Casting a Pewter Tree

Small pewter statues are very collectible and make great gifts.

Casting pewter statues can be a very creative and rewarding hobby. There are a large variety of silicone rubber molds available at most craft stores and hobby shops since there are many collectors of miniature pewter medieval figurines. There are molds of trees, village buildings, castles and characters available. Pewter is sold in ingots and you don't have to worry about melting more than you need since pewter is reusable.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Safety gloves
• Pewter ingots
• Electric melting pot
• Pouring ladle
• Silicone rubber tree mold and clamps
• Talcum powder
• Artist's brush
• Piece of plywood
• Old metal pot or cookie sheet
• Metal file
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Put on safety glasses and safety gloves. Melt the pewter ingots in a small electric melting pot for about 15 to 20 minutes and make sure that all the pewter is fully melted.

2. Place a small amount of talcum powder into the silicone rubber mold. Use a small artist's brush to get into the small crevices of the tree mold. Rub the powder into the mold and then turn it upside down and tap it to remove any excess powder. The talcum powder will help release the pewter tree form from the silicone rubber mold.

3. Place the silicone mold on a stable, flat surface like a piece of plywood that has been set on a tabletop. Set the mold on a old metal pan or cookie sheet to catch any spills.

4. Pour the melted pewter quickly with a pouring ladle. A pouring ladle has a small spout or lip that helps facilitate pouring. Pour the hot pewter carefully but do not fill beyond the full line on the mold as any excess will spill out when the mold is closed and clamped.

5. Place the clamps on the mold. Allow the pewter mold to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

6. Remove clamps from the mold and release the pewter tree from the mold to the metal pan but do not touch the tree as it will still be hot. Flex or bend the mold slightly if you have any trouble releasing the tree from the mold.

7. File any seams left behind by the mold with a metal file. Polish the finished pewter tree with a soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• You are not limited to only silicone rubber molds. You can also use soapstone and metal molds.

• This is not a hobby or project for small children. Pewter melts at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Always work in a well-ventilated area.

• Wear long sleeves to prevent any hot pewter from splashing onto your skin.

References

• Handicraft for Boys: Pewter Casting
• Technology Student: Pewter Casting