NEWSLETTER: JULY 14, 2009

First a word about Frank Colson: Frank Colson initiated research, construction, and development in the field of kiln building and sculpture casting more than 3 decades ago! He published a book by Prentice Hall in 1975: “Kiln Building with Space Age Materials” which became the definitive source of information on the use of “Ceramic Fibers” in kiln construction today! For an in-depth study on Frank Colson, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Frank_Colson
 

Mission Statement

It will be the endeavor of these Newsletters to provide:

1. A synopsis of new eBooks under the website name of R2D2u.net. These will be in addition to the 20 some eBooks already available on subjects such as “Hand Made Tiles”, “Ceramic Shell Casting”, and other e-manuals currently proven successful publications.

2. Offer internet links to “free” information on “how to” make raku tongs for less than $l0.00, “kiln firing techniques for both updrafts and down-draft kilns, as well as numerous other related subjects.

3. “Tip of the Day” provide technical tips on a wide variety of applications related to the making of clay and sculpture forms.

4. Application for becoming an Affiliate for Colson eBooks providing a residual income to the subscriber. Only available through this Newsletter.

This Newsletter Publication provides techniques on How To Mix Plaster, a sub portion of a yet to publish eBook: ARCHITECTURAL TILES. Note that access to video clips on this subject will greatly help to enhance the understanding and success for mixing plaster.

MIXING PLASTER
There are several methods taught in the preparation of mixing plaster. One of the most common is to use a water to plaster ratio to assure good strength during the setting up process. However, the following method for mixing plaster has proven itself over and over again, for both small, as well as large pieces.

1. Place water into a plastic or non porous pail.

Do not fill more than half.

2. Sprinkle powdered plaster onto the water surface continuously until it will not longer sink below the surface. Allow a small buildup of the material to peak above the water’s surface. This will assure you that you have a proper ratio of water and plaster.

3. Allow the mixture to sit without stirring for

at least 1 to 3 minuets.

4. Stir the plaster, either with a spatula, or with your hand.

In either case, stir from the bottom of the pail,

up in a circular fashion.

5. Allow the this entropic action to begin. This means allowing the plaster to thicken. In warm weather and warm water, this might take eight to twelve minutes. In cold weather, and cold water,

it could take longer.

When the plaster has thickened to the point that you can draw your finger across the surface mixture, leaving a slight line indenture, you are ready to pour the plaster into your pre-prepared mold.

SOME IMPORTANT TIPS:
1. It is often helpful to use a drop of two of wetting agent in the water homogeneous and help to prevent making air bubbles in the mix. A universal wetting agent is liquid dish detergent. Only a few drops will do the job
2. Pounding on the table surface next to the pail of mixed plaster will often force air bubbles to rise to the top and disperse. Sometimes the effect can be the same as

pounding on a table surface.
3. To accelerate the setting up of plaster, use warm water for mixing, and to slow down the thickenscopic action,

use cold water.
 

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Colson art exhibitions and related topics.

http://www.frankcolson.com/

 e-mail: info@frankcolson.com

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