Lampa stołowa Tulipan

How to use it

The printed mould is a mould for a mould: you cast a plaster slipcasting mould inside the print. The print is reusable — one set will give you many plaster moulds. Below is the whole process, from unpacking the parcel to your first cast.

1. 1

   Check the set and clean the print

   Lay out all the parts: the wall halves, the insert (the positive of the vessel) and the base. Remove any filament strings and check that the alignment keys slide in freely. Wash the print in lukewarm soapy water and dry it.

2. 2

   Assemble the mould

   Join the halves on the alignment keys and seat them in the base. Clamp the wall joints with rubber bands, a hose clamp or masking tape. Centre the insert precisely — this is what gives an even plaster wall thickness.

3. 3

   Seal the joints

   Tape every gap on the outside and run a thin roll of plasticine or petroleum jelly along the inside. Plaster is very fluid and will find any leak.

4. 4

   Apply a release agent

   Coat the inside of the mould and the insert with a thin layer of release agent: potassium soap, technical petroleum jelly or a soft soap solution. Wipe off the excess with a sponge — a thick layer shows on the plaster surface.

5. 5

   Mix the plaster

   Use ceramic (pottery) plaster. Follow the ratio on the bag, usually about 100 g of plaster to 70 ml of water. Always sift plaster into water, let it slake for 2-3 minutes, and only then stir — slowly and near the bottom, so you do not whip air into the mix.

6. 6

   Pour the mould

   Pour in a thin stream into one spot, down the wall, until the mix fills the whole cavity. Tap the mould against the bench for a dozen seconds so the air bubbles rise to the top.

7. 7

   Let it set and demould

   Plaster heats up and sets after 20-40 minutes. Wait until it clearly cools down (usually 45-60 minutes), remove the tape, open the halves and gently lift out the insert. Do not lever with metal — the plaster corners are still soft.

8. 8

   Dry and use

   Dry the plaster mould for 2-4 days at room temperature, or a day in a dryer up to 45 degrees. Only a dry mould absorbs water from the slip. Sand the edges with fine paper and you are ready to cast.