MANUFACTURING OF POTS

What is a plaster mold?

two-part mold

When we refer to a plaster mold, we are talking about a multifunctional and easy-to-handle mold that allows
elaborate all kinds of parts through serial work.

It is used to make pieces through 'molding by levigation', which consists of dividing the grains of a mass.
diluting them in water under a decantation system that allows for the purification of the masses. This process generates a mixture
barbotna call which is nothing more than the substance that remains at the bottom of the container used for decanting
plaster. It is even used to make ornamental pieces or as glue in already made plaster pieces.

The making of molds with plaster was not very used by ancient artisans, as for them it was to diminish the value of
handcrafted pieces. However, currently, there has been a reliance on the production of these molds to advance in the
manufacturing of a large number of parts.

What is gypsum?

Before you start making a plaster mold, it is necessary to learn a little about this raw material and its
utilities in the pottery industry.

plaster

Plaster is a moldable material, it is a "hydraulic binder", used to make different molds through
filtered with water, which gives them some porosity.

The durability of a plaster mold will be proportional to the quality of the raw material used to manufacture it.
mold and care in its manufacturing process.

Resistance and durability of a plaster mold

The strength of the plaster base for making molds is based on several elements that we will define below:

Gypsum/water ratio.

The resistance and durability of gypsum molds increase as the gypsum/water ratio is raised, always.
taking into account not to impair the malleability of the preparation.
Mixing time

The longer the mixing and beating time of the preparation, the greater the resistance. This must be done.
without exceeding, since if the mixture is too vigorously agitated, the dehydrated crystals that have formed can break.
deteriorating the crystalline framework, which would result in a mold of lower durability.

Air bubbles trapped in the mixture

The greater the amount of trapped air, the greater the number of bubbles and the higher the risk factor for the mold.
break or quarter. This can be avoided by gently and continuously stirring the mixture, and adding the plaster.
dusting little by little.

Additions
When accelerators or retarders for setting are added to the mix of gypsum and water, etc., it is possible to modify the
hydration of it and its malleability, which will prevent creating a resistant and durable mold.

Step by step to make a plaster or gypsum mold

Below, we will describe the step by step process to create a two-part plaster mold. The first thing we need
they are the suitable materials for the preparation, which are:
The object that is intended to be shaped.

A wooden box that must be at least five centimeters taller than the chosen object for the mold.

Plasticine.

Yes.

Plastic bowl.

Vaseline.

Knife.

Now yes, once we have the materials, we get to work.

The piece that will be used must be clean, without defects, and well polished. It is spread all over the object.
vaseline, so that it is well covered, with a layer not too thick.
2. The bottom of the box that will be used for pouring can be covered with modeling clay so that, when placing the piece for
the mold, this should remain fixed. The amount of modeling clay must be sufficient for the chosen piece to sink until
exactly half, leaving the other half uncovered. Based on this, the result will be a
two-part plaster mold.
 3. The gypsum mixture is prepared according to the instructions we have, which may vary depending on the
brand of the same. It is recommended that its consistency is pasty and does not contain bubbles. To achieve this, it
You can tap the bowl where the mixture is prepared against the work surface until there are no bubbles.
4. The plaster preparation is poured into the casting mold until the piece is completely covered. It is
It is necessary to let the plaster dry completely before demolding the piece.
5. Then the same steps will be repeated on the other side of the piece.
6. Once the mold is removed, fully made and completely dry, proceed to gently sand the sides that may have...
left rough or lumpy.

How to make cement pots

Decorate your garden, a table, a nightstand... placing some mini cement planters in any corner will add a touch.
special and original. You can place cacti, mini pots... even fabric plants will look great!
the robustness of the cement and the hardness give a rustic touch that, mixed with decoration, will make your home modern.
it has a so trendy industrial touch.

To learn how to make cement planters, you only need two components of cement, water, and a mold. The
The silicone molds shown in the video are very easy to use. You just have to fill the mold and let it dry for 24 hours.
hours. You don’t need a release agent since they are flexible molds and make demolding easier. In the video tutorial, you can
appreciate the result of several of the planter mold models that we have.

Cement planters

We have detailed the few materials you will need to make cement planters at home. You can make them.
in three different shades gray, light gray and/or white. The mix must maintain the proportions between the cement,
component 2 and the water. For 1 kilogram of powdered cement you will need 270 grams of water and 15 grams of component 2. You need them
we leave detailed here,

Cement

Water

Mold for plant pots

Place the powdered resin in a large container. Mix a little with a stiff spatula and add the water. For the kilogram
Of cement, as we have said, you will need 270 grams of water. Start mixing.

You must mix until you achieve a fine paste without lumps. Make sure there is no unmixed powdered cement.
Once you have the dough well kneaded, fill the prepared silicone mold. As you fill it, keep shaking.
the mold so that it fills well and no corner is left without cement. Shaking and tapping the mold a little will prevent that
bubbles form in the concrete planter we are making.

Once the mold is full, remove the excess cement and let it dry. It will need at least 24 hours to dry.
able to unmold it without problems. After a while, pull back the elastic rubbers and unmold the planter. Leave some
hours to dry completely and the pot will be ready. If you see that there are some imperfections you can sand the
planter with a cardboard sandpaper.