Plaster molds are durable, tenacious and versatile. However, they still need to be handled with care and cleaned properly. Do not make the mistake of soaking plaster molds in water for a quick clean!

Plaster is a versatile substance that is commonly used for making molds and casts. It is easy to work with and the molds and casts usually have a long life even after multiple usage. Plaster molds can be made from different types of models which are then used to make metal and other casts. In fact, plaster casting is a popular metal fabrication process for making intricate and complicated solid shapes with high degree of dimensional accuracy.

However, when working with the plaster mold, the artist has to first ensure that it is clean and does not contain any residue from the mold making or even previous casting process. The interior surfaces have to be properly cleaned for the cast to turn out perfect as expected.

When it comes to the cleaning, many beginners consider that they can simply wash away the residue or soak the plaster mold in water to clean it properly. While these tactics will definitely render the mold to a clean state, it can even end up damaging the mold per se!

This is not to say that plaster molds will be damaged on contact with water. They can withstand small amounts of water for short periods of time. However, keeping them submerged in water can end up reducing the life of the mold. The damage may not always be evident immediately, but it will surely break down the integrity of the mold. The plaster will start becoming soft and powdery over time. It may lose definition before time and become useless very soon.

How to get it right?

The right technique for cleaning plaster molds is to spray a little water to soften the residue before wiping the unnecessary elements away. Alternatively, wipe the mold with a soft sponge or moist cloth. A soft toothbrush can be used with a gentle hand to dislodge more persistent deposits.

However, the damp plaster mold should always be allowed to dry out completely (without using heat) before using it for the next casting.

Finally, there are different kinds of plaster with varying properties and performance. Traditional plaster of Paris is usually not considered suitable for mold making and casting purposes as it tends to get chalky and flaky. Artists use a special mixture of gypsum or lime with sand and water for making substantial molds and casts that set hard with crisper details.

CastRite Art Casting Stone – available at EnvironMolds - is the perfect choice for making molds for mold making, shell molds, latex slush molds and plaster casting. It can be carved or tooled without any kind of chipping or cracking. What’s more, it can even be cleaned easily. The high definition powder will yield a natural white finish and will continue to hold the finish well.