect, down to no dried bubbles on the top (bottom) of the mold.

[@alansmith9814]

Man has the patience of a saint.

[@absmum1]

This was extremely helpful 😊Thankyou

[@stokermeister3]

Thank for your informative video I can now have a lot more confidence in casting what I want to cast

[@tejaswininepali9557]

I was searching a video on this topic. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@observationsblogcom]

Glad it helped, Ken.

[@edithmurungadecor]

Thanks quite informative really helped me nail the mixing. Thank you very much

[@NeetuSingh.]

so neat n clean in every aspect

[@TheWindGinProject]

Great instructions. Thank You. 3 Thumbs Up

[@donaldmoore8920]

Very informative and helpful to mixing plaster paris

[@brionm1955]

Nicely done, thank you!

[@odetteturcotte4729]

You are great Ken. Thank you very much for the quick reply. Have a wonderful day

[@cathyseidman423]

Very helpful! a clear formula to follow. Thank you

[@observationsblogcom]

My pleasure, Ken.

[@mikeno1068]

Very good! Thanks!

[@wallylasd]

hey Ken, why is it when I calculate I need 2 liters of plaster I always end up with 5 liters of plaster mix, is there a way to calculate how much water to mix with plaster to get say 2 liters of plaster?

[@DebzLife]

This was uploaded on my birthday thanks :)

[@observationsblogcom]

I must have known that it was your birthday, Ken.

[@DebzLife]

observationsblog.com :)

[@lindadavis2341]

I have heard that u can put glue in the mix to help stop it from cracking, is this true? Thank you

[@magnuswootton6181]

thanx for the demo, im not quite sure about things yet, but i just need a bit more experience then it should be ok.

[@odetteturcotte4729]

Thank you very much Ken for the reply but how long does it take to dry in its natural medium

[@observationsblogcom]

Hi Odette, Typically, 24 hours is sufficient for the majority of the cure. If you want to be more precise you can weigh the de-molded item and periodically weigh it again. When the weight has stabilized the water is gone. Hope that this helps, Ken.

[@katieking2875]

Thank you, so helpful!

[@bunkman64]

I am buying my neighbors a gift card for Christmas however, I don't want to make it easy to get to so I am going to place it into a tin gift box, wrap that in duct tape and then sink it into a box 9x6 by 3 inches deep. How long will it take the Plaster of Paris to dry if I fill the box completely to the top? (I know, I'm evil).

[@observationsblogcom]

Although the POP will set in an hour, there is remaining water (moisture), that has to evaporate. You will have only one surface exposed for evaporation. I would allow 24 to 48 hours in a warm environment. And yes, you are evil but I like it! Ken.

[@habibekeskin7809]

I have followed the instructions which was on the video recording and I am so grateful for this video as they look great. Can I request for more training please. Housekeeping - cleaning of the utensils used, safety cautious, do's and don'ts of the water after the utensils are washed, the dangers etc. Next raining on colouring - how to colour, the best ways, do's and don'ts etc. Fragrances - what to use, how to use fragrances etc. Packing if this is also something you do would be nice. The best ways of wrapping or storing the items. How to put a hole on the item - to attach a ribbon if the moulds don't have holes and best way of doing this as not to break them. Also when making the bubbles how to best way of getting rid of bubbles if after tapping several times still no go. That's all I can remember. Thank you again.

[@observationsblogcom]

Most of your questions are answered on the comments section of my website. www.observationsblog.com/sciencetechnologyexperiments/plaster-of-paris-mixing-guide

[@habibekeskin7809]

observationsblog.com Thank you I will check this out immediately.

[@parveenfatima4334]

Nice sir n thanks

[@anusiemimmanuel1591]

pls can you let me know to mix pop for plastering walls and ceilings that will not harden too soon?

[@JacquelineHahn1]

Have you tried PVA with Plaster of Paris

[@RanathCS]

very informative content.❤❤ when i try to do some moulding. the plaster get dried less than 1 minute. actually when pouring to the mould.

[@observationsblogcom]

Something is wrong with the plaster of Paris or there is not enough water, Ken

[@mahiyar49]

Hi Ken I wish to heat insulate an electric coil which i have wound over a steel barrel. Any ideas on how create a mould round the coil that would insulate the coil both from heat as well as electricity. thought of using pop for binding.

[@observationsblogcom]

Hi Mahiyar, I would probably not use POP but a high temperature furnace cement as the POP will not tolerate high heat. Furnace cements are thick enough so that you would not need a mold. Thanks, Ken.

[@smitamukne6473]

Very Nice 👍

[@rajpanchal9825]

I have prepared a flat long shape of that of a hand ...made with recommend mix of 2:1 and using thin cloth as reinforcement layers...still the surface cracks and the inherent strength is weak ...what don I do to get better sturdy shape and a crack less surface...

[@jamesweston6504]

RAJ PANCHAL km

[@madonnahomagedolls]

he's very neat!

[@jacobbutler2838]

fabulous video

[@observationsblogcom]

Thanks very appreciated! Ken.

[@sarahcheri6734]

I used cold water but why it cured way too fast. I havent start with my work yet

[@jenifer9021]

How many minutes it will take to dry

[@sapitos4]

How do you prevent the mix from drying too fast? I hope you are still around. Thanks.

[@observationsblogcom]

Use very cold water and it will slow the set time. Ken.

[@astcomjakecw]

Old video, new question.... Ever made 2 part plaster molds? After letting the first half cure, what do you apply to the surface to stop the top half from sticking to it? Not sticking to the mold positive / pattern.... I mean how do you keep the plaster from sticking to itself? Mine seems to take chunks with one side of the other, and this causes some issues when I got to make a cast for a number of reasons.

[@observationsblogcom]

A silicone spray or a thin layer of Vaseline will both work to release the two parts, Ken.

[@odetteturcotte4729]

does take long to dry Ken? Can we speed up the drying process with heat gun or it will make the plaster crack? Thank you

[@observationsblogcom]

You can speed up the dehydration by warming uniformly with an oven at 150 or so Fahrenheit for an hour . But, I would not recommend direct heat as it will cause cracking and flaking. It is always most desirable to air dry when possible. Ken.

[@lindadavis2341]

What is the purpose of the gauze , ?

[@JudithDaughterfGod]

Best video

[@luzmarieeslit5283]

New subcriber, thanks for the info.

[@observationsblogcom]

Welcome to the family and thanks for the comment. Ken.

[@courtneytaylor6493]

Such a great video! Does mixing this way help with it being stronger as in it won’t break as easily? I am considering using plaster of Paris in molds to sell but do not want it to break during shipping or even once customer receives it. Do you have any suggestions?

[@warpighammer3760]

Thank you my friend 🙂 no problems I can see.

[@painterlady7931]

May I ask a Question? Once the plaster of paris has dried, can it be cut? I ask because there is decorative medallion on the fireplace mantle front in an older home I am working in. It is oval, about 10" long and 5" wide. There is beading all around the edge of this piece, with a few spots missing here and there.. Once I make a mold of the good areas of beading, is it possible to cut down the plaster of paris to the exact length of beading that I need to fit it into place?

[@observationsblogcom]

You would be successful by using a fine tooth saw as POP is easy to shatter with too much force. But it can be cut if careful. Ken.

[@DavidFowlerEngineer]

What happens if you use a different mixing ratio? Less POP or more in terms of the ratio?

[@observationsblogcom]

Insufficient water causes poor crystal structure and weakness in the finished product. Too much water is not a problem but takes longer to dry and release the unnecessary water. It also sets faster, Ken.

[@caroldavis417]

Thank you. Very informative and helpful. I am about to try using Plaster of Paris for making flower pots. I have 1 question is it necessary to use glue.

[@observationsblogcom]

No glue needed. I would suggest that you use an acrylic spray with the finished pot if it will be used outdoors to reduce evaporation of water and protect it from the weather, Ken.

[@habibekeskin7809]

Hi. Thank you for the great tutorial. I would appreciate if you can answer a few questions which I cannot seem to find a answer to online. The cups - can I use paper cups and if yes can they be recycled after use or for plastic cups do we put them in the bin or wash them. Can I use stainless steel to stir or plastic whisk or does it have to be plastic or wooden sticks.

[@observationsblogcom]

Plain paper cups should not be used as the water will saturate the paper and make a mess. Wax coated paper however would be fine. Plastic cups are fine and can be rinsed but do it in a separate large container and not near a sink. POP can clog the drain when it hardens which can happen quickly. Never put POP mixes in the drain! Any stirring device can be used and cleaned but as mentioned rinse away from a sink drain, not near a sink drain. Thanks, Ken.

[@habibekeskin7809]

Thank you for the fantastic advice. Once the items are washed in a container away from the sink. Then can I pour down the sink if not what do I do with the container with the dirty water. Regards. Habibe

[@Sweettom100]

The POP will settle to the bottom and the water can be poured off. The remaining POP scrap can be placed in the regular trash. Ken,

[@i0win0you0suck]

Never thought I needed to watch a video on how to mix plaster pf paris... I have always added water to the plaster, never can get all lumps out and it starts to set up in just a minute or so.(Way to fast).... Also I wonder if adding the water to the plaster, is causing my molds to noy dry or cure properly ..?.. Thank you for this very simple but very important instructional video. Wish I seen this video before ever mixing my first batch... Thanks again.

[@observationsblogcom]

Glad that it was helpful,Ken.

[@lynettebailey5128]

Pls what did you do with the gauze?

[@observationsblogcom]

I use gauze for reinforcement and additional support in armatures. Ken.

[@lizbee726]

So how do you wash up after using it? Do you wash tools and/or gloves/hands in a bucket of soapy water then dispose of it in the garden? Or do you wait for it all to dry then scrape off and dispose of it into trash bin?

[@observationsblogcom]

Clean tools in a minimum of water in a container. Let the water evaporate and dispose of the dry material. You can also pour contaminated water on the ground as it is a harmless salt when dry. I prefer method 1. Just keep it away from drains! Ken.

[@melindapatterson8889]

can I pour the plster into a 3 liter water jug and then cut it away to make a sold piee in shape of jug?

[@observationsblogcom]

Yes you can but allow overnight to set as it will take time to release the moisture. And cut carefully but it will release easily, Ken.

[@loysheker]

hi What if I want to mix it in to a paste like clay so I can knead or use a painters knife to sculpt,?

[@observationsblogcom]

There will be a problem as it depends on water and the POP will cure and become hard. There are probably better diluent s. Ken.

[@OhDoodlez]

Hi Ken, what did you use to tint the plaster in liquid form? Can poster color be used?

[@observationsblogcom]

Yes, poster color is much like tempera but try small samples to make sure it doesn't gel or cause rapid setting.

[@MzStuckup1]

Can I use acrylic paint to tint the plaster?

[@looksyummy]

what's the type of pigment you used to color the plaster mix?

[@observationsblogcom]

Tempera.

[@quassisbelltower9408]

Will this plaster, after it dries stand up it the elements of weather. I want to make some molds for halloween and they would be out in the rain and cold.

[@observationsblogcom]

Yes it will last but my own experience is that painting it or spraying a clear coat of lacquer will make it last for years, Ken.

[@trainsuk3525]

If u put it outside with no coating the rain makes it look full of bubbles

[@observationsblogcom]

The micro pores allow penetration of the elements so must be coated with a lacquer or paint to withstand the elements, Ken.

[@looking22221]

Hi Ken, You have a video to make homemade reusable molding material, which i'd like to try. Can that mold be used to cast with POP? Like after I make my mold can I pour POP in to make that mold again? Thanks for the videos..And Thanks again..Pam

[@observationsblogcom]

Yes it can be used for POP but chill the mold before pouring as POP is exothermic. But, I have poured wax so it should be fine, Ken.

[@annetteeverett8076]

What do you tint it with?

[@observationsblogcom]

Use tempera or water soluble dyes. Read the comments for other ideas. Ken.

[@juvteo8483]

Hi Thanks for the video. I did the same way n ratio that you did but mine is not watery like yours and it is difficult to pour. I tried twice and it’s the same. What could be the reason . I use cold water too.. thank s

[@observationsblogcom]

Add a little more water as it depends on the quality of the POP and water impurities and humidity. You can add water until it is right to pour. Thanks, Ken.

[@juvteo8483]

observationsblog.com thank you Ken.

[@Slumberjacksix]

Nice video. Question. Why not use food coloring for tenting?

[@observationsblogcom]

It takes a lot of food color to tint and it is not light fast so will fade. Hope that this helps, Ken.

[@florencethompson4161]

Thank you for taking the time to make this very informative video on plaster of paris. Much appreciated! Would you happen to know how to paint an item after it dries? Logic tells me that I should seal my piece before painting (since it is so porous) but I have no clue what I should use as a sealant. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[@observationsblogcom]

You can use dilute Elmer's glue, or a spray lacquer, or shellac to seal effectively before painting. Ken.

[@patmclucas3347]

What type of sealer do you use?

[@observationsblogcom]

I usually use a lacquer sealer like Krylon spray. Apply two coats to fill in the pours, Ken.

[@colgooner40]

I am using plaster of Paris from old linka building kits, they suggest 2 units of water to 3 units of plaster. Mine sets hard as I mix it, why? Is it because it could be 20 - 30 years old?

[@observationsblogcom]

If the water is cold it shouldn't set that fast. Age may be the problem but the ratio of H2O to plaster is more likely, Ken.

[@hectorvonvector4663]

Ok.. So what about the ceramic plaster? The type that gets hot?

[@observationsblogcom]

Hi Hector, I am not sure what the question is and if you can, please tell me what you mean by ceramic plaster. I will try to answer any questions that I feel that I can with accuracy. Thanks, Ken.

[@knightstalker36]

how do you tint plaster of paris

[@observationsblogcom]

knightstalker36, As mentioned in the video, tempera (poster paint), works for tinting but can change the set time. There are also concrete colorants sold in hardware stores. Thanks, Ken.

[@bushbosh]

Can I use it to make my own design for a full 2 walls in my bathroom? Any advice? Thanks for sharing

[@observationsblogcom]

Yes you can but with some precautions. First, seal the finished side with a good sealing paint to keep moisture out. Then, use an adhesive like Thinset (for tiles) and you should be fine. I would try a small sample in an unobtrusive place to verify that it works well. Good luck, Ken.

[@carmelsheerin6349]

I purchased some fairy house moulds. how do I know what amount of water and plaster to use?

[@observationsblogcom]

Here is a link to a really good calculator but you may have to adjust the water to the desired consistency, Ken. www.davidwbolton.com/uploads/5/5/1/4/55145091/plastermixcalcchart.pdf

[@carmelsheerin6349]

thank you Ken I'll give it a go

[@sheriburns8888]

I'm new to Plaster of Paris, but I would like to know if plaster of paris with gypsum can it be poured in to plaster molds to make items such as figurines?

[@observationsblogcom]

Yes it can but the pores of the mold have to be filled with a spray or other lacquer and a release agent must be used. It is a slightly difficult process but possible, Ken.

[@sheriburns8888]

@@observationsblogcom Thanks Ken for letting me know about the lacquer. I don't want to be a bother, but would you please let me know what I'd use to easily remove the cast from the mold? Thank you

[@observationsblogcom]

You can use Vaseline in a thin layer or vegetable oil. But I would try a small sample before committing to a real project, Ken.

[@user-uc1ct6sw4r]

I read in coments down that u use laque sealer..is that used for wood??if u please what is the chemical formula coz am from diffrent country and names differ from country to country if u please I want the name of chemical formula of this sealer....and also the type of colours is it acrylic or oily or what??thank u for this nicee and useful video❤💪👍

[@observationsblogcom]

Yes, any non water based lacquer will work. Acrylics, like Krylon, and even shellac will work.

[@user-uc1ct6sw4r]

@@observationsblogcom thank u👍❤

[@nikitabertasso5421]

My plaster of Paris is taking over 24hrs to dry in my silicone mould ??

[@nikitabertasso5421]

Why is this soo ?

[@danielletatianna8022]

What do you use to tint the plaster?

[@observationsblogcom]

I use tempera or pigments. But, experiment and there are many possibilities worth trying. Go to my open and free web site and read some of the comments as there are several ideas there. Just put plaster in the search box. observationsblog.com.

[@danielletatianna8022]

@@observationsblogcom Hi Ken! I've just read the post & comments. A lot of useful information. Thank you so muhc!

[@anne-marieandersson3863]

Can i have this in 800 c for glass.

[@observationsblogcom]

No, it will crumble and dry long before 800C, Ken.

[@priyankabakshi676]

How much time does it take to completely dry.

[@observationsblogcom]

Generally it is safe to wait from 24 to 48 hours at room temperature, Ken.

[@priyankabakshi676]

observationsblog.com ok thank you.

[@farminglover444]

thanks for information btw how many hours it take to fully dry like rock 🪨..?

[@farrukhgoraya5766]

I am manufacture of wall grace(silk plaster). I used cmc but cmc is very costly. Plz suggest me can I use plaster of paris in silk plaster

[@observationsblogcom]

Unfortunately I have no experience with silk plaster or the knowledge to make a suggestion. Perhaps you could try some small experiments to try to find an answer. Ken.

[@dinoworld112]

So if I had 400ml of water I need 800ml of Plaster?

[@observationsblogcom]

No, it is by volume and if you watch the first three minutes of the video you will see the relationship, Ken.

[@lovedoingcraft2266]

Hi enjoyed watching your craft.very interesting ,,you have a new subscriber now, thank you ,,,cheers!,

[@observationsblogcom]

Thanks for your kind comment, Ken.

[@nayanmipun6784]

How strong is the plaster of Paris

[@observationsblogcom]

It does have strength issues but can be overcome by reinforcing with Fiberglas or something similar. Ken.

[@ijeomabridgetisrael2264]

Pls I'm trying to package already mixed Plaster of paris,but the issue is it gets solid in no time. Pls how can I make it stay like 2 months b4 it gets solid. I need it in the liquid form.

[@observationsblogcom]

As far as I know there is no way to do what you want. Sorry! Ken.

[@ijeomabridgetisrael2264]

@@observationsblogcom thank you for swift response. Is already in the market here.

[@observationsblogcom]

Can you add a link so I can learn about it please, Ken.

[@ijeomabridgetisrael2264]

@@observationsblogcom is already in the market here,I just want to start producing mine.

[@PreciseProgression97]

Antonio margarito loves this video!!!

[@samstacey8014]

how would I work out how much palster of paris i need to use in my moulds please

[@observationsblogcom]

Sam, fill the mold with water and then transfer the water to a measuring cup and that will give you the amount needed in fluid ounces. Ken.

[@samstacey8014]

Lovely thank you that worked perfect. x

[@emeraldtabbycat148]

is it possible to blend plaster and silicone into a single castable substance?

[@observationsblogcom]

There are two problems with making a castable blend of silicone and POP. The first is that POP is water reactive and silicone is not. The blend would be incompatible. The second reason is that very little that will stick to silicone and the blend would separate. Hope that this helps, Ken.

[@emeraldtabbycat148]

is it possible to blend plaster with acrylic resin?

[@prathameshbibikar2740]

Is gypsum powder same as Plaster of Paris? Should I follow the same procedure to prepare the mixture of gypsum powder ?

[@observationsblogcom]

Yes they are both calcium sulfate dihydrate, Ken.

[@prathameshbibikar2740]

@@observationsblogcom Thank you

[@Sroor2023]

Hi Nice video I have glue of Paris I want to glue gypsum on the wall is it the same mean 1 cup water to 2 cup glue ? And for how long to hold it ?

[@observationsblogcom]

I am not certain exactly what you want to glue to the wall. Is is cured plaster of Paris? If so the I would use a better adhesive than white glue. If you want to use glue I would suggest no dilution and clamp the object for at least 24 hours. If I am mistaken about the problem please let me know, Ken.

[@Sroor2023]

observationsblog.com it's a frame or a circle of gypsum want to glue it on the roof

[@observationsblogcom]

I would suggest waterproofing the gypsum with a lacquer and using a silicone adhesive for an outside application. Ken.

[@magnuswootton6181]

try using calcium phosphate, it may set harder than poor old gypsum, gypsum is more out of water solutable range 2 be able to set at a decent strength, i think, strangely i saw its egg shells and vinegar!!!

[@pictureentertainment5625]

Shall we need this to do food container

[@observationsblogcom]

I am unclear about your question. Can you add more information please? Ken.

[@RageMageD]

"they're wrong"... I'm not so sure about that, Plaster of paris can absolutely cause alkaline burns. Most brands even carry a warning.

[@ACB2K]

Thank you sir.

[@steviec6295]

Boring. What's the point?

[@observationsblogcom]

To share information with those people who don't know everything.