Not everyone knows how to breed gypsum for crafts made from beads or for making small sculptures. The technology for preparing the solution is quite simple. The main thing is to know in what ratio the components are mixed. It is worth noting that gypsum is the main material for the manufacture of crafts.
What is gypsum?
Before answering the question of how to properly breed gypsum for crafts, it is worth figuring out what kind of material. First of all, it is very plastic. Gypsum can be applied to almost any type of surface. The material is easy to process and hardens quickly. Gypsum is used in many industries: as a fertilizer, as one of the components of paper and pulp production, as a component of enamels and paints. The material is also used for the manufacture of internal decorative elements. Often, gypsum is used as an astringent component in construction.
Material flaws
Since cultivating gypsum for crafts is a simple process, it is worth considering certain disadvantages of the material. This will greatly facilitate the work with him. First of all, gypsum has low hygroscopicity and strength. Therefore, it is not recommended to use decor elements made of this material in rooms with high humidity. In such situations, additional processing is required. For reliability, finished crafts should be covered with a coating layer 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 layer on the surface of the product. Only then can a moisture-proof coating be used.
How to breed gypsum for crafts: proportions
There are several basic methods for making gypsum mortar for making crafts. The simplest method is to dilute the powder with water. In this case, it is important to observe all proportions. 7 parts of gypsum require at least 10 parts of water. It is worth noting that preparing the solution is with extreme caution so that there are no lumps. It is recommended to add gypsum to the water, and not vice versa. This method also eliminates the formation of dust.
This solution is easy to use. From it you can make products of almost any shape. However, it is worth considering that the crafts are not very strong. They break easily and crumble. So how to breed gypsum for crafts?
Second method
So, how to breed gypsum for crafts. This method of preparing the solution is slightly more complicated than the previous one. However, the mixture allows you to make stronger and more reliable products, which retain their appearance for many years.
To prepare the solution you need: 6 parts of gypsum, 10 parts of water, 1 part of slaked lime. The components are gently mixed until a homogeneous mass is formed.
Making gypsum
How to breed gypsum for crafts of different colors? This will require:
- Gypsum.
- Gouache.
- The water is ordinary.
- Jar with a lid.
- Dishes for the preparation of a solution.
- Spoon, spatula or stick.
Kneading process
So, how to breed gypsum for crafts from a multi-colored solution? In fact, the process is quite simple. To begin with, it is worth pouring gouache into the jar and the amount of water needed to prepare the solution. To completely dissolve the paint, it is recommended to close the jar with a lid and shake a little.
Painted water should be poured into the dishes, where the solution will be prepared. Here, observing all proportions, it is necessary to gradually add gypsum. Pour the powder into the liquid with a thin stream, constantly mixing the components. This will achieve a homogeneous consistency of the solution. The mixture should resemble thick sour cream. Mix the solution during the preparation process so that there are no lumps and air bubbles. Otherwise, holes form in the finished product.
How many crafts do they dry?
Now you know how to breed gypsum for crafts. How much do the products dry? Gypsum solution is seized and gradually solidifies 4 minutes after its manufacture. Therefore, work with the finished material should be quick and accurate. Full hardening of gypsum occurs within half an hour. To set the solution more slowly, it is worth adding a little water-soluble glue on an animal basis to the solution.
What can replace gypsum
At the moment, many sets for creativity are on sale. How to breed plaster for Lori crafts, and the material from other sets for creating figurines, as a rule, is always indicated in the instructions. It should be studied before starting work, as the solution dries quickly. It should be noted that some sets for creativity use analogues of gypsum. The most common of them is alabaster.
This powder has a grayish tint and has a finely divided structure. The material is obtained as a result of heat treatment of two-water gypsum. Thanks to this, the finished solution received completely different characteristics. It is worth noting that outwardly alabaster and gypsum are very similar.
How is alabaster different from gypsum
Among the main differences of these substances, it is worth highlighting:
- Alabaster sets very quickly after kneading. Therefore, you can use the substance only after making a certain number of additives during the preparation of the solution. They slow down the setting of alabaster.
- Alabaster is a harder material than gypsum. Defining this is easy. It is enough to touch the finished product.
- Gypsum is a safer substance for humans than alabaster.
How much do alabaster crafts
You can determine the solidification time of the material by studying the technical characteristics of the mixture. In general, the setting of the alabaster solution is observed 6 minutes after the dilution of the substance. Partial solidification occurs after 30 minutes. It is worth noting that a stronger and dried solution is able to withstand a load of 5 MPa. The alabaster dries completely within 1-2 days. Despite the fact that products made of this material are stronger, it is not recommended to use the solution for children, since it is not completely safe for health. Gypsum is preferable in this case.