Our plasters are derived from gypsum, one of the earth’s most versatile minerals. From mines in Nottinghamshire high purity gypsum is taken, heated to drive off the chemically combined water (a process known as calcination). The resulting fine powder is known as plaster. When plaster is mixed with the appropriate volume of water, it “recovers” the water it possessed prior to calcination and “sets” to an inert and solid mass of substantially the same composition as the original mineral.
There are two principal types of plaster; the first is “beta” plaster. 4001 Fine Casting Plaster is an example. The second type is “alpha” plaster. This requires less water than beta plaster for a pourable mix and provides superior strength and reproduction of detail. 4052 Herculite Stone is an example.
Artists and craftsmen have used gypsum plaster for many centuries. The Egyptians, the ancient Greeks and Renaissance Italian artists all used plaster.
Today’s artist or craftsman is demanding more from plaster than ever before. Casting plasters can be used to produce articles, which, although made in quantity, retain an excellent design standard together with aesthetic appeal. As merchants for British Gypsum’s Industrial Plasters we offer a range of plasters from stock for use by specialised makers of giftware or ancillary building products as well as the hobbyist.
Our specialist plasters are predominately white but can have pink or grey shading. They may contain small quantities of non-gypsum material. Colour consistency cannot be relied upon.
The listed products are not suitable for use in external applications or in areas subject to damp or continuously damp or humid conditions. They are also not suitable for use in locations where the temperature exceeds 43°C (110°F). Time and conditions in storage will affect the physical properties of gypsum plasters.
We divide our plaster into three groups:
DISPLAY PLASTERS
These are the type of plasters that are used for the finished item. From fridge magnets to wall hangings, from figurines to decorative columns, ceiling roses, fire surrounds etc all will be made from plasters within this group.
CASTING PLASTERS
This group contains the plasters used by the ceramicist or mould maker. In this group feature plasters for block and case making to the working moulds.
DENTAL PLASTERS
This is a small group of specialist plasters used by the dental profession or prosthesis manufacturer. Often plasters are used outside of their intended range. Dental Plaster is an example of this. Over the years this particular plaster has been used by many craft workers.
