How to Decorate With Gypsum

Gypsum is a family of minerals that includes plaster of Paris, Hydrocal and Portland cement. These various forms are mixed with water to create a pourable, stone-like material. Gypsum is often poured into molds made of fiberglass or silicone to make garden and lawn statues. These molds are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to decorate your yard as boldly or subtly as you wish.

Statue mold
Release agent
Straps, clamps or bolts
Gypsum
Mixing bucket
Rubber mallet
Sandpaper (optional)
Rubber gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Spray the interior of the mold of your choice with an aerosol mold release. This will prevent the gypsum from bonding to the mold. Alternately, paint the mold's interior with a micro-thin layer of petroleum jelly.
- 2
  Assemble the mold if it is made of multiple pieces. Most multi-piece molds are held together with tension straps, clamps or bolts.
- 3
  Set the mold outside with the fill spout facing up.
- 4
  Mix a large batch of gypsum with water, following the mix ratio on the container. Keep track of the amount that you use so that you can adjust it as needed on future statues.
- 5
  Pour the mixed gypsum into the mold's pour spout. Fill the mold completely.
- 6
  Tap the sides of the mold with a rubber mallet to dislodge any air bubbles that are trapped against the mold surface.
- 7
  Allow the gypsum to completely cure. The time required will depend on the size of the statue.
- 8
  Remove the mold from the statue. If needed, sand off any seam lines from where the mold pieces connected.
- 9
  Position the statue in a focal point of your garden or lawn.

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