Mix your Jesmonite® liquid and powder base, pour, leave to set, de-mould and enjoy your creation… that’s the simplest explanation of how to use our eco-friendly material!
It’s non-toxic, there’s no need for specialist equipment and there’s no need to ensure you have hours and hours as it sets quickly.
But – of course we’ve created plenty of options for you to personalise your creations and make them as unique as possible.
So, let’s run through your options and explain how to use Jesmonite in a variety of ways…
Pick your material
Jesmonite® has a range of materials!
The most popular one for creatives and beginners is AC100 which is a gypsum product, giving a smooth finish and should be used for products which are used indoors.
However, AC730, a concrete alternative, has grown in popularity in recent years as creators look for a more stone-like finish and this can be used for creations which will live in outdoor areas.
AC100 and AC730 are both safe for candles as they have great heat and fire resistance. If you’re looking to create something that will come into regular contact with water, like soap dishes or plant pots, then AC730 is the way to go!
You can find out more about different types of Jesmonite, each with their own quirks and specific uses, here.
We’ll focus on the two which are most suitable for creatives: AC100 and AC730. Both types can be mixed with a variety of other materials, could have pigments (either traditional liquid colours or powder colours from our neon range!) mixed into them and can be used in any mould shape you desire.
They can be used with pigments mixed in for a marble effect, hardened crushed pieces of Jesmonite® for a terrazzo effect or even foreign objects (such as nails, wood, glitter, shells…) can be mixed in too.
Once you’ve decided on your material and colour or design, it’s simply a case of measuring out how much powder and liquid you need to mix up for the appropriate amount for your creation.
There’s guidance notes on this included when you get your delivery of Jesmonite and if you’re struggling to figure out the proportions for your mixture, we recommend taking a look at this Jesmonite calculator which was built by our brand ambassador Razzo Studio.
Best practice
Sometimes air bubbles form in Jesmonite creations, this is very normal and makes them unique! If you would prefer to avoid air bubbles, the best practice when casting is to sieve the powder into the liquid and mix using a Jesmonite High Sheer Mixing Blade.
The mixture is poured into a mould and left to set – at this point some people place it on a vibration tray to tease out any potential air bubbles too.
It can take as little as 20 minutes for your creation to set, but it does depend on how big your creation is and the temperature of the room you are in or your environment. Timing is key…
As a result of the exothermic reaction, Jesmonite will get warm as it cures. Wait until it has cooled before de-moulding.
But it tends to sweat in the mould if left too long, which will result in marks on the finished surface. So don’t leave it too long!
Again, plenty of advice on how long you need to leave before demoulding is available and we recommend leaving your material for at least 24 hours to reach its full strength.
The finishing touches
Once you de-mould, the finishing touches are up to you!
Many people sand their AC100 products to ensure a smooth surface or to bring out the colours in a terrazzo creation.
And there are plenty of other options too – you can paint it, you could use acid or vinegar etching on AC730, you could coat it in a matt or gloss sealer… as so many of our creatives say, the restriction really is just your imagination!
The sealers can provide water and stain resistance so that’s something we do recommend, but otherwise, the world is your oyster!
If you would like any more advice or information about any of the tips included here, the best place is to follow the hashtag #Jesmonite on social media.
And to purchase Jesmonite products you can find your nearest reseller here.
And so your journey begins – we look forward to seeing your creations!
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