The plaster in the damp box I made did end up with some small popped bubbles on the surface. You say in the video that bubbled could lead to problems but you don't elaborate on the problems they can cause. Is it worth trying again, hoping for no bubbles? Not sure pouring a thin layer of fresh plaster on top will fill them in and give me a smoother surface. Thoughts?
Great video, thank you! This does not look as hard as I had thought, and would certainly be useful! I also appreciate your safety advice - I'm pretty diligent about the dust and particulate issue, but you make a good point about protecting your hands. The vaseline on the pitcher was also very clever. Love your work on Etsy, but totally fell for Penelope! What a cutie! Thanks for sharing! Peggy
I use mortar mixers attached to my power drill. Easy, fast and clean. I also mix all my reclaim clay this way. Never needed a sieve when making slurry.
thank you so much fro the great video.. I have a question, say for example, I make my handle today... and by tomorrow is leather hard.. is this when I put it on the damp box?... the second question is.. say I have the leather hard handle for a month in the damp box, when I take it out the box, do I need to wait for it to be leather hard again to put in the mug ( because I need to wait for te water to get out of the clay?)
The damp box can keep it soft leatherhard for months. Just make sure it’s the same moisture as your cup. I have taller damp boxes in which I keep cups!
thank you, so once Im ready to put take out..I will add the handle to the mug, then I will put it outside in a shelf, cover with a plastic bag and wait for the pottery piece to become born hard to put it on the kiln, correct?@@KaransPotsAndGlass
This may be a stupid question, but what if you took a piece of hardibacker and kept it damp in a plastic box? Would it perform similarly to the plaster?
Hello, how are we going to avoid getting plaster in our clay, when placing our clay in the damp box? I mean our clay will be touching the plaster, won't it? Or should we lay some protective paper or nylon under the clay? Thank you for your videos they are very informative.
I usually don’t have issues of plaster transfer. I have had that issue maybe one time when a plaster surface didn’t cure correctly. I feel like if I take a scrubby pad and scrub it and kind of sponge it off, I don’t have issues. But, to answer your question, I would definitely use something absorbent it underneath if you’re concerned about transfer - maybe something simple like a paper towel. Not plastic- as you want the clay to absorb moisture from the plaster.
My student damp boxes are sterlite boxes with lids and handles. Link here: (although i got them on sale at Target). www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-Portable-File-Box-Plastic/11014792?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=3571&gclsrc=aw.ds&adid=2222222227711014792_117755028669_12420145346&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-394283752452&wl5=9015630&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=11014792&veh=sem_LIA&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwuG1BhCnARIsAFWBUC0TrRF8mFGlqYLDO8WsE4GEzs1JEY2hIn3N4KAhhH_xX-lYWduIo_gaAgr7EALw_wcB That being said, you can make very inexpensive damp boxes by lining a cardboard box with a heavy plastic bag, pour plaster into the bag, and after curing you can gather the opening of the bag to seal it at the top!
Hi Karan. We just love the easy ways u do things. Need to know how much plaster you add to the water. I saw one where they used 17 lbs to make a 3 inch. They did all this math ugh!!!
I'm thinking of making my own damp box and a quick google gave me this video. Thank you for the instruction! One question though, does it need to be pottery plaster? or could you use model making plaster?
Not sure- I’m betting regular plaster may work ok. I find pottery plaster is sometimes a bit more durable- but in a damp box, that’s probably not an issue! :)
Thanks for this helpful video! I learn so much from you! This video shows you telling us to use 2-3 INCHES of water, but the text below says 2/3 full with water. I assume what you say in the video is accurate? I’m doing this a 2nd time though, and almost followed the written instructions without watching first!
Sorry for any confusion. Well, I was mixing a small batch- so I only had 2-3 inches of water in my bucket to begin. Not too sure when I said 2/3... perhaps I was discussing 2/3 of the total volume typically is the amount of water you use. (?). Always allow room for the addition of plaster!
The plaster is absorbent/porous- so if it is set, a few ounces of water can be added to the plaster to create a damp surface - and thus a humid environment.
