You will need: Plaster, your hand
or a spoon and a container for the plaster to set in.
You can buy plaster at most hardware stores and some supercenters
like wal-mart.
For carving plaster
Find a container that is a little larger than the sculpture you want to make.
You can use a plastic milk carton after slicing off the top half for easier
mixing and removal. You can use plastic tupperware but be aware that sometimes
the container breaks when removing the hardened plaster.
Mix approx. 1 quart of water for every 2 pounds of plaster in your chosen
container. Mix one gallon of water into every 10 pounds of plaster, and so
on.
Pour the water in the container first, then add the plaster. Try not to drop
clumps of plaster in; break it up well before dropping it in. Using the spoon
or your hand, stir the mixture around. Make sure that any plaster at the
bottom of the container is well mixed into the water on top. Stir the mix
for about 10 minutes. The mixture will get warm and thick after about 10
minutes. When you can draw on the surface of the mix and it leaves an impression,
it is time to pull your hand or spoon out and let it dry on its own.
For molds:
Use 2 3/4 pounds of plaster to each Quart of water. Add the plaster to the
water by dropping it in slowly; allow it to stand for about 5 minutes; then
stir vigorously with a spoon or hand until it is uniformly even. Use immediately.
For casting:
Add slightly less plaster to the water to make a more fluid mix. This is
essential to obtain a sharp, smooth cast. After pouring the mix into
a mold, tap the mold to bring air bubbles to the surface. Do not pour too
rapidly.
For retouching:
Add 1 part plaster to 2 parts water and stir vigorously. Wet the surface
to be retouched thoroughly. Apply it to desired areas with a brush. When
the plaster thickens, continue application with a spatula.
For mending and joining:
Mix in same proportion as for casting. Parts to be joined should be water
soaked.
For bone hard castings:
Add a small amount of Jolly King Bone Emulsion to the mix and it will make
a bone hard plaster casting.
To hasten the setting of plaster:
Add a few pinches of common salt to the water. Plaster casts can be made
waterproof by adding boiled linseed oil; boiling a mixture of beeswax and
parafin or adding plastics. Sculp metal adds a strong and waterproof finished
surface.
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