How to Make a Plaster of Paris Paw Print

Plaster of Paris is a powder that can be mixed with water to make a mold. Many parents use plaster of Paris to capture the size of their child's hand or foot at a young age. Dog owners can also use the plaster of Paris to create a cast of the dog's paw. The instructions are the same, and the plaster paw print will serve as a lasting memory of the dog.

Things You'll Need

• Goggles
• Plastic gloves
• Old large plastic container
• Plaster of Paris
• Water
• Mixing spoon
• Aluminum pie tin
• Dog

Instructions

1. Put on a pair of plastic gloves. Then get yourself a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes from the plaster dust. Put them on before opening the plaster of Paris.

2. Open the bag of plaster of Paris. You may need a pair of scissors for this. Measure out four cups of plaster of Paris and place it in an old plastic container. You will not be able to use this container again for food.

3. Add two cups of water to the bowl, and mix everything together.

4. Pour the plaster into an aluminum pie tin. This makes for an excellent mold. Plus you can easily throw away the aluminum pie tin when you are done.

5. Set your dog's paw in the plaster and press it down for two to three seconds.

6. Remove your dog's paw and wash it off.

7. Set the plaster aside for 24 hours. Then remove the aluminum pie tin and your plaster paw print will be finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a permanent marker to write the date or your pet's name on the casting.

• Plaster of Paris can cause burns. Do not keep your dog's paw or your own hands in it for more than a few seconds. Wash them off immediately after making the paw impression.

References

• Plaster of Paris Hand Print
• Plaster of Paris Mixing Instructions