Plaster of Paris (POP) Premium Casting Grade

Fine Casting Grade Plaster of Paris, Processed in England

This fine-grade Plaster of Paris is made for mould casting, model making, sculpture and decorative craft work. The pure-white powder mixes easily with water and sets quickly, making it useful for small ornaments, pots, figurines, school projects and larger decorative pieces.

Its fine texture helps reproduce small mould details and creates a smooth surface with minimal lumps when mixed correctly. Once completely dry, the finished piece can be carved, sanded, painted, sealed or varnished.

Plaster of Paris vs. Casting Gypsum Plaster? Plaster of Paris usually sets faster and produces a pure-white, lightweight and relatively porous casting. It is easier to carve, sand and reshape after drying. Casting gypsum plaster generally has a slightly off-white colour and produces a denser, heavier and less porous finished piece.

Benefits:

• Fine powder for smooth, detailed castings
• Fast initial setting time of approximately 11-15 minutes
• Pure-white finish suitable for painting
• Lightweight and easy to carve or sand
• Suitable for silicone, latex and suitable plastic moulds
• Useful for hobby, classroom & small-scale production work
• Consistent Grade 1 plaster processed in England

Common Uses

• Ornaments, figurines and decorative shapes
• Small pots, trays and home décor pieces
• Silicone and latex mould casting
• Models, sculptures and school projects
• Decorative plasterwork and minor repairs
• Base material for painting, sealing and varnishing

Technical Details
Product type: Grade 1 Fine Casting Plaster of Paris
Chemical name: Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate
Chemical formula: CaSO₄·½H₂O
Purity: 96% or higher
Appearance: Fine, pure-white powder
Finished casting: White, lightweight and relatively porous
Initial setting time: Approximately 11–15 minutes
Origin: Processed in England
Pack sizes: 500 g, 1 kg and 2 kg

Setting and drying times can change depending on the water ratio, room temperature, humidity, casting thickness & mixing time.

Recommended Mixing Ratios

Measure both the water and POP by weight.

• General pourable mix: 45-50 g water per 100 g POP - Suitable for most mould casting and general craft work.
• Thinner mix: 55–65 g water per 100 g POP - Flows more easily into fine details, but the finished casting may be weaker and take longer to dry.

For a useful starting point, mix approximately 2 parts POP with 1 part water by weight. Make a small test batch when using a new mould.

How to Mix and Cast

1. Measure clean water into a dry mixing container.
2. Slowly sprinkle the POP powder over the water.
3. Allow the powder to absorb the water briefly.
4. Mix gently until smooth and free from dry lumps.
5. Pour immediately into the mould.
6. Tap or gently vibrate the mould to release trapped air.
7. Leave undisturbed until firm. Demoulding may take around 30-60 minutes depending on the size and thickness.
8. Allow the casting to dry completely before sanding, painting or sealing.

Use only the amount of water needed. Excess water can reduce strength, increase porosity and extend drying time.

Need More Working Time? If the POP sets too quickly, add DelaySet POP according to its instructions. It can provide extra working time for larger or more detailed castings.

Safety and Storage:

1. Keep the powder dry and avoid breathing dust. Wear a dust mask when handling larger quantities. Never use setting plaster directly around hands, feet or other body parts, as it becomes warm while hardening and may cause burns.
2. Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture and humidity.