How to plant gypsum for crafts: step by step instructions

Not everyone knows how to plant gypsum for crafts made of beads or for making small sculptures. The technology of making a solution is quite simple. The main thing is to know in what ratio the components are mixed. It should be noted that gypsum is the main material for the manufacture of hand-made articles.

What is gypsum

Before answering the question, how correctly to plant gypsum for crafts, it is necessary to understand what kind of material it is. First of all, it is very plastic. Gypsum can be applied to almost any kind of surface. The material is easily processed and quickly hardens. Applied gypsum in many industries: as fertilizer, as one of the components of paper and cellulose production, as a component of enamels and paints. The material is also used for making interior decorative elements. Often, gypsum is used as an astringent component in construction.

Disadvantages of the material

Since it's not a difficult process to build gypsum for crafts, it's worth taking into account certain material shortcomings. This will greatly facilitate the work with it. First of all, gypsum has low indices of hygroscopicity and strength. Therefore, use of decorative elements made of this material, in rooms with high humidity is not recommended. In such situations, additional processing is required. For reliability, finished crafts should be covered with a layer of coating that protects from moisture.

Before you start, you should take into account the hygroscopicity of gypsum products. They absorb any coating well. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a primer coat to the surface of the product. Only after this you can use a coating that protects against moisture.

How to build gypsum for crafts: proportions

There are several basic methods for making gypsum mortar for the manufacture of hand-made articles. The simplest method is to dilute the powder with water. In this case it is important to observe all proportions. 7 parts of gypsum requires at least 10 parts of water. It is worth noting that the preparation of the solution is with special care, so that there are no lumps. It is recommended to add gypsum to water, and not vice versa. This method also eliminates dust formation.

Such a solution is easy to apply. From it you can make products of almost any shape. However, it is worth considering that crafts are not very strong. They easily break and crumble. So how to plant gypsum for crafts?

The second method

So, how to plant gypsum for crafts. This method of preparing the solution is a bit more complicated than the previous one. However, the mixture makes it possible to produce stronger and more reliable products that retain their appearance for many years.

To prepare the solution is required: 6 parts of gypsum, 10 parts of water, 1 part of slaked lime. The components are gently mixed until a uniform mass is formed.

Production of colored gypsum

How to plant gypsum for crafts of different colors? This will require:

1. Gypsum.
2. Gouache.
3. Water is ordinary.
4. Bank with a lid.
5. Utensils for solution.
6. A spoon, a scapula or a stick.

Mixing process

So, how to build gypsum for crafts from a multi-colored solution? In fact, the process is fairly simple. To begin with it is necessary to pour gouache into the jar and the amount of water necessary for the preparation of the solution. For the paint to dissolve completely, it is recommended to close the jar with a lid and shake it a little.

Painted water should be poured into the dishes, where the solution will be made. Here, observing all proportions, it is necessary to gradually add gypsum. Pour powder into the liquid is a thin trickle, constantly mixing the components. This will achieve a uniform consistency of the solution. The mixture should resemble thick sour cream. Stir the solution during the preparation should be carefully so that there are no lumps and air bubbles. Otherwise, holes are formed in the finished product.

How many crafts dry

Now you know how to plant gypsum for crafts. How much do the products dry? Gypsum solution is seized and gradually hardened 4 minutes after its manufacture. Therefore, it is necessary to work with the finished material quickly and accurately. Full hardening of gypsum takes place in half an hour. To grasp the solution was slower, then in the solution is to add a little water-soluble glue on an animal basis.

What can replace gypsum

At the moment, there are many sets for creativity. How to plant gypsum for Lori crafts, and material from other kits for making figurines, is usually always indicated in the instructions. It should be studied before starting work, as the solution dries quickly. It should be noted that in some sets for creativity, analogues of gypsum are used. The most common of these is alabaster.

This powder has a grayish shade and has a finely dispersed structure. The material is obtained as a result of the heat treatment of the two-water gypsum. Thanks to this, the finished solution received completely different characteristics. It is worth noting that outwardly the alabaster and gypsum are very similar.

How does alabaster differ from gypsum

Among the main differences of these substances is:

1. Alabaster very quickly seizes after kneading. Therefore, it is possible to apply the substance only after the introduction of a certain number of additives during the preparation of the solution. They allow to slow down the grasp of alabaster.
2. Alabaster is a harder material than gypsum. It is not difficult to determine this. It is enough to touch the finished product.
3. Gypsum is a safer substance for humans than alabaster.

How many dry Alabaster crafts

Determine the time of solidification of the material can be by examining the technical characteristics of the mixture. In general, the setting of the alabaster solution is observed after 6 minutes after the dilution of the substance. Partial freezing occurs after 30 minutes. It should be noted that a strong and dried solution can withstand a load of 5 MPa. Completely alabaster dries out within 1-2 days. Despite the fact that the products of this material are stronger, it is not recommended to use a solution for studying with children, since it is not entirely safe for health. Gypsum in this case is preferable.