How to Make Plaster Castings in Impressive Putty

Posted by ComposiMold on 8th Jan 2025

How to Make Plaster Castings in Impressive Putty

How to Make a Mold and a Plaster Casting with ImPRESSive Putty

Using ComposiMold’s Plaster Additive for Stronger, Harder Castings"

Materials Needed

  • ImPRESSive Putty
  • Cabinet (as the object to mold)
  • ComposiMold’s Plaster Additive
  • Plaster of Paris
  • Mixing bowl and spatula
  • A microwave-safe container (to heat the putty)
  • A release agent (e.g., vegetable oil or petroleum jelly)
  • Measuring tools (cups, spoon, etc.)
  • Water
  • Paper towels or cleaning cloth

Step 1

  • Clean the cabinet surface to remove dirt, dust, or grease.
  • Apply a thin layer of release agent to the area of the cabinet to be molded.
  • Tip: Ensure the surface is dry before proceeding.

Step 2 Heat the ImPRESSive Putty

  • Place the ImPRESSive Putty in a microwave-safe container.
  • Heat it in the microwave in 15–20 seconds intervals until softened or until the putty becomes soft and pliable.
  • Be careful not to overheat it. And be careful it’s hot and can burn you.
  • Let the Putty cool for about 15 minutes before handling, but still pliable and soft.

Step 3 – Apply the Putty to the Cabinet

  • Carefully press/roll the softened ImPRESSive Putty onto the cabinet surface, ensuring full contact with all details.
  • Smooth the edges and press firmly to capture the design.
  • Allow the putty to cool and harden. You know it’s ready when you press on it and don’t leave a finger print indentation

Step 4 – Remove the Mold

  • Gently peel the ImPRESSive Putty mold off the cabinet.
  • Inspect the mold for any imperfections. Reheat and reapply if necessary.

Step 5 – Prepare the Plaster Mixture

  • In a mixing bowl, first combine Plaster of Paris and ComposiMold’s Plaster Additive. The plaster additive helps the Plaster harden in the Impressive Putty Mold.
  • Use the recommended ratio: 4% by weight, Plaster Additive to the Plaster of Paris powder.
  • Add water while stirring until the mixture reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. As thick as possible while still being pourable. This is about 26% water to 74% plaster and additive

Step 6 – Pour the Plaster into the Mold

  • Place the ImPRESSive Putty mold on a flat surface, ensuring it is stable.
  • Slowly pour the plaster mixture into the mold, tapping gently to release air bubbles.
  • Allow the plaster to cure for 1–2 hours or until fully hardened.

Step 7 – Remove the Casting

  • Once the plaster is fully cured, carefully peel the Putty away from the plaster. The putty is flexible so it can flex away from the brittle plaster.
  • Clean the mold with cold water for reuse and wipe with vegetable oil. Store the mold in a sealed bag.
  • Inspect the casting for details and smooth edges if needed while the plaster is still soft

Final Step – Finish the Plaster Casting

  • Let the plaster casting dry completely for 24–48 hours.
  • Optional: Sand or paint the casting to enhance its appearance.

Tips for Success

  • Reheat the ImPRESSive Putty as needed—it’s reusable!
  • Use a fine brush to remove any small air bubbles from the plaster.
  • Store the putty in a clean container to maintain its quality.

Thank you and Next Steps

  • Thank you for watching/reading and for following along!
  • Experiment with different objects and designs and have fun.
  • Visit ImpressivePutty.com for more materials and tutorials.