How to cast plaster of Paris in a latex mould

After you've made your latex mould/mold, you can use it to reproduce your chosen object to your heart's content. Depending on the shape of your object, this is probably the easiest and most satisfying part of the process.

Be careful how you handle plaster. When it begins to set, it can produce a very high heat. It is not advisable to encase your hands or any other body part within the plaster while it sets! You'd be surprised how hot it gets and it can burn you. It is best to use it outside for plenty of ventilation and on top of lots of newspapers as it can be messy.

The beauty of using plaster, is that it quickly reproduces an object many times. My moulds seemed to last for ages without any degredation as long as I cleaned them out properly.

One: First of all, make sure your mould is supported, otherwise it can distort the look of the finished item. I used a plastic tub and filled it with small beads, but you could use sand as a support. Press the mould down so that it is even.

Two:You need to have a mixing bowl, spoon, plaster of Paris and water all ready to use. Mix the plaster with the water according to the instructions. I mix mine to the consistency of single cream. Tip: Pour water into the mould, then into a bowl. This will tell you how much plaster to mix for one object. For extra strength, add PVA/white glue if necessary.

Three:Pour the mixture into the mould, ensuring there aren't any lumps in the mixture. The best way is to wet the mould first, then pour halfway. The bubbles should come to the surface if you tap the mould. Pour to the top. Tip: I also add a strip of gauze or bandage to strengthen the object if it is quite thin.

Four: Once the plaster has completely set (usually 20 minutes depending on its size), remove the mould. This can be difficult around areas that are higher than others. Gently roll or peel off the mould. I discovered that part of the plaster had an air bubble and as you can see from the finished picture, it left a hole at the top right corner.

Five: You'll be surprised at how much of an exact copy the finished article is, although when the plaster dries it shrinks a bit. Now you need to let the doppelganger dry completely. This can take up to a week. Tip: If you can't wait a week, place them in the microwave on defrost at a very low temperature for 10-15 minutes depending on its size. Use oven gloves to take it out of the microwave, or leave to cool before touching. It gets very hot!

Verdict: Plaster of Paris is incredibly easy to use, as long as you are aware of the hazards. And it gives very satisfying results. I've used it quite a lot in the past and haven't had any problems.

Pros: Will replicate fine details from a latex mould. It can be sanded when dry and any areas can still be corrected.

Cons: It tends to form air bubbles but with a bit of practice, you find ways of getting it to flow into those awkward nooks and crannies.