How to Make a Helmet With Plaster of Paris

Plaster can be used to create many types of sculpture.

Plaster of Paris is a great tool for creating artistic craft projects, such as moldings and small sculptures. All you need to create your plaster of Paris is a plaster powder and water. Mix the two together to create a quick-drying paste that can be applied to molds to create artwork in many shapes and sizes. You can create a display helmet out of plaster of Paris by applying it over a mold.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl or other mold for helmet shape
• Newspaper or disposable liner
• Vegetable or olive oil
• Plaster of Paris mixture
• Water
• File or drywall screen
• Cardboard sheet or other surface you don't mind getting plaster on
• Mixing bowl
• Palette knife or other tool for applying plaster of Paris

Instructions

1. Set up your cardboard sheet and place your bowl or other helmet mold on top of it. Mix your plaster of Paris powder and water in your mixing bowl in the ratios prescribed by the plaster package.

2. Coat your newspaper or liner in your oil and place over the surface of the mold object. Use the palette knife to begin applying the plaster of Paris all over the surface of the liner on top of the mold. Smooth the surface of the plaster using the palette knife and your fingers. Cover the entire mold with the plaster and wait to allow drying.

3. Remove the plaster from the mold carefully. Remove the liner from the inside of the hardened plaster. Use a file or drywall screen to gently smooth the surface of the plaster helmet and remove any excess plaster that may have gathered at the bottom. Your helmet is ready for display.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use your plaster of Paris helmet for protection in any kind of athletic or other physical activity. It is for display and cosmetic purposes only.

References

• Craft Ideas: How to use Molds to Make Plaster of Paris Castings