Ceramic Workshop: Plaster Mould Making (part II)

The process of pouring clay paste into plaster moulds：

1、Drying the plaster moulds
After completing the initial creation of the plaster moulds, I placed them in a drying oven and waited patiently for 2 to 4 days. This waiting process was a test for me as I was eager to see the results, but understood that it was a crucial step to ensure the stability and durability of the moulds.

2. Fixing and sealing the mould
Once the plaster moulds were dry, I carefully secured the sides of the moulds using straps and then filled all the external gaps with clay. This step requires the utmost care, as any small gaps can lead to overflow of the clay paste, affecting the quality of the final product.

3. Pouring the clay into the mould
After making sure the mould is secure and sealed, I quickly introduce the evenly mixed clay paste into the mould. During this process, my heartbeat is almost in sync with the rhythm of the flow of the clay, and I know that the accuracy of each movement is the key to success.

4. Pouring out the excess clay
After waiting for about 20 minutes, I poured out the unsolidified slurry and held the mould upside down on a wooden frame to strain out the excess. This step is to ensure that the bottom of the resulting pottery is not too thick, keeping the piece light and balanced.

5. Unmoulding and detailing
After waiting about 3 to 4 hours, I began the demoulding process. The demoulding process is the most stressful and exciting part of the whole process. It is hard to describe the sense of achievement when the mould and the pottery are successfully separated. Afterwards, I use a knife to carve details into the half-dried pottery, an important step in revealing one's artistic style.

Reflections and Questions
1. How can the drying and fixing process be improved? Can more efficient methods be used to shorten the drying time while ensuring the stability and durability of the moulds?
2. Refinement of pouring techniques: Is there a more precise technique or tool that can help me better control the flow rate and volume during the pouring of clay slurry in order to reduce waste and increase efficiency?
3. Refinement of demoulding techniques: How can I make sure that each demoulding is carried out smoothly to avoid damage to the pottery or mould?


This plaster mould making experience not only improved my ceramics making skills, but also deepened my understanding of every detail of the whole process. Each step was challenging, but it also brought the same opportunities to learn and grow. I look forward to applying what I have learnt from this experience to future projects and producing more ceramic works with artistic value and practicality.