Sculptures from plaster with their own hands: technique of execution, forms and recommendations

Gypsum is a material widely used in creativity and construction from time immemorial. It is precisely known that it was used in antiquity to make sculptures. Today gypsum is used in its work by professional architects and sculptors. Each of us can purchase this material in the building store for personal needs. Sculptures made of gypsum are easy to make at home, not being a professional. Detailed instructions and tips for work - especially for you.

Main characteristics of gypsum

In any construction shop you will find gypsum powder or gypsum plasters. The material is made of a sedimentary rock - gypsum stone. Such a diverse and wide application in construction work, gypsum due to its availability in combination with low cost. It's quite easy to work with this material. It is necessary to dilute it with water, after which it is possible to start pouring molds or modeling. Attention: gypsum very quickly freezes in air and at the same time it increases slightly in volume (no more than 1%). Prepare the mortar at once, just before you start working with it. The material is able to transmit the smallest details. If desired, sculptures from gypsum can be decorated with paints and other finishing compounds, and create a qualitative imitation of a noble stone or metal.

Methods of making gypsum sculptures

If you are not a professional sculptor, starting work with gypsum makes sense from making sculptures by molding. This technology involves the receipt of finished products by pouring gypsum solution into molds. Molding is a very simple way of creating sculptures, which is suitable even for children's creativity. With children under the age of 12 years, the adult should carry out creative activities. An alternative, how to make a sculpture from gypsum - to model the desired figure from the diluted gypsum on the frame. In the work it is convenient to use a variety of spatulas and other tools. What sculptures can be made from plaster with their own hands? The material in the solidified form is sufficiently porous and brittle. But despite this, it can be used for making street sculpture. Ideal gypsum for creating interior elements and decorative figurines. If you are just starting to work with this material, try the first time to do something small and simple in form. Gradually improving your skills, you will learn how to create real masterpieces from gypsum.

Ready-made or self-made?

For the production of gypsum sculptures, ready-made forms can be used. They are sold in the stores of goods for creativity. An interesting idea is to use culinary forms, for example, for ice, cupcakes or sweets. In joint creativity with children can be used for casting from gypsum molds for sand. If nothing interesting could be found, try to make a form yourself. Simple sculptures (for example, interior columns or large mushrooms for decorating a garden) can be made with the help of household appliances. For example, the mushroom cap can be poured into a bowl or bowl of the appropriate size, and the leg in a trimmed plastic bottle. Forms for casting can be removed from any available figures and figurines. Tighten the selected product with a food film. Then clothe it with clay or plasticine. Wait until the material hardens, then gently cut the shape and pull out the hidden figure from it. Your homemade form is ready, now you can make sculptures from gypsum.

Form preparation and casting of gypsum

The form needs special treatment before starting work. Thoroughly penetrate the inner walls with petroleum jelly, vegetable oil or paraffin. Pay special attention to the small elements of the casting. Sculptors-professionals often prepare a special lubricant for processing forms. Take 2 parts of grated soap on a large grater, add 1 part of vegetable oil and 7 parts of water. Stir the ingredients to a uniform consistency. Lubricant is ready - you can start processing the inner surface of the mold. In no case do not skip this step, otherwise you will not be able to remove the finished product after it has solidified. How to make a sculpture from plaster with your own hands, how to properly dilute a dry mix? Powder is enough to mix with water until the consistency of sour cream. Be sure to leave the gypsum for a few minutes, and then, carefully mixing, proceed to filling the mold. In water for the preparation of gypsum solution, a small amount of PVA glue can be added - no more than 25% of the total volume of liquid.

Protective treatment of the product

The optimum temperature for drying gypsum products is 16-25 degrees. Sculptures made by the method of molding should be removed from molds after full hardening. At this stage, you can grind the irregularities with a brush or a wet sponge. If the shape of the sculptures of gypsum completely suits you, leave them for a while for the final drying. The next stage is the preparation of figures for painting. Apply a special primer in several layers to the entire surface of the product. You can replace it with glue PVA, diluted with water. If you made a sculpture that will stand on the street, you can treat it with additional varnish or shellac for additional protection.

Decor sculpture

After the primer has dried, you can proceed to the most creative part of the process - decorating the sculpture. Garden sculptures from gypsum should be painted with the most persistent paints. Small figures and children's hand-made articles can be painted with gouache. To paint the sculpture, which will be in the room, you can use any paint and techniques for their application. After painting, you can additionally coat the product with a layer of clear lacquer to fix the decor. If it is appropriate, decorate the sculptures from the plaster with decorative elements. These can be individual beads and rhinestones, bows, textile details or special plastic figurines.

Helpful Tips

Observe all the rules for working with gypsum and the sequence of technological steps. Very often problems in working with this simple material arise when the technology of making sculptures is violated. Be sure to carefully dry the products after removal from the mold and only then proceed to their further design. Try using different shapes to make sculptures. As examples for their manufacture, any small figures, children's toys and household items will do. In the described technique at home, it is possible to make casts of hands. Making sculptures from gypsum is an interesting and accessible form of creativity!