Plaster Crafting With Latex Molds Instructions

1. Place the rim of the mold on a piece of cardboard.
2. Trace the outline onto the cardboard. (see illustration below)
3. Cut out just inside the line (about 1/8 inch inside). See illustration below.
4. Fill the mold with warm water. This will be the approximate amount of water needed with the mixed plaster (add a bit more).
5. Pour the water into your mixing bowl. Sprinkle the plaster in while stirring until all the water is absorbed.
6. Fill the mold halfway with plaster and knead gently to release any air bubbles trapped in the undercuts.
7. Place mold into the cardboard prepared earlier.
8. Fill the balance of the mold with plaster.
9. Tap the mold to release any trapped air bubbles.
10. Suspend the mold in a glass or jug. Water level should be as high as possible without spilling over.
11. Allow the plaster to harden.
12. When fully hard, remove the mold from the cardboard.
13. Dip the mold in water.
14. Rub a drop of dishwashing liquid over the entire outside of the mold to lubricate it (yes - the outside of the mold).
15. Peel the mold off of the casting.
16. Molds should be washed with soapy water, then rinsed before storing. If storing for long periods, it should be dusted with talcum powder.
17. Store in darkness since excessive light will break down the rubber.
18. Latex has a memory so do not store molds in a squashed position.

NOTE: Some molds do not have a rolled lip as illustrated - just make sure the rubber overhangs the hole in the cardboard.

1. Place on Cardboard and trace around the rim of mold.	2. Cut out just inside of traced line.

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Disclaimer: The information presented here is accurate to the best of my knowledge and common plaster crafting practices as of the time of this writing - February 2006. The author and the publisher accept no liability for the use or misuse of any of the information presented in this article. This articles is presented for informational purposes and is used at your own risk.

Author: Bob Sherman

Publisher: Bobby's Craft Boutique Inc.

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