How to Make Oceans Out of Plaster of Paris
Plaster of Paris is a material commonly used in crafts to create molds, sculptures or imprints. In its natural state, plaster of Paris is a fine white powder composed primarily of gypsum. When water is added, the plaster becomes thick and moldable. Because plaster of Paris begins to dry as soon as it makes contact with air, projects need to be completed quickly. Making an ocean out of plaster of Paris may take several batches of plaster but should be a relatively easy process.
Things You'll Need
- Plaster of Paris
- Disposable bowl
- Water, at room temperature
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Blue paint in multiple hues
- Paintbrush
- Non-serrated knife
- Glaze
- Measuring tape
- Wax paper
Instructions
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1
Determine the dimensions of the ocean you would like to create. This will help you know how much plaster of Paris to mix.
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2
Mix the plaster of Paris based on your required dimensions. Measure out room temperature water and pour it into the disposable bowl. Slowly sift the plaster into the water, letting it soak for several minutes. Use the spatula to thoroughly mix the plaster and water.
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3
Place large handfuls of the wet plaster of Paris mixture onto a sheet of wax paper. Begin forming the plaster into the shape of the ocean, using the non-serrated knife to smooth the surface of the plaster. Make ripples or waves with the knife to resemble the movements of the ocean.
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4
Allow the plaster ocean to dry completely after you have finished molding the shape.
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5
Once dry, paint the ocean blue. Be sure to use several different hues of blue paint, as the ocean contains many shades of blue. Use white paint to create lighter areas of the ocean, if desired. Allow the paint to dry.
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Apply glaze with a paintbrush to the plaster ocean. This will recreate the reflective surface of the ocean and give your plaster ocean a more realistic appearance. Allow the glaze to dry completely.
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