Mold Lime Plaster School Project

[myx]

Hello,

So as part of a semester project, I need to make plaster. I am a computer science student so I have absolutely no idea about the subject of plaster. I was wondering if someone can suggest what materials I need, where to get them, how to actually make it - is it as easy as just mixing some powder? If you have any books or reference materials that you can suggest, that'd be great. I've been reading online and can't seem to understand if I actually need to make the sand and lime mixture myself or if there's something already commercially available that I can use.

Basically, the goal of the project that I'm working on is to observe the cracks when plaster breaks (so yes, after I make it, I'm going to break it =) ). So I was thinking of making the plaster and molding it into say a 1cm thick rectangular shape. If you can let me know the process by which to do this (also, how long it would take to complete the process, including the drying), I would greatly appreciate it.

Also, can you mention the difference between regular plaster (if there is such a thing) and lime plaster?

Thanks!

Myx

 

[tree]

go to any hardware shop and buy a small bag of one coat plaster for about 2 quid. this will be sufficient for your needs. as far as hydaulic lime goes it'd harder to source and i don't think it comes in any less than 25kg bags...but yes you just mix it dry with sand, usually 3 : 1 to form a plaster and add horsehair for reinforcement.

 

[TonyM]

Flinnyman knows the formula for plaster, but it's secret.