Plaster mold casting is such a tedious task to do. It is a kind of artwork process that is quite the same as how sand casting is done. The main difference between plaster mold casting is the materials we use in the process. It doesn’t use sand but plaster of paris.

Although this task is quite dull, it still feels rewarding to make one of your own. Here we will show you how to make your very own plaster mold.

Step by step guide for making a plaster mold

1. You will need to find an appropriate workspace to do this task. Clear up any obstructions in the space and keep it free to set-up all your tools and other materials.

2. Grab a partner or get some help with an expert to help you do the task successfully. Once you feel comfortable doing this on your own, you may invite family and friends to join you for an arts and crafts session.

3. You will need to prepare the following materials down below:

  • A figure of your choice (this can be any figure, an animal, a notable person, superhero or figurines)
  • Some clay for molding
  • A few rubber bands
  • Flour
  • A good amount of plaster of paris
  • A balloon latex
  • Petroleum jelly or lip balm
  • A brush
  • Set of Gloves and apron

4. To get you started, you will need to grab your molding clay and chosen figure. Press the figure onto the clay until the figure copies its actual form to the clay. Press it until you reach half of the clay and take it out. This shall serve as the other half of your mold.

5. Check the clay and the actual figurine. You will need to see if the clay got all the features from the figure since this one will be used to create the mold later.

6. Then you will need to set aside the clay and the figurine and proceed with making the box for the mold. Build a mold box that can fit the figure of your choice. You will still use the clay to build the box and check if the figure can fit in the box.

7. Then get your brush and get some of that petroleum jelly or lip balm and apply it onto the figure that will be placed into the mold. The petroleum jelly or lip balm will help the figure to not stick from the plaster and have a successful mold. If you don’t have any of these two, anybody lotion can do the job.

8. Once your molding box is ready, start mixing your plaster of paris and strictly follow the directions as stated in the packet. Make sure there are no bubbles on the mixture and achieve the right consistency that you need to create the plaster.

9. After mixing the plaster, slowly pour the plaster mixture onto the molding box covering the whole area. Make sure you’ve filled up the molded clay from bottom to top to achieve the original shape of the figure.

10. After pouring the plaster, you will need to let the plaster mold to dry. You will need to be patient on this one and make sure you store the mold in a safe place. Depending on how big or small your figure is, it will take a good amount to dry. If you take the figure out too early, the mold will be too wet and deform. So it’s best to wait.

11. You can check the plaster if it’s dry. Once you’re sure that it is, you can already start taking away the box and the figure. Remove it carefully without breaking the mold, or you will repeat from step 1.

12. You will need to start working on the other half of the figurine. Just follow the previous steps from step 4-11. The only difference is that you will be molding the back part of the figure. Make sure you double-check if you did the front or back for the first mold.

13. While the other half of your mold is drying, grab the first mold that you’ve done and reapply some petroleum jelly or lip balm to it. Make sure you’ve coated every part of the mold and not miss any single area.

14. Check if the other half of the mold has dried up good and start taking it out.

15. Then, you will need to connect both of the moldings to form the original figure. Grab some rubber bands and tie both of the moldings together. Ensure that both moldings are well leveled and secured.

16. Grab your balloon latex and open the bottle. Get one to two tablespoons of latex and pour it to the mold of the figure. Shake the latex around the mold to make sure that the coat is even.

17. Then pour the remaining latex out. Make sure you didn’t overfill some balloon latex, or it will come out too thick. After you pour out the balloon latex, let the mold dry.

Again, depending on how big or small your mold is, it can take a bit longer to dry completely. For a safe side, let it dry for at least overnight without touching the mold to avoid any of your finger marks on it. Make sure that the mold is drying away from the reach of kids or pets. At this time, the drying is crucial, and any mistakes can break the mold.

Once it’s dried up, you’re ready to display your very own plaster mold figure. Feel free to color it or have it as it is. Make sure that when you color it, you also dry it properly to prevent it from smearing.

Can you make a mold out of plaster?

So What I’ve done here was develop a cheap way to create molds for various casting projects. Plaster is an ideal material for this project as it is very malleable in its unhardened shape, and can withstand very high heat when dry.

Can you make your own molds?

Silicone molds come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and designs, but sometimes you just can‘t find the perfect mold for a piece you’re working on. No worries—you can make your own mold right at home, and the process is actually really easy. You just need soap, silicone caulk, and a piece you want to make a mold out of.

How do you make a mold out of household items?

The recipe for using Household Items for Making Molds:
  1. Buy 100% silicone caulking.
  2. Squeeze it out into a bowl.
  3. Mix 5 tablespoons of cornstarch into the silicone.
  4. Wipe our original shape with a mold release, such as vegetable oil or vaseline.
  5. Pour the silicone over the object you want to mold.
  6. Let cure.

How do you make a large mold?

What is the best material for making a mold?

Silicone and rubber mold kits are ideal for novice users who don’t have access to specialized mold–making equipment. Other casting materials include plaster cloth for sculpture, mask making, jewelry, and craft projects.

How do you smooth out silicone molds?

Use a new piece of coarse sandpaper for the most effective smoothing effect. Coarse sandpaper will take larger chunks out of the bumpy dried caulk. Use fine sandpaper later in the process to smooth the final product. Fold the sandpaper in half so it fits comfortably in your hand.

Can I use WD40 as a mold release?

Is WD40 ok for silicone molds, as a mold release agent ? WD-40 contains strong acids in order to penetrate rust. While it might not affect your skin much more than drying it out, it’ll absolutely damage a mold. Its thin viscosity means it won’t adhere to the sides of molds.

Does Vaseline work as a mold release?

Petroleum jelly is a suitable mold release agent best suited for simple molds without fine details. The jelly thins when applied by hand, coating the mold material. If used on highly detailed molds, the petroleum jelly may be as thick as some of the fine details, resulting in lost details on your finished resin object.

What can I use for silicone mold release?

A mixture of 2 parts isopropyl alcohol and 1 part dish soap can be used in some cases to release silicone from silicone. Petroleum jelly can be used to release silicone from silicone, but it should be thinned with mineral spirits so that it can be applied in a thin layer with minimal visible brush strokes.

Can I use car wax as a mold release?

Speaking of wax

For amateur builders, automotive paste wax made with carnauba wax can often be substituted for mold release wax. Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Automotive Paste Wax is one brand that has worked well for us. Avoid liquid car waxes, as they are not as effective and can cause release problems.

What material does silicone not stick to?

Firstly you need to understand that silicone does not stick to anything other than the adhesive system or the PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive). This means silicone does not interface directly with wood or metal or any other material, instead it interfaces with the PSA itself.

How do you keep silicone molds from sticking?

To prevent sticking, seal the wood so the silicone can’t soak into it. Krylon Acrylic spray is a good choice. It is compatible with just about any substrate or silicone rubber. Silicone doesn’t stick to Krylon Acrylic.

Why is my resin not coming out of the mold?

If the cured resin is stuck to your reusable plastic mold, you can try placing the mold in the freezer for a minute. Remove the mold and see if you can ‘slap’ or ‘break’ the resin out of the mold. If the resin doesn’t come out, you can try putting the mold in the freezer for another few minutes.

Do you need to grease silicone molds?

4. Greasing Can Help. Generally, good old greasing is not really necessary with silicone molds. However, using cooking sprays or even greasing before baking and cooking can make your life a lot easier when it comes to washing them later on.

Why is my resin stuck in the mold?

Your resin is too hot.

While resin generates heat when mixed with hardener, too much heat can melt the mold, causing the resin to stick.

What to do if resin is stuck to mold?

When can I take resin out of mold?

How Long Will It Take For My Pieces To Harden? Little Windows Brilliant Resin is designed to set up in 12 hours, so you can remove it from your molds or Doming Tray after that time.