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How to Dry Plaster Molds

Drying plaster molds appropriately  is key to their success.
Plaster head image by Supertrooper from Fotolia.com

Learning to dry plaster molds is arguably the simplest lesson in creating these useful tools. The process is fairly straightforward as long as the correct conditions are maintained. If done properly, it will yield a uniform mold that will form the medium of your choice.

Select a warm, dry location that is draft-free to dry your plaster mold.

Place plaster mold on a rack with plenty of room for air to flow around it.

Make sure your mold will not be exposed to temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to prevent the plaster from becoming powdery.

Place an electric fan on a low setting near the plaster mold, but be sure to rotate the mold every few hours so that a new portion is facing toward the fan after each rotation. This will expedite the drying time.

Allow the mold to dry for a minimum of 24 hours. Depending on the density of the plaster, this is sufficient time for it to dry thoroughly.

Hold the mold lightly against your cheek. If the mold is cool, it is not finished drying. If the mold is ambient, or the same temperature as the air in the drying room, it has dried completely and is ready for use.

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