Plaster moulds

The advantage of slip casting plaster moulds is not only a unified result (same/proportional unity), but primarily being a time saver during production of a large number of shards. Thanks to slip casting plaster moulds, it is possible to produce shards in more complicated shapes and different sizes very fast. 

Assortment of our own plaster moulds

Naturally, there are plaster moulds for shaping of ceramics and porcelain not only by slip casting, but also by pressing, injecting and shaping. However, in our e-shop we focus mainly on slip casting plaster moulds. In our atelier, we make slip casting plaster moulds since 1998. During its design, we properly dimension walls of moulds to ensure their long lifetime. We are gradually expanding the range of slip casting plaster moulds and we are able to provide even bespoken moulds in larger volumes, that you logically won´t find in our offer. In the case that you are interested in moulds which are currently not in our offer, do not hesitate to contact us.

Using of slip casting plaster moulds

In most cases, slip casting plaster moulds are used in large-scale productions and professional ceramic workshops which produce an assortment of everyday need or decorative ceramic products. Plaster moulds are used for the casting of ceramic mass, the so-called casting slip (sometimes also casting mass) – where the moisture content of the edge of the future cast is drained due to the absorbency, thereby forming the product in the form of a shard.

Specific recommendations and tips

First of all, it is necessary to properly „rubber“ a mould or secure it against opening. For this purpose, a strong rubber or a strap are most often used. Regarding this, we offer special tightening rubbers in two sizes. Tightening of a plaster mould takes less time than removing the unsuccessful shard from the mould or removing the slip that poured directly on a desk. Before working, stir the casting slip properly until its density is uniform. It is ideal to use a whisk fastened to a drilling machine with speed regulation. Stirring has to be done at low speed, otherwise there is a risk of „whipping“ the material, the air bubbles in the slip will then be causing troubles during the work. Pay attention to proper stirring of the slip and be careful.  

After proper securing against opening, the whole plaster mould is filled with the casting mass for about for 20 – 30 minutes, then a desired ceramic „coating“ is created and after that a surplus of the slip is poured back. Keep pouring the casting mass into the plaster mould as long as its level drops.

After casting and drying out of the slip, it is necessary to let the plaster mould drain upside down. Then, after draining, the plaster mould is turned back and allowed to dry. The drying time depends to a large extent on the water absorption of the mould. During the period when the slip shall stay in the mould, the type of a modelling plaster, dryness of a mould, its dimension, size or structure and quality of the casting slip itself also play their roles. We can say that for small slip casting plaster moulds 15-30 minutes is enough, for bigger and more complicated moulds, it is sometimes even 60 minutes. It´s a fact that the older or wetter a plaster mould is, the longer this period is too. Above stated periods are also affected by the required thickness of the shard. Someone prefers a thin shard, other people a thicker one.

Towards the end of the drying, carefully clean the upper part of the so-called filler up, ideally by a plastic casting knife. Metal tools can damage the plaster mould. Then carefully flip the cast out. When the cast is in the shape of so called leather-hard body, clean it up using appropriate tools.   
The slip casting plaster mould is ready for a re-use only when it is really cleaned thoroughly. Usually, the mould can handle several casts, until it is filled with moisture. Then it is necessary to let it dry. Cleaning is also important with respect to the use of casting masses of different colours. In most cases it is impossible to mix red casting slips with light coloured ones, because the red ones smear them. Therefore, light coloured casting masses are usually used.

Wide range of plaster moulds for ceramics

•          Slip casting plaster moulds in the shape of animals,
•          Slip casting plaster moulds in the shape of bells,
•          Slip casting plaster moulds in the shape of pots/cups,
•          Slip casting plaster moulds in the shape of vases,
•          Slip casting plaster moulds in the shape of flowerpots,
•          Slip casting plaster moulds in the shape of plates (can be used for pressing),
•          Slip casting plaster moulds in the shape of bowls (can be used for pressing),
•          Slip casting plaster moulds in the shape of jugs

Attention: when using slip casting plaster moulds, do not forget that a good result and easy work can be achieved only if your casting material is well prepared. For smaller customers using the slip up to 300 kilos, we recommend using an already deflocculated slip for this purpose. We are deflocculating the mass ourselves, that´s why it is always fresh and ready to use. We deliver it in 10 litres buckets of 15 kg. For bigger customers, we deliver dry casting slip for use in their own preparation.