Product FAQs

Fibrous plastering is a specialised decorative craft commonly used to create intricately-detailed interior features like plaster cornices, ceiling roses, corbels, columns, and much more.

Unlike "solid" or "wall" plastering which involves applying wet plaster directly onto a wall - fibrous plastering is a pre-casting process.

The word "fiber" in "fibrous" comes from the use of Jute Scrim (also known as hessian or canvas) to reinforce the plaster cast and give it a greater flexural strength. Alongside the Jute Scrim, Timber Laths are also typically used. These are thin, flexible lengths of obeche wood used to provide additional structural reinforcement to the casts and provide extra grip for screws during the fitting process.

At Industrial Plasters, we stock everything that's required for fibrous plastering. From the casting plaster to the reinforcement to the bowls and hand tools. Browse our fibrous range to find out more.

Plaster of Paris (also known as gypsum plaster) is the high-purity powder that's produced by heating gypsum - a natural soft-sulfate mineral - to a high temperature. When this powder is mixed with water, it rehydrates and hardens into a solid, durable mass.

Plaster of Paris earned its name during the 1700s when a massive deposit of high-quality gypsum was discovered at Montmarte in Paris. It became the global standard for the material, and the city eventually became the world's leading producer in plaster.

Scientifically, Plaster of Paris is known as calcium sulfate hemihydrate. It is heated to around 150°C, driving off about 75% of its water content to create the powder. When water is added back into the powder (re-hydration), it undergoes an exothermic reaction, meaning it gives off heat, and returns to its original chemically-crystalline state.

Unlike many materials that shrink when they dry, Plaster of Paris is different because it expands slightly instead. This makes it ideal for casting, as it forces the plaster into the small details into the mould. In order to ensure small details are captured, various brushes can be utilised. You can see our range here:

Different casting plasters will give you different setting times. Some plasters will be more suitable than others depending on what you are trying to achieve. It is best practice to check the properties of the plaster before you buy it to make sure that it will do what you need it to do. Here at Industrial Plasters we stock the widest range of Plaster of Paris, and you can find our full range available on our website. Click here to see our full range of fibrous casting plasters.

Caution: Because Plaster of Paris generates heat as it sets and expands, it should never be used to cast body parts (like a hand) directly against the skin. It can cause severe burns or become stuck, leading to serious injury.

We stock a wide range plasters from renowned manufacturers of gypsum casting plasters. These are Saint-Gobain Formula and Siniat (Prestia).

Gypsum-based products maintain their structural integrity up to approximately 49°C. Beyond this thermal threshold, the material begins to calcine and break down; the rate of dehydration and structural failure accelerates as exposure temperatures increase.

In short, no. Standard gypsum plaster is fundamentally unsuitable for outdoor applications due to its porous crystalline structure and chemical composition. Because gypsum is slightly water-soluble, persistent exposure to moisture causes the surface to soften, erode, and eventually dissolve, leading to a loss of fine architectural detail.

Furthermore, because plaster absorbs environmental humidity, it is highly susceptible to freeze-thaw action; when absorbed water freezes and expands within the pores, it creates internal pressure that causes the cast to crack, spall, or crumble. Without a specialised weatherproof coating or a transition to a dedicated exterior material, a standard plaster cast will rapidly degrade when subjected to outdoor weathering.

Fine Casting Plus Plaster and Prestia Casting Plaster are the preferred industry standards for manufacturing cornices, valued for their consistent performance and ease of use. While these plasters sit at the lower end of the compressive strength spectrum, they provide the ideal balance of workability and durability for decorative mouldings situated away from high-traffic areas or physical contact.

Prestia Creation Plaster offers an ideal balance of structural strength and cost-efficiency for manufacturing ceiling roses. It produces a crisp, high-definition finish even on intricate designs, while remaining more economical than higher-density stones. While Fine Casting Plus and other entry-level Prestia plasters are suitable alternatives, Prestia Creation provides superior hardness, offering greater security and reducing the risk of breakage during handling and installation.

Prestia Basic SH Alpha Plaster is an exceptional choice for this application, offering a combination of high structural strength and extreme precision due to its minimal expansion. While Crystacal R Plaster provides approximately 20% greater hardness, it comes at a higher price point and may exceed the technical requirements of your project.

Alternatively, Herculite No.2 Plaster offers a similar performance and price to the Basic SH Alpha; although it has a slightly higher expansion rate, the difference remains marginal for most casting requirements.

We offer several high-performance options for GRG casting. Prestia Ceram No. 1 Plaster is favored for its exceptional hardness and compressive strength within its price bracket. For projects requiring a faster turnaround, Keramicast Plaster is a widely-used alternative; its rapid setting time significantly accelerates production cycles, making it a valuable investment despite its slightly higher cost.

Herculite Hardcoat Plaster is the definitive choice for the traditional manufacture of scagliola. Its extended setting time provides the necessary workability for intricate hand-honed techniques, resulting in an exceptionally hard, smooth surface capable of achieving a mirror-like polish. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, it offers superior fire safety; the material is classified as non-combustible under BS 476: Part 4: 1970, fully satisfying Class 0 National Building Regulations.

To get the best results from your alginate mould, we highly recommend either Herculite No.2 Plaster or Crystacal R Plaster

These plasters are ideal for preventing chips or breaks in delicate areas like fingers and toes. Its fine particle size allows it to flow effortlessly into the intricate crevices captured by the alginate, while their clean white finishes provide a professional base for any subsequent painting or bronzing.

While we stock an extensive range of Saint-Gobain Formula and Siniat Prestia products, these standard plasters are not formulated to withstand high-temperature environments that aluminium casting requires. For applications involving extreme heat, we recommend sourcing a dedicated refractory or heat-resistant plaster, as these specialised materials are specifically engineered for thermal stability.

For most UK mainland postcodes, we offer a speedy Next-Working-Day service for all orders placed before our 1 PM cutoff. While we prioritise this service for all eligible orders, please note that delivery dates are estimated and cannot be strictly guaranteed. We strongly advise ordering in advance to account for potential transit delays and ensure your project timelines remain on track.

For projects requiring extended workability, Industrial Plasters’ Plaster Retarder (Trisodium Citrate) is an essential additive. Designed to be dissolved in water as a concentrate, it is added directly to your gauging water prior to mixing. This additive is particularly effective when managing large-scale casts or high-volume batches, providing the necessary time to ensure a flawless pour without the risk of a premature set.

To speed up your set times, you can use our Plaster Accelerator. This is a granular chemical to be mixed with the gauging water before adding it to plaster powder.  Because of the vast variation in setting times of our plasters, it is challenging to make a firm recommendation for dosage, however, it is a very strong-acting material, so it must be used sparingly.

Prestia Basic SH Alpha Plaster is the professional's choice plaster for preventing bowing. Comparable in performance to Herculite No.2 and Crystacal R Plaster, this plaster distinguishes itself with a significantly lower expansion rate and a controlled, slower setting time. While it is a staple in architectural moldings and precision modeling, its resistance to warping also makes it the ideal choice for casting perfectly flat plaster floor tiles within Film & TV industry productions, as well as other scenery construction casts.

To produce a lightweight plaster cast without compromising versatility, we recommend incorporating Vermiculite Lightweight Plaster Filler into your mix. This specialised mineral additive significantly reduces the overall density of the cast, making it ideal for large-scale or weight-sensitive applications. We supply Vermiculite in two distinct grades: Medium and Superfine (both stocked in 100ltr / 10kg bags). While the Medium grade offers the greatest weight reduction, the Superfine grade provides a balance between a lighter cast and higher structural strength.

Alternatively, we also stock G400E Perlite MicroSphere Lightweight Filler. This is a superior (but more expensive), naturally expanded perlite mineral composed of fine hollow particles. It is white and extremely lightweight, making it an ideal filler for use in plasters and resins to reduce the weight of casts.

These plasters are ideal for general fibrous / decorative work, where a pure white finish is required:

• Prestia Normal Plus Plaster (Siniat)
• Herculite No. 2 Plaster (Formula)
• Crystacal R Plaster (Formula)
• Flasking Plaster (Formula)
• Prestia Creation Plaster (Siniat)
• Prestia Basic SH Alpha Plaster (Siniat)
• Prestia Expression Plaster (Siniat)

Please visit the relevant product pages for the relevant product specifications.

Prestia Classic Plaster is an excellent choice for sculptural work that requires hand-carving. It offers a fine consistency that captures detail very well without reaching the impenetrable density of harder plasters. While higher-strength plasters may offer a finer grain, they are too difficult to carve into. Prestia Classic strikes the right balance between surface refinement and ease of tooling.

A good polymer plaster would be Crystacal G Plaster (formerly known as Crystacal Lamina). This is a high-performance polymer-modified plaster. By incorporating a dry acrylic polymer directly into the powder, it offers the convenience of a standard 'water-only' mix while achieving significantly higher mechanical strength than traditional plasters. It is the ideal solution for projects requiring maximum durability without the need for liquid additives.

For providing a durable, high-strength shell over plaster bandages like our Mod-Roc, we recommend Crystacal G Plaster (formerly known as Crystacal Lamina) or Crystacast Plaster. While both offer an exceptionally hard surface, Crystacal G is the preferred choice for professionals in the Film & TV industry. Its slower setting time is ideal for large-scale scenic construction and intricate prop-making, allowing art departments more time to refine textures and blend surfaces across complex set pieces."

Once your plaster casts are installed, stopping-in and making good are the essential final stages in achieving a seamless, professional finish. Stopping-in involves filling the gaps between joined sections or concealing mechanical fixings with fresh plaster, while making good refers to the careful refinement of these repairs to ensure they blend perfectly with the original cast.

Our specialist tools are designed to make this process effortless: Joint Rules are indispensable for maintaining crisp, straight lines across mitered corners and cornice profiles, while our Oblong Busks provide the square edges necessary for smoothing flat surfaces and broad transitions. For more intricate or organic work, our Kidney Busks feature rounded edges that are ideal for contouring curved mouldings and ceiling roses. By using these tools in tandem, you can accurately replicate the profile of your plasterwork and ensure that all joints and repairs are entirely invisible once dry.

To produce a professional, glass-smooth surface on your plaster, we recommend using Soft Soap Plaster Release (also known as "mould-makers' size"). While primarily used as a release agent between plaster layers in pottery and ceramics, its application process is specifically designed to create a perfectly smooth, non-stick interface.

To achieve the best results, you should prepare the soap by mixing it with 50% boiling water and allowing it to cool. This thinned "size" is then applied to the plaster surface in three gentle coats using a brush or sponge. After each application, it is essential to remove any excess soap and allow the layer to dry. This layering process builds up a smooth, waxy finish that fills the microscopic pores of the plaster, ensuring your final cast has a superior surface quality.

Because it is a non-hazardous composition of potassium soap and vegetable oil, it is safe to handle and won't affect the integrity of your plaster.

Coving adhesive, often referred to as adhesive plaster, is a specialised gypsum-based compound designed specifically for the permanent installation of decorative plasterwork. Unlike standard multi-finish plaster, these adhesives are formulated with a high-strength "alpha" gypsum base and chemical additives that provide an immediate, high-tack "grab."

Here is why it is essential for installing architectural casts like cornices, corbels, and ceiling roses:

1. Superior Initial "Grab"

Plaster casts, particularly large cornices and corbels, can be heavy and awkward to hold in place. Coving adhesive is engineered to be "sticky" the moment it contacts the substrate. This high initial suction helps the cast stay in position while the mechanical fixings (screws or nails) are being secured, preventing the piece from sliding or sagging.

2. Matching Material Properties

Because the adhesive is gypsum-based, it shares the same expansion and contraction rates as the plaster cast itself. This is critical for long-term durability; if you were to use a different material—such as a modern silicone or solvent-based grab adhesive—the materials would move at different rates during temperature changes, eventually causing the joints to crack or the bond to fail.

3. Dual-Purpose Filling (Stopping-In)

Coving adhesive is not just glue; it is also a finishing material. Because it sets hard and can be sanded or sponged, it is used to "stop-in" (fill) the mitres, joints, and screw holes. This ensures that the adhesive used to fix the cast is the exact same texture and colour as the material used to hide the joins, resulting in a seamless, monolithic appearance once painted.

4. Structural Integrity & Gap Filling

Rarely are walls and ceilings perfectly flat. Coving adhesive has a thick, workable consistency that allows it to act as a structural bridge, filling the uneven gaps between the back of the plaster cast and the masonry or plasterboard. Once cured, it creates a rock-solid, continuous bond that reinforces the mechanical fixings.

Tip: While coving adhesives are incredibly strong, it should never be used alone for heavy plasterwork. For safety, always use a combination of adhesive and mechanical fixings (screws or galvanised nails) to ensure the weight of the cast is fully supported.

We offer three high-performance adhesives tailored to different project scales and installation speeds, each providing the outstanding initial "grab" and contact adhesion required for decorative plasterwork.

For standard installations, Prestia CS Cove Adhesive is a versatile choice that balances reliable strength with a moderate working window, making it ideal for typical coving and ceiling rose applications. If your project involves more complex layouts or larger volumes that require a significantly extended time frame, Prestia CA120 Cove Adhesive offers the longest "pot life" of the range, allowing for a much more relaxed pace when filling and "making good." Sitting comfortably between the two is Herculite Fibrefix Cove Adhesive, which provides a mid-range working duration for those who need more time than the standard CS but wish to move faster than the CA120 allows.

Please consider the specifications of each of these coving adhesives so that you can decide which will work best with your project.

Regardless of which adhesive you choose for its setting characteristics, we always advise using mechanical fixings alongside the adhesive to ensure a permanent, secure installation. For this, we stock BZP Drywall Screws available in a wide range of sizes.

In traditional decorative plasterwork, to ensure the structural integrity of a plaster cast, the use of Jute Scrim and Timber Laths is essential for transforming brittle gypsum into a durable, resilient material. While plaster is incredibly strong in compression, it is naturally weak in tension and prone to cracking under its own weight or through environmental movement.

Jute Scrim acts as a high-tensile mesh that binds the plaster together, preventing "clean" breaks and containing any hairline fractures, while Timber Laths provide a rigid internal skeleton that prevents warping and provides essential support for larger architectural pieces.

By incorporating these traditional reinforcements, you create a "fibrous" cast that is not only significantly lighter than a solid pour but also tough enough to withstand the rigors of transport, installation, and decades of use without failure.

To ensure a professional and long-lasting finish, the best way to reinforce a cornice, ceiling rose, or architectural cast is to incorporate a combination of Jute Scrim and Timber Laths during the casting process. This fibrous technique transforms the plaster from a brittle material into a reinforced composite capable of spanning large distances and supporting its own weight.

1. Strengthening with Jute Scrim

Commonly referred to as hessian or canvas, Jute Scrim is an open-weave mesh that acts as the primary reinforcement for the plaster surface. By "scrimming" the back of a cast (layering) the jute between coats of plaster, you create a high-tensile bond that prevents the material from cracking or snapping. In the event of building movement, the scrim holds the gypsum together, ensuring that even if a hairline crack appears, the cast remains structurally sound.

2. Rigidity with Timber Laths

For larger cornices or long lengths of moulding, Timber Laths are essential for providing a rigid internal skeleton. These laths are embedded into the wet plaster along the "bed" and "wall" edges of the cast. Not only do they prevent the cornice from warping or twisting as the plaster cures, but they also provide a solid, secure point for installers to drill through when fixing the piece to a wall or ceiling.

3. The Combined Process

The most effective method involves a "sandwich" technique:

• An initial face coat of plaster is poured into the mould to capture detail.
• A layer of Jute Scrim is laid into a second "backing" coat, ensuring the fibers are fully saturated.
• The Timber Laths are then bedded into the plaster to provide longitudinal strength.
• A final "second-scrim" is often applied over the laths to lock the entire structure together.

By using these materials in tandem, you produce a cast that is significantly lighter than a solid pour, yet exceptionally durable and resistant to breakage during transport and installation.

To produce a high-quality GRG (Glass-Reinforced Gypsum) cast, the most effective reinforcement is Unifilo U816 Continuous Filament Mat (CFM).

Unlike traditional chopped strand mats, Unifilo is engineered with long, continuous glass fibers that provide vastly superior mechanical strength and structural integrity when embedded in plaster.

Why Unifilo U816 is the Professional Choice for GRG:

• Superior Mechanical Properties: Because the strands are continuous rather than short and fragmented, the resulting cast has much higher impact resistance and tensile strength. This allows for the production of thin, lightweight panels that remain exceptionally rigid.
  
• Ease of Use: Unifilo is designed to "wet out" quickly and evenly. This means the plaster fully saturates the multi-layered fibers, eliminating air pockets and ensuring a consistent, solid bond throughout the cast.
  
• Enhanced Durability: It combines the strength of traditional E-glass with the acid corrosion resistance of E-CR glass, making it highly stable. Additionally, its use in GRG work contributes to the fire resistance required for architectural installations.
  
• Versatile Application: While perfect for hand-layup plasterwork, its binder system also makes it compatible with various resin systems and advanced moulding processes like RTM and infusion.

By using Unifilo U816, you can achieve a professional-grade GRG finish that is significantly stronger and more durable than those made with standard reinforcements, making it the industry-standard choice for complex architectural shapes and high-traffic environments.

Please note: This product is priced on application (POA), meaning although we keep good stock levels, customers may only order it via email or telephone. Please email sales@industrialplasters.com to enquire about pricing for this product, or call us on +44 (0) 1380 850616.

For reinforcing small, intricate plaster casts where heavy-duty materials might be too bulky, the ideal approach is to use a combination of 3" Cotton Scrim and Sisal Fibre Reinforcement. These materials allow you to add significant structural strength without losing the fine detail of the moulding.

1. 3" Cotton Scrim: The Lightweight Choice

Our 3" Cotton Scrim is a lightweight, more delicate alternative to traditional Jute Scrim. Its thinner profile and narrower width make it much easier to manipulate around tight curves, deep undercuts, and small-scale details. It provides the necessary tensile strength to prevent the cast from snapping, but stays "flush" against the surface, ensuring that the reinforcement doesn't bulk out the back of a small piece.

2. Sisal Fibre for Strategic Strength

To complement the scrim, Sisal Fibres are excellent for reinforcing specific "weak spots" like thin stems, delicate limbs, or narrow sections of a cast. These loose, natural fibers can be teased out, dipped in plaster, and "laid in" to act as targeted internal ribbing. Because sisal is flexible and versatile, it can be tucked into the smallest crevices where a sheet of mesh might not reach.

Shellac Sealers are natural, resin-based liquids made from the secretions of the Lac Bug, typically dissolved in industrial methylated spirits. In the world of fibrous plastering and casting, it has been used for centuries as a "barrier coat" to prime the surface of a plaster model or mould. Once applied, it creates a non-porous, glossy film that prevents the plaster from absorbing moisture or sticking to the materials placed on top of it.

Shellac has remained the industry standard for generations for several key reasons:

• Rapid Drying & Sealing: Because the alcohol carrier evaporates quickly, shellac allows craftsmen to seal a porous plaster surface in minutes. This speed is essential in a professional workshop environment where multiple layers of release agents might need to be applied in a single day.
  
  
• Perfect Adhesion: Unlike many modern synthetic sealers, shellac bonds exceptionally well to the damp, alkaline environment of fresh gypsum plaster. It penetrates the surface slightly rather than just sitting on top, ensuring the sealer doesn't "peel" away during the moulding process.
  
  
• The Traditional "Three-Coat" System: For decades, the gold standard for preparing a plaster model has been a coat of shellac followed by a release agent (like Tallow or Miracle Gloss Mould Release Wax). This tradition persists because it provides a reliable, glass-like finish that preserves every fine detail of the original carve without a chemical reaction between the plaster and the moulding rubber.
  
  
• Natural Compatibility: As a natural resin, it is chemically stable and doesn't interfere with the setting of subsequent plaster layers. This predictability is why it remains a staple in the kits of traditional ornamental plasterers and film-industry sculptors alike.

By using Shellac Sealer, you are utilising a time-tested method that ensures your moulds pull cleanly, your details remain crisp, and your plaster surfaces are perfectly prepped for finishing or painting.

1. Traditional Brown Shellac Sealer (Industrial Plasters' own blend)

Our most cost-effective option, this sealer is blended in-house and specifically tested for optimum performance. It is designed to be used straight from the bottle (no dilution required) to seal plaster casts effectively before taking moulds from them. Its amber tint provides a helpful visual guide to ensure you’ve achieved total coverage.

2. Jenkins™ Transparent Shellac Sealer (Premium Option)

For those requiring a professional-grade finish, we stock the premium sealer from WS Jenkins, a name synonymous with quality. The standout benefit of this sealer is its ability to be used on damp plaster while still providing a durable, long-lasting coat. For the best results, it should be applied neat in three layers, though it can be diluted with methylated spirits if a thinner consistency is needed.

3. Clear Shellac Sealer (Specialist clear option)

This specialist option is a colorless, transparent sealer made from the finest quality pale dewaxed shellac. It is essentially a traditional French Polish, making it the perfect choice for the most delicate work or when you need to seal an item without altering its original color.

Shellac Varnish:
In addition to our sealers, we also supply Pure Shellac Varnish. This is a robust, high-gloss coating primarily used to seal plaster benches or running moulds. It provides an exceptionally smooth, hard-wearing surface that allows for the repeated "running" of templates and zinc horses without the plaster substrate absorbing moisture or wearing down prematurely.

Yes, you can! Making your own shellac sealer is a great way to control the "cut" (the thickness) of the sealer to suit the specific porosity of your plaster. While our pre-mixed options are convenient, many traditional craftsmen prefer mixing their own using Shellac Flakes and Clear Methylated Spirits.

Please note: Due to changes in UK law, we cannot sell Methylated Spirits without a valid licence. Please visit the product page for more details.

Fibrocem™ is an excellent casting material that can be used outdoors. It is a high-performance, cementitious material specifically engineered for the creation of durable exterior embellishments that require both exceptional strength and fine architectural definition.

Unlike standard interior plasters, Fibrocem™ is alkali-resistant and cures to a classic pale Portland Stone finish, making it the ideal choice for outdoor features exposed to the elements. The system is designed for a rapid turnaround, featuring a Pre-Coat grade to capture smooth, fiber-free surface detail and a Casting grade reinforced with fibers for structural integrity. For larger projects requiring a more relaxed pace, the Normal Backing Render offers a slower setting time.

Being very user-friendly, the material simply requires the addition of water to be cast into most moulds; however, it is a professional tip to "knock up" the dry powder or crush any compaction lumps by hand before mixing to ensure a perfectly smooth consistency. This versatile system allows for the production of tough, weather-resistant casts with a demould time as short as a few hours, providing a highly time-efficient solution for exterior decorative work.

Yes, we stock Ciment Fondu® (Grey, High Alumina), which is an exceptional fast-setting cement ideal for both casting and sculpting. It is particularly popular within the Film and TV industry because its rapid set times allow for a quick turnaround on sets and props, enabling tight production schedules to stay on track.

While it is known for its quick strength gain, it provides a working time of approximately 2 hours, giving sculptors and makers ample time to pour, manipulate, or refine their work before the hardening process accelerates.

Beyond its speed, Ciment Fondu® is highly valued for the following reasons:

• Extreme Durability: It is incredibly hard, tough, and durable, making it suitable for large-scale outdoor projects and decorative wall surfaces.
  
  
• Superb Detail: Despite its strength, it captures fine details beautifully, which is why it has become a staple for sculptors and scenic artists.
  
  
• Versatile Design: When combined with proper reinforcement, it allows for great freedom of design, allowing creators to produce massive concrete works that are both weather-resistant and structurally sound.
  
  
• Cost-Effective: It serves as a practical and affordable alternative to natural stone for many types of architectural and decorative work.
  

Whether you are building a temporary film set or a permanent outdoor installation, Ciment Fondu® provides the rapid hardening and high-strength performance required for demanding projects.

To build a high-performance pizza oven that can withstand temperatures exceeding 1000°C, it is critical to use refractory materials rather than standard building cement, which will crack under intense heat.

The two essential components we stock for these projects. These are Ciment Fondu® and Firebrick Grog.

1. Ciment Fondu® (High Alumina Cement)

Standard Portland cement begins to break down and lose its structural integrity at high temperatures. In contrast, Ciment Fondu is a calcium aluminate hydraulic binder designed specifically for extreme heat resistance and thermal shock. It provides a quick-setting, high-strength bond that is ideal for casting the dome or creating the refractory mortar for your oven.

2. Firebrick Grog (Refractory Aggregate)

Instead of using ordinary sand or gravel as an aggregate—which can expand and cause the cement to explode or crack—you should use Firebrick Grog. Grog is essentially crushed firebrick that has already been fired to extreme temperatures. When mixed with Ciment Fondu®, it creates a "castable refractory" concrete that is incredibly stable, retains heat efficiently, and is specifically designed for "hot-face" applications like the interior of a pizza oven.

As a guide, the yield (or coverage) of 1kg of Silicone is 1290 cm2 at 6mm deep.

ArtTV® Silicone and Silastic™ 3481 are our top-selling liquid RTV silicones. Both systems offer a range of catalyst speeds, giving you full control over your working and set times depending on the scale of your project.

• ArtTV® Silicone: Our own brand and a UK best-seller. It is a high-quality, versatile silicone designed for general-purpose mould-making where you need professional results without the premium price tag.
  
  
• Silastic™ 3481 Silicone: This is the gold standard for high-strength moulds, and is widely used within the fibrous plastering industry, as well as the Film & TV industry for crafting high-definition reproductions.
  
  It features exceptional tear resistance and flexibility, making it the best option for complex shapes with deep undercuts or for moulds that need to be reused many times with aggressive casting materials.
  

Durasil® Silicone Putty (For instant moulds):

If you need to take an impression of an object or architectural enrichment exactly where it is (in-situ), Durasil® Silicone Putty Kits are the ideal solution. This Part A + B system is applied by hand and is perfect for "squeeze moulds" where a liquid silicone would simply run off the surface.

Yes, we stock an excellent option that fits this requirement. Our own-branded ArtTV® Silicone is specifically designed to be an economical, high-quality alternative to premium brands while remaining incredibly reliable for professional use.

ArtTV Silicone is a high-strength RTV moulding compound that has become a top choice in the fibrous plastering industry

Easy Manual Mixing:
Designed to be mixed easily by hand, it features a green catalyst that provides a visual aid to ensure your mix is completely uniform.

No Vacuum Required:
Thanks to its low viscosity and high flowability, it can be used successfully without a vacuum chamber, making it accessible for any workshop setup.

Versatile Application:
While it flows well for pour-moulds, it can also be thickened with Silastic™ Thixo Additive if you need to create "skin" moulds or take impressions in-situ on site.

Key Specifications:

• Choice of Catalyst Speeds: You can choose from a range of catalyst speeds, giving you full control over your set times to suit the scale of your project.
  
• 20 Shore A Hardness: A medium hardness that offers the perfect balance between flexibility and support.
  
• High Tear Resistance & Elasticity: Ensures that complex replica parts can be removed easily without damaging the mould.

While the majority of the condensation-cure RTV silicones we stock offer excellent dimensional stability with a very low shrinkage rate (typically ranging between 0.2% and 0.5%), certain precision projects require even tighter tolerances.

To achieve virtually zero shrinkage, we recommend switching from a standard condensation-cure system to a platinum-cure (addition-cure) silicone. For these high-spec applications, we supply Silastic™ S (4250 Base + Cure). Unlike standard silicones, platinum-cure systems do not produce by-products during the curing process, ensuring that the final mould is an exact, 1:1 dimensional match of your original model with no measurable contraction over time.

Please Note: We do not stock Silastic™ S on-hand as a regular line item; however, we can source it for you easily with a typical lead time of approximately 3 working days. Simply contact us to order.

The primary difference between condensation-cure and platinum-cure silicones lies in their chemistry, how they react to their environment, and their level of dimensional stability.

1. Condensation-Cure Silicone (Tin-Cure)

This is the most common type of silicone used in general mould-making and fibrous plasterwork. It cures by reacting with moisture in the air and releasing a tiny amount of alcohol as a by-product.

• Examples: Our ArtTV® Silicone and Silastic™ 3481 Silicone.
  
  
• Key Characteristics: These are generally more economical and very "forgiving." They are resistant to "inhibition," meaning they will cure against almost any surface (plaster, wood, or clay) without a problem.
  
  
• Shrinkage: Because they release a by-product during curing, they typically experience a small amount of shrinkage—usually between 0.2% and 0.5%.

2. Platinum-Cure Silicone (Addition-Cure)

Platinum-cure silicones use a different chemical reaction where the two parts cross-link with no by-products. This makes them the superior choice for high-precision engineering or architectural work.

Example: Silastic™ S (4250 Base + Cure).

Key Characteristics: These offer the best long-term stability and virtually zero shrinkage. They are also highly resistant to chemicals, making them ideal for casting aggressive resins.

Sensitivity: They are more sensitive than condensation-cure types; certain materials like sulfur-based clays, latex, or even some 3D-printed resins can "inhibit" the cure, leaving the silicone tacky.

If you need to take an impression of an object or architectural enrichment exactly where it is (in-situ), Durasil Silicone Putty Kits are an ideal, cost-effective solution. This Part A + B system is applied by hand and is perfect for "squeeze moulds" where a liquid silicone would simply run off the surface.

For projects requiring even higher precision and durability, we also offer Durasil® Z40 Silicone Paste as a premium alternative. While it comes at a higher price point, Durasil® Z40 offers several professional advantages:

• Superior Detail: Unlike the thicker putty, Z40 is a high-viscosity paste that "wets out" the surface more effectively, capturing much finer surface textures and intricate details.
  
  
• Thixotropic Stability: It is specifically engineered to stay exactly where it is applied on vertical or overhead surfaces without sagging, yet it is easier to spread than a dense putty.
  
  
• High Strength: It provides greater tear resistance and longevity, making it the better choice for complex enrichments where the mould will be used for multiple production casts.

Yes. While our silicone catalysts are typically pigmented to act as a visual mixing guide, we can certainly provide unpigmented (clear) catalyst upon request.

Simply contact us and we will handle it from there.

Our Dental-Grade Lifecasting Alginate is the industry standard for capturing biological detail, making it the ideal choice for casting hands, feet, and other body parts. Because it is formulated to the same rigorous standards as dental impression materials, it offers several key advantages for lifecasting:

• Exceptional Detail: It captures every microscopic detail, from the fine lines of a palm to the unique texture of fingerprints, ensuring a hyper-realistic final cast.
  
  
• Rapid Set Time: Designed for comfort and efficiency, it sets quickly (usually within a few minutes). This is crucial when casting children or pets, as it minimizes the time the subject needs to remain perfectly still.
  
  
• Skin Safety: As a dental-grade product, it is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, making it perfectly safe for direct skin contact.
  
  
• Easy Release: The material creates a flexible, "rubbery" mould that allows hands or feet to be withdrawn easily without damaging the delicate impression or causing discomfort to the subject.

You can easily adjust the flexibility of your RTV silicones by using our Silicone Fluid, a versatile additive designed to soften the cured rubber and lower its viscosity. Adding just 5% by weight will typically reduce the Shore A hardness by approximately 3 points, while higher additions (up to 25%) can produce an extremely soft, spongy, and flexible silicone.

When selecting a release agent for silicone mould-making, the choice depends on whether you are releasing the silicone from your original model or releasing a cast material from a finished mould.

For the initial mould-making stage, Macwax Spray Release Agent is a high-quality, wax-based spray widely considered the best choice for silicone. It is incredibly easy to use, long-lasting, and residue-free, ensuring a smooth mould release process and reliable results every time.

Alternatively, if you are casting polyurethane rubbers or other rigid materials into your finished moulds, Marbo Super S Silicone Release Agent is the ideal silicone-based spray. It is designed to create a thin, even coat that effectively reduces sticking issues without leaving behind a heavy residue or compromising the material integrity of your final cast.

To transform your liquid silicone into a brushable paste, you should use Silastic™ Thixo Additive. This specialised thickener is designed to increase the viscosity of the silicone, preventing it from running off surfaces and making it ideal for creating "skin" moulds or working on vertical and in-situ (on-site) applications.

This additive is fully compatible with our ArtTV® Silicone as well as the wider Silastic™ range. For the best results, you should first catalyse your silicone and then add the Thixo Additive. A minimum addition of 2–3% by weight of the catalysed silicone is usually sufficient to achieve a paste-like consistency, but you can simply add more to suit your specific requirements if a thicker, non-slump mix is needed for heavy architectural details.

To create a successful two-piece silicone mould, you need a release agent that prevents the second pour of silicone from bonding to the first.

For the most professional results, Macwax Spray Release is the ideal choice; it is a high-quality wax spray that is easy to apply, residue-free, and ensures a clean separation between the two halves of the mould.

Alternatively, you can use Miracle Gloss Wax Release Agent, a premium paste wax that provides a reliable, high-gloss barrier when buffed onto the seam of the first silicone half. If you are looking for a simple, cost-effective workshop staple, Petroleum Jelly also works well as a "bond breaker" when applied in a thin, even layer over the cured silicone flange before pouring the second part.

For creating a precise barrier or "fence" within a flood mould, we recommend using Brass Shim. This is a versatile and professional solution for dividing sections of a mould or creating a clean perimeter to contain liquid silicone.

Because it is thin yet rigid, Brass Shim can be easily cut to size and manipulated to follow the contours of your model. It is particularly effective for creating the "parting line" in two-piece moulds; by inserting the shim directly into the clay or around the model, you create a sturdy, thin wall that the silicone can be poured against. Once the first half of the mould has cured, the shim can be removed, leaving a crisp, clean edge for the second pour to register against.

Yes, silicone will stick to silicone, but it is important to understand that the repair will typically be a structural weak point compared to the original mould. For a successful bond, the existing silicone must be completely clean and free of any dust, grease, or release agents. We recommend cleaning the area thoroughly with a solvent such as Acetone or White Spirit before applying the new material.

The strength of the repair depends largely on the surface area of the bond; new silicone adheres much more effectively when applied layer-on-layer (flat skin on flat skin) rather than end-to-end (joining two thin edges together). If you are repairing a tear, try to "patch" the area by overlapping the new silicone onto the surrounding surface to provide better reinforcement.

For releasing silicone from a plaster model, the most effective choice from our range is Petroleum Jelly. This versatile paste is an essential tool for ensuring a smooth separation between these two materials. It can be applied directly with a cloth or brush; for a thinner, more liquid consistency that is easier to spread over complex textures, it can also be mixed with a small amount of White Spirit.

Alternatively, we offer specialised wax-based solutions for professional results. Macwax Spray Release Agent is a high-quality aerosol that effectively seals the porous surface of the plaster while providing an easy, residue-free release.

For high-precision projects where a glossy finish is required, Miracle Gloss Mould Release Wax can be buffed onto the plaster to create a reliable and durable barrier.

To achieve a professional antique finish with resin, the most effective method is a technique known as "cold casting." This involves incorporating Metal Powders directly into your resin mix to create a surface that looks, feels, and even reacts like solid metal.

By mixing a high concentration of Metal Powder (such as Bronze, Copper, or Brass) into the initial "face coat" of your resin, the final casting will have a genuine metallic outer skin. Once the resin has cured and is removed from the mould, you can lightly buff the surface with fine steel wool to reveal the true metallic lustre.

To create an authentic, "aged" appearance, you can then apply our Antique Black Powder. This specialized pigment is used to accentuate the recessed areas of your casting:

• Application: Apply the Antique Black Powder over the buffed metallic surface, ensuring it settles into the fine details and crevices.
  
  
• Wiping Back: Gently wipe away the powder from the "high" points of the casting with a soft cloth.
  
  
• The Result: The black powder remains in the deep details, mimicking years of natural oxidation and patina, while the high points remain bright and metallic, giving the piece a convincing antique depth.

For high-quality panel construction, the best reinforcement material is our Quadaxial Fabric. Unlike standard chopped strand mats, this glass reinforcement is specifically tailor-made for laminates where strength and weight are critical factors.

Constructed like a complex lace, Quadaxial Fabric features continuous glass strands laid out in four distinct axes. These layers are stitched together using Nomex®, a fireproof material that enhances the fabric's overall safety and fire resistance. This quadaxial/multiaxial structure ensures the finished panel is incredibly strong and rigid whilst remaining remarkably light.

For producing high-quality GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) laminates, Fibreglass Mats, (also commonly known as Chopped Strand Mat or CSM) are the industry standard. These mats are composed of chopped glass-fibre strands and are specifically designed to reinforce polyester resin, providing the structural integrity needed for durable moulds, models, and panels.

When reinforcing small resin objects or filling intricate details, Fibreglass Chopped Strands are the most effective solution. Unlike large fabric sheets, these strands consist of short, loose glass fibres that can be mixed directly into your resin to create a high-strength "bulk" or "dough."

Because the strands are loose, they allow the resin to remain pourable while providing a multidirectional internal skeleton for the object, ensuring it is reinforced throughout its entire volume.

To effectively remove multiple layers of paint from a plaster mould without damaging the delicate details, we recommend our Peelaway 1 Paint Remover. This is a water-based alkaline paste specifically designed for restoration projects involving intricate, carved, and moulded surfaces.

Peelaway 1 is particularly effective at removing older oil-based and lead-based paints. Because it uses a poultice system, it keeps the paint moist and traps toxic lead particles, preventing them from becoming airborne.

To keep your workbenches clean and prevent plaster from bonding to the surface, the traditional and most effective method is to use Tallow. This creates a natural, sacrificial barrier that allows set plaster to be easily scraped away without damaging the bench.