PotteryLodge Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Hello again! I made a two piece mold, the size is 5x5. I am wondering how long do I need to wait before I can pour it? I have had it outside in the bright sun for the past 4 days, though the plaster still feels a little moist. I'm really anxious to pour it!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biglou13 Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Keep waiting ................... Depending on your plaster mix, and humidity it can take awhile to dry, I found sitting in front of fan helps, I think faster than sun only. The few time I've passed through Huston it was thick and sticky humid there. My plaster molds were not for casting. So I can't speak from experience. But the whole idea is you want the plaster to absorb the moisture. And you want consistent results eg wall thickness. Pottery is no for the impatient. Part of me says screw it go ahead and pour. Worse case scenario you just wasted some casting slip. And you'll end up,waiting longer anyway. The potter in me says wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Gotta get it dry. Some molds can take a full week or more to dry. It depends greatly on the humidity. If you've got a room dehumidifier, use it. A nice dry space will dry the plaster the fastest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Bridge Pottery Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 I thought about 2 weeks was a good estimate. 1 week you could probably get away with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotteryLodge Posted April 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Okay thanks everyone...I was pretty sure it was too soon to pour but just had to ask from more experienced potters. Thanks again!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilly Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 It needs to feel dry to your cheek, just like clay does before you can fire it. If it feels cool/damp it just doesn't work right. I know........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
williamt Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 You might try oven/ kiln drying at around 150 degrees F. with air circulation. This can speed the initial drying some, and can be used to dry after casting. I've had some luck with this method and I live in a humid part of the country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 You might try oven/ kiln drying at around 150 degrees F. with air circulation. This can speed the initial drying some, and can be used to dry after casting. I've had some luck with this method and I live in a humid part of the country. 150F is too hot. It will degrade the plaster. Per manufacturer's recommendations, stay below 120F. Dry, moving air is more important than heat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotteryLodge Posted April 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 You might try oven/ kiln drying at around 150 degrees F. with air circulation. This can speed the initial drying some, and can be used to dry after casting. I've had some luck with this method and I live in a humid part of the country. You might try oven/ kiln drying at around 150 degrees F. with air circulation. This can speed the initial drying some, and can be used to dry after casting. I've had some luck with this method and I live in a humid part of the country. 150F is too hot. It will degrade the plaster. Per manufacturer's recommendations, stay below 120F. Dry, moving air is more important than heat. It's practically already 90 degrees outside here in Houston. I'll just be on the safe side and let it dry naturally for another week. Very good tip though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biglou13 Posted April 26, 2014 Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 It's approx 85% humidity in Houston. +- First molds I made were damp after 2 weeks. ( Florida) An air conditioned house has lower humidity plus fan on low = dry molds in about a week Yours being smaller prolly faster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotteryLodge Posted April 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 It's approx 85% humidity in Houston. +- First molds I made were damp after 2 weeks. ( Florida) An air conditioned house has lower humidity plus fan on low = dry molds in about a week Yours being smaller prolly faster Okay I'll move the mold indoors with a fan on it. : ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinks Posted April 26, 2014 Report Share Posted April 26, 2014 Hello! I jus made it few weeks back..took utmost a week's time to dry up.Kept it an open area,What i did was" upside down" too. it helped to dry faster.The colour of the molds too changes,becomes more whiter after drying,Thats my experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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