plaster

$17.95
this collage is only available as a 8x8 print ON 10x10 paper. there will be a white border, as shown.
this collage is only available as a 8x8 print ON 10x10 paper. there will be a white border, as shown.

pick yer plaster

palette

Plaster of Paris

Best For:

Small crafts, casting, molds, and quick repairs.

Made from dehydrated gypsum, this plaster is known for its quick setting time.

Recipe
Basic Recipe (2:1 ratio by volume):
  • 2 parts Plaster of Paris powder
  • 1 part Water (room temperature)
  • Optional: 1 tsp food coloring or paint for color
Method
  1. Pour water into a disposable mixing bowl.
  2. Gradually sprinkle the powder into the water, stirring continuously to prevent clumps until smooth like thick cream.
  3. If adding color, mix it in now until uniform.
  4. Work quickly! It begins to harden within 5-10 minutes.
castle

Lime Plaster

Best For:

Breathable interior/exterior walls and historic restoration.

An ancient and breathable plaster made from sand, water, and lime. It cures slowly but offers a durable, classic finish.

Recipes & Variations
Basic Recipe (by volume):
  • 1 part Lime (slaked lime or putty)
  • 2.5 - 3 parts Sand
  • Water (as needed)
Straw-Enhanced: Add chopped straw to the basic mix for strength.
Method & Safety
  1. Thoroughly mix dry lime and sand.
  2. Gradually add water while mixing to achieve a workable consistency.
  3. Apply to a clean, misted surface in coats, allowing days to dry between each.
Safety First: Wet lime can cause chemical burns. Always wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection.
eco

Clay (Earthen) Plaster

Best For:

Natural building, creating rustic aesthetics, and non-toxic interiors.

A natural and sustainable option offering breathability and a unique, earthy aesthetic.

Recipes
Base Coat (by volume):
  • 1 part Clay (screened)
  • 1 part Sand (screened)
  • 1-2 parts Chopped Straw
  • Water (as needed)
Method & Additives

Combine dry ingredients, then gradually add water and mix thoroughly (stomping by foot is common!). Let the mixture sit for a few days to hydrate before re-mixing and applying.

Optional Additives:
  • Casein (Milk Protein): For strength.
  • Linseed Oil: For water resistance.
brush

Gesso

Best For:

Priming canvas, wood, or other surfaces for painting.

A classic artist's primer that creates a smooth, absorbent ground for paint to adhere to.

DIY Recipe
Modern Recipe (by volume):
  • 1 part PVA Glue (like Elmer's)
  • 1 part Water
  • 3-4 parts Calcium Carbonate (Chalk) or Talc
Method
  1. In a jar, mix the PVA glue and water until combined.
  2. Slowly add the chalk powder, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth, thin, paint-like consistency.
  3. Apply in 2-3 thin layers to your surface, letting it dry completely between coats. Sand lightly for an ultra-smooth finish.
auto_awesome

Venetian Plaster (DIY)

Best For:

Decorative feature walls and achieving a polished, marble-like look.

Replicate the elegant, high-gloss look of traditional Venetian plaster with this simplified DIY approach.

Recipe
Simplified DIY Concept (by volume):
  • 1 part Paint (latex or acrylic)
  • 1 part Marble Dust (powdered)
Method
  1. Mix marble dust into the paint until smooth.
  2. Apply in very thin, overlapping layers using a flexible steel trowel.
  3. Polish the final dried layer with the trowel or a polishing pad to achieve a beautiful, glossy finish.
texture

Marmorino Plaster

Best For:

Elegant interior walls with a soft, satin sheen and subtle texture.

A type of Venetian plaster known for its satin-smooth finish, achieved with fine marble dust and lime.

Recipe
Classic Recipe (by volume):
  • 1 part Slaked Lime Putty
  • 1 part Fine Marble Dust (Marble Flour)
  • Water (as needed for a paste-like consistency)
Method
  1. Thoroughly mix the lime putty and marble dust.
  2. Slowly add water until you reach a smooth, workable paste.
  3. Apply in 2-3 very thin coats with a clean steel trowel.
  4. As the final layer sets, compress and burnish it with the edge of the trowel to create the signature soft sheen.
Safety First: This is a lime-based plaster. Always wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection.
shower

Tadelakt Plaster (DIY)

Best For:

Showers, bathrooms, backsplashes, and other wet areas.

A traditional Moroccan lime plaster, known for its polished, completely waterproof finish.

Recipe
Recipe (by volume):
  • 1 part Lime-S (Mason's Lime)
  • 1 part Marble Dust
  • 0.6 - 0.8 parts Water
  • Black Soap (for waterproofing)
Method

This is an advanced technique involving multiple thin layers, polishing with a special stone, and saponification (applying black soap solution) to create a water-repellent surface. The plaster must cure for weeks before water contact.

Safety First: This is a lime-based plaster. Always wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection.
home_work

Cement Plaster (Stucco)

Best For:

Exterior walls, foundations, and durable interior surfaces.

A strong, durable plaster for exterior rendering or sturdy interior surfaces. A modern classic for its resilience.

Recipes
Basic Mix (by volume):
  • 1 part Portland Cement
  • 3-6 parts Plastering Sand
  • Water (as needed)
Method & Safety
  1. Thoroughly mix all dry ingredients first.
  2. Gradually add water until you reach a workable, creamy consistency.
  3. Apply in layers (scratch, brown, finish), allowing each to partially dry before the next.
Safety First: Cement and lime are caustic. Wear gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask.
view_in_ar

Scagliola

Best For:

Creating imitation marble columns, sculptures, and tabletops.

A highly skilled technique to create decorative plaster that convincingly imitates semi-precious stones.

Key Components

This is an advanced art form, not a simple recipe. Key ingredients include:

  • Keene's Cement or Plaster of Paris
  • Pigments (for color)
  • Glue size (animal glue, to slow setting time)
  • Silk or linen threads (for creating veins)
Technique Overview

The process involves mixing batches of pigmented plaster with glue, laying them together with silk threads to create veining, casting or forming the shape, and then undergoing a long process of hardening, planing, sanding, and polishing to achieve the final stone-like appearance.

recycling

Papercrete

Best For:

Lightweight insulating blocks, garden walls, and eco-friendly projects.

A fibrous plaster made from recycled paper pulp and a binder like cement, creating a surprisingly light and insulating material.

Recipe
Basic Recipe (by volume):
  • 3 parts Water
  • 2 parts Shredded Paper (newspaper, office paper)
  • 1 part Portland Cement
Method
  1. Soak shredded paper in the water overnight or until fully saturated.
  2. Mix the soaked paper with a paddle mixer (or similar tool) until it becomes a uniform, mushy pulp.
  3. Squeeze out most of the excess water from the pulp.
  4. In a separate tub or mixer, thoroughly combine the damp pulp with the dry Portland cement.
  5. Press the mixture into forms to create blocks or apply directly as a thick plaster.

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