How I Make Plaster Molds for All My Cute Clay Creations

Why I Love Making Plaster Molds

Every time I create something cute out of clay, I instantly think, "What if I want to make this again?" The last thing I want is to lose that shape forever. That’s why plaster mold making has become my go-to technique. It lets me recreate my favorite designs whenever I need, without having to start all over again.

What Is Plaster Mold Making?

For those of you new to it, plaster mold making is a super handy way to create a reusable mold from your original clay design. You pour liquid plaster over your clay piece, let it harden, and voilà—you’ve got a mold you can use again and again. I rely on this method for all my must-recreate clay pieces.

How I Do It (And How You Can Too!)

Making a plaster mold at home is easier than you might think! Here’s how I do it:

1. Prep Your Clay Piece & Your Container
First things first, shape your clay creation. I love making mine as cute as possible (like my famous ravioli spoon rest!). Make sure it’s smooth because any imperfections will show up in your mold. Once your piece is ready, place it into the container you want to use. I recommend something plastic—it's easier to remove the plaster once it's dry. I also use a tiny bit of oil inside the container to make sure it pops out even easier.

2. Mix Your Plaster
I usually get my plaster from Pottery Clay Thailand (since I live in Bangkok). My go-to ratio is 100% plaster to 75% water. Pour the plaster slowly into the water (but don’t mix yet), let it sit for 2-3 minutes (depending on the quantity), and then mix for another 2-3 minutes. You want the mixture to be smooth, like pancake batter.

3. Pour the Plaster
Now it’s time to pour the plaster over your clay piece. Slowly cover it completely, making sure there are no gaps. Here’s my little trick—spray some alcohol over the top of the plaster to remove any bubbles. This works like magic and leaves a smooth, bubble-free surface.

4. Remove the Clay
After the plaster hardens (don’t rush it!), carefully remove your clay piece. And just like that, you’ve got a mold! You can use it whenever you want to recreate that design, whether it’s tomorrow or next year.

Why I Mold Everything (Well, Almost Everything!)

I’m always coming up with new ideas, and every now and then, I land on a shape that’s too cute not to make again. That’s where the mold comes in handy. I love that I can just grab a mold, pour in some slip, and recreate my favorite pieces. It’s like having a backup of my creativity! Plus, making a mold saves me so much time when I want to batch-produce a design for my shop.

Perfect for Beginners—Trust Me!

If you’re thinking about trying plaster mold-making at home, I say go for it! You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment—just a few basic supplies and a little patience. It’s a great way to preserve designs you love and makes future projects so much easier. And the best part? Every mold you make feels like a mini accomplishment!

Final Thoughts

So, next time you craft something in clay, consider making a plaster mold out of it! You’ll thank yourself later when you want to recreate that piece without the effort of starting from scratch. And if you're in Bangkok, don't forget to grab some plaster from Pottery Clay Thailand, and try my alcohol spray trick for bubble-free molds. Happy molding!