How to dilute alabaster - features of the process

Alabaster

- This is gypsum powder. It has been known for many thousands of years and, depending on its composition, has been used for construction and decorative purposes. In general, it has an environmentally friendly composition, however, it is not widely used in medicine. Only in construction, making handicrafts, decorative jewelry, figurines.

Compared to its relative, gypsum, alabaster hardens faster. The assortment includes gypsum mixtures that have distinctive hardening times and water consumption for diluting the solution. But in general, this is approximately 5 minutes from the start of setting of the solution and from 10 to 30 minutes until final hardening.

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Alabaster g-4 from SGK

Application of alabaster

Due to the characteristics of the material, the range of applications of alabaster in construction is wide: it is relevant for the production of drywall, in demand by professional builders, and is also often used by private owners for minor repairs.

Correction of cosmetic defects in walls
, ceilings and plasterboard/gypsum board surfaces. Alabaster mixture is traditionally used to repair various chips, dents, cracks, etc.
Preparing surfaces for finishing
The alabaster mixture is excellent for puttingtying walls and partitions in rooms with normal humidity; it is used to prepare surfaces for all types of wallpaper, as well as decorative plaster. Some builders even use alabaster in bathrooms, under tiles, but in this case it is necessary that the material is completely hidden by the cladding and not in contact with water. This principle is also true for the kitchen, since alabaster absorbs moisture vapor.
Electrical installation work
Alabaster is an electrician's delight, a convenient material that allows you to quickly fix the cable in the wall without the risk of it moving while the mixture dries. In addition, many people use it when installing socket boxes, because... even if the plug is roughly pulled out of the socket, the structure, thanks to the hardness of alabaster, is guaranteed to remain in the wall, which sometimes more expensive and modern dry mixes cannot provide.
Interior design
. When decorating rooms with stucco, a specific problem often arises: cast gypsum elements have considerable weight and therefore must be firmly fixed to the base. This is especially true for ceilings. And alabaster in this case is an ideal option. It will also come to the rescue for masking and repairing small flaws in stucco molding and is indispensable for restoration work.

Alabaster - areas of its use in construction

Alabaster is a dry, fine-grained mixture that can be used for a large number of construction works. In most cases, the material is used to perform various construction tasks and to create many decorative objects. Alabaster also performs other functions:

used for sealing seams, cracks, holes and chips;
used for fixing cables in grooves when performing electrical installation work;
used for the manufacture of beacons and slopes;
used for puttying of enclosing structures.

Alabaster
In the case of the last two tasks, alabaster should be diluted together with cement mortar. Its use in its pure form for puttying and making structures is impractical, since this material hardens very quickly.

What is important to remember when diluting building gypsum

Construction gypsum shrinks when hardening, increasing its volume by up to one percent. The setting time for building gypsum of class A, B, C is two to five, six to twenty, twenty minutes. The compressive strength of building gypsum types varies and is measured in megapascals. Common types of gypsum - G-2, G-3, G-4, G-6, G-7 belong to class B and have an optimal setting time.

Mistakes when diluting building gypsum

Using hot water is the wrong step. Hot, warm water helps reduce the setting time of the gypsum mixture.

Neglect of safety rules. Gypsum is diluted using protective gloves. When plaster comes into contact with the skin, it does not cause allergies or burns, but it dries out the skin greatly, causing discomfort. Hardened plaster is difficult to “tear” away from the skin without damage. Using the wrong type of plaster. For interior finishing work, class B gypsum of grades G-2 - 7 is used. Properly prepared gypsum mortar from unsuitable grades will crack when setting.

Dilution of building gypsum is a simple process. Remember our tips and you will succeed!

Disadvantages of the material

Since diluting plaster for crafts is a simple process, it is worth considering certain disadvantages of the material. This will make working with it much easier. First of all, gypsum has low hygroscopicity and strength. Therefore, it is not recommended to use decorative elements made from this material in rooms with high humidity. In such situations, additional processing is required. For reliability, finished crafts should be covered with a layer of coating that protects them from moisture.

Before starting work, you should take into account the hygroscopicity of gypsum products. They absorb any coating well. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a layer of primer to the surface of the product. Only after this can you use a coating that protects against moisture.

Alabaster solution for various types of work, done correctly

To get good work results

, certain proportions should be observed when preparing the mixture. Otherwise, the mixture will either harden quickly or not dry at all. To avoid such situations, you must adhere to a proven recipe.

First, 0.5 liters of water is poured into a rubber container, and 1 kg of alabaster from a bag is gradually poured into it. The bag with the material is held with one hand, and the mixture is mixed with the other. When mixing, no powder should remain on the walls of the container. The result will be a homogeneous mass without lumps. It should not be stirred for too long to avoid loss of strength.

After 5 min. After cooking, the mass will thicken. It will take 20 to 30 minutes for the solution to completely harden. Taking this fact into account, you should take the amount of alabaster for kneading that can be used in 5, maximum 7 minutes. work performed. The prepared solution is used for covering formed cracks, fixing wires, and other minor work.

Applied to plaster

used for walls requires a slightly different preparation of the mixture. To begin with, the type of work to be done is determined. It is better to level the outer walls of buildings using cement mortar. The internal walls are covered with a mixture of lime. If you use alabaster for plaster, using it with lime is suitable for eliminating all kinds of errors on the walls: cracks, cracks.

A dry lime mixture is first prepared, to which water and alabaster substance are then added. Instead of containers, you can use the remainder of a rubber tire (another container) more than 10 cm in height. First, a certain amount of sand (1 part) is poured into it, then lime (5 parts). Next, use a spatula (construction mixer) to mix these substances until smooth.

Then add water, stirring the mixture until it reaches the consistency of rich sour cream. After this, they begin to make an alabaster “dough”, 1 part of which should account for 4 parts of the lime mixture. Next, the alabaster “dough” is poured into a container with lime. All components are mixed briefly but thoroughly. Having prepared the substance, they proceed directly to the construction work itself.

The first step is to “spray” the surface

, when a small amount of the mixture is taken with a construction shovel, it is thrown onto the surface of the wall with a sharp movement of the hand. Do this carefully so that the material does not splash the entire wall.

The next step is to apply primer using a wide spatula. The soil layer is leveled. A thin layer of plaster is placed on top. They cover the soil until it dries, using a roller (brush). When the plaster itself has dried, it is processed counterclockwise with a construction plastic trowel, using circular movements of the hand.

Having an idea of what alabaster is, its use when performing certain construction and repair work, you can get good results from its use

. You only need to know approximately how much alabaster powder is needed to complete a given amount of work, in addition, you should follow the recommended proportions when diluting it.

Maintaining proportions is an important factor

As for the proportions, they are prescribed by building codes and regulations. For example, according to SNIP they are expressed as follows: 650 ml of water or lime mortar should be consumed per 1 kg of dry mixture. To fasten the wire during electrical installation work, 500 ml of water is required per 1 kg. If it is necessary to obtain a liquid mixture of alabaster, then the proportion is 1:1.

Types of alabaster

Different types of alabaster, as a natural mineral for the production of building gypsum, are mined in many countries.

Thus, calcite alabaster is formed by flows of calcareous waters and sediments. It can have different, mostly greenish shades. It is destroyed when exposed to hydrochloric acid, unlike gypsum alabaster.

Gypsum alabaster serves as the main raw material for the production of gypsum. As a result of its processing at high temperatures in special devices, powder-like binder gypsum for construction is obtained. If it is ground more finely, the resulting powder can be used for molding operations. Specially purified raw materials are used to produce gypsum for medical purposes.

There are rare forms of alabaster. In Italy, China and the USA, in addition to white, pink and black alabaster is also mined. There is reddish and brown alabaster.

The setting time varies:

fast-hardening, which begins to harden after a couple of minutes and finally sets after a quarter of an hour
normal hardening with the onset of setting no earlier than six minutes and final hardening after half an hour
slow-hardening, which begins to set no earlier than twenty minutes

Most modern building gypsum powder is white. The most applicable gypsum in construction is the one marked G-5, G-6.

This alabaster is widely used for:

plastering work in dry rooms
preparation of putty and plaster mixtures according to special recipes
production of partition panels based on gypsum
dry plaster in sheet form
different types of plasterboard sheets
gypsum fiber and gypsum particle boards

This type of building gypsum is used where high strength characteristics of the material are not required. Due to the presence of a coarse-grained component, it has lower strength and greater porosity.

To meet the needs of industries that require high-strength molds for casting parts for various purposes and performing special work, it is necessary to choose alabaster, which is highly durable, marked from G-13 to G-25. This material complies with modern safety and construction standards.

The cost of quality alabaster

Ordinary building alabaster is considered a relatively inexpensive building material, which makes it extremely popular on the market. It is sold mainly in durable paper multilayer bags designed for 5-50 kg. One kilogram of ordinary building gypsum grade G-5 can cost an average of 5-15 rubles.

Alabaster, characterized by its high strength, is significantly superior to ordinary building gypsum. They are made from gypsum stone, both using traditional technologies and complex chemical and technological processes.

Therefore, such materials are indispensable for:

sealing of drilled wells in the oil and gas industry
production of ceramics and sculptures
production of decorative elements for construction projects
in medicine for the manufacture of orthopedic and dental prostheses
molding castings in jewelry making
high-strength forms for the needs of certain industries

Alabaster is a dry mixture, the main component of which is gypsum. Polymer additives provide its elasticity and adhesive properties. It is one of the popular building materials used for repairs, construction, and interior decoration.

Alabaster is sold in the form of a white powder, which is diluted with water. It differs from other similar materials in its fast hardening time; therefore, it has 12 varieties. Grades of alabaster are divided according to compression load and hardening time; they are designated by the letter G and a number. For example, G25 means that the hardened layer can withstand compression of 25 kg/cm2.

How is alabaster different from plaster?

Among the main differences between these substances it is worth highlighting:

Alabaster sets very quickly after mixing. Therefore, the substance can be used only after adding a certain number of additives during the preparation of the solution. They allow you to slow down the setting of alabaster.
Alabaster is a harder material than gypsum. This is not difficult to determine. All you have to do is touch the finished product.
Gypsum is a safer substance for humans than alabaster.

Concept, types, properties

It is called building alabaster or gypsum

, consisting of a dry mixture of components. Gypsum is considered the main substance among them. The elasticity of alabaster is provided by polymer components. This material is classified as non-flammable, environmentally friendly natural materials. It has excellent soundproofing properties and water resistance.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before you start working with a mixture prepared from alabaster powder, you should study the characteristics of the material used. The powder is inexpensive and is in deserved demand among buyers for its excellent technological performance. In general, building alabaster has the following properties:

dries quickly upon contact with water (sets in 5 minutes, completely hardens in 30 minutes), which makes the material indispensable when quick and high-quality surface finishing is needed;
preventing the appearance of cracks;
an even film is formed on the treated surface;
good fire-resistant properties (difficult to ignite);
high sound insulation.

This finishing material is light in weight and does not shrink during the hardening process. If the question arises as to whether alabaster is harmful to human health, then we can absolutely say that it is safe. The powder is predominantly white in color, but it also occurs in other colors: light gray, yellow, and sometimes it has greenish and pink shades.

What temperature can alabaster withstand?

It can withstand exposure to significant temperatures. Resists heat up to 700° without destruction. The destructive consequences of interaction with open fire will be visible after 6 hours.

Negative characteristics of the material include its insufficient strength and inability to withstand heavy loads. Due to the fact that alabaster can absorb water when hardening, it should not be used in particularly damp rooms. The frozen alabaster mixture does not like it when the air around is dry and hot, then the material will simply crumble due to loss of moisture reserves and a decrease in viscosity. Such disadvantages are eliminated by introducing various additives into the alabaster solution.

Features of the material

When working, you must remember the features inherent in this substance.

. In addition to the rapid hardening characteristic of it, it is capable of increasing in volume. A distinctive feature of this material is also that it does not stick to the surface of rubber products. It is even recommended to prepare a solution from it in a regular rubber ball. The material is stored in a dry place with humidity not exceeding 60%.

Currently, according to the speed of hardening, the material is divided into the following types:

with rapid hardening;
with normal hardening speed;
with slow hardening.

In the first case, the mixture used will begin to set a few minutes after its preparation, and after a quarter of an hour it will completely harden. The solution of the second type will begin to harden after preparation after 7 minutes, and will finally harden in 35 minutes. For the latter type of mixture, hardening begins after 20 minutes. from the moment of preparation, and the solution will finally harden after 40 minutes.

Gypsum and alabaster powder - what are the differences?

Often, novice builders are faced with a situation when a consultant in a store asks to clarify what exactly is required for the work - alabaster or gypsum powder. Many people believe that both of these terms have the same meaning, although in fact this is not the case. There are several factors in which both of these materials differ from each other.

Firstly, alabaster is one of the types of construction gypsum powder. The first can be used exclusively in construction, while the second has found application in medicine.

The second difference is that the alabaster “dough” is harder than the gypsum mixture. Therefore, the first material is often not used where the second is used.

The applied and dried gypsum mixture is much safer for humans. It does not emit vapors that alabaster can produce. In addition, gypsum coatings are less likely to develop fungus.

So what is alabaster?

This is really a “subspecies” of gypsum.
Like building gypsum, it is obtained from a natural mineral - gypsum stone, both of them are calcium sulfate, only the first is dihydrate (CaSO4•2H2O), and alabaster is semi-hydrous (CaSO4•0.5H2O) .
The mineral is crushed and then fired at a temperature of about 180C.

The grind of alabaster is finer than that of building gypsum, and therefore this material has less ductility, but greater hardness.

Also, its unique feature is the drying time - alabaster mortar sets on average in 5 minutes, that is, much faster than other building mixtures.

These properties narrow the range of applications of alabaster to construction and finishing works, while gypsum can be used in many industries, including medicine, jewelry, casting, art, etc.

Pros and cons of alabaster

This material has a number of remarkable advantages that make it unique:

The main one is fast setting, which allows you to quickly start work and ensure high productivity.
This is a fireproof, non-flammable material that prevents the spread of fire.
Excellent binding indicators.
Possibility of quickly reaching the strength declared by the manufacturer.
Made from natural raw materials, it is harmless to humans.
Low density provides excellent sound insulation properties and ease of machining.
Moisture-regulating abilities, which are expressed in the absorption of excess moisture and its release when the air in the room is excessively dry.

The disadvantages of ordinary alabaster include its relatively low strength, the need for special storage conditions for dry powder, and the need to prepare small portions of the solution due to rapid setting.

This time-tested, versatile and unique building material has good prospects for use in construction, industry and other areas.

It optimally combines aesthetics, affordable price, functionality and quality. Taking this into account, there is no real alternative to alabaster, either today or in the foreseeable future.

How to dilute the mixture correctly?

Liquid alabaster for construction, the use of which is required for leveling walls and partitions, is obtained by mixing 1 kg of the mixture and 1 liter of water. A viscous consistency is obtained if you take 1.5 kg per 1 liter of water. When installing electrical wiring and installing a distribution box, a thick solution is used. It is made by mixing 2 kg of mixture and 1 liter of water. For such work, choose the brand with the fastest hardening time.

If the solution in the container begins to harden, it should be thrown away and a new one should be mixed for work. It will not be possible to dilute it with water again, it hardens, and it is impossible to “rejuvenate” it.

A little about the technique of work

Plastering walls with this particular material is done to increase their sound and heat insulating properties. To do this, purchase a mixture with the longest hardening time, but the work still requires some skill. This plaster gives the surface evenness and smoothness. For the work, a wide spatula is used, onto which the mixture is applied with a spatula of a smaller width. The work is carried out from the bottom up according to the same rules as putty is applied, but much faster.

Due to its positive qualities, alabaster is widely used in the construction industry.

However, when using it, it is important to be careful, because after the dry powder comes into contact with water, it hardens very quickly. It is this property of alabaster that made it so popular

Therefore, it is used in cases where it is necessary to carry out work quickly and without loss of quality, for example, when laying wires. In this article we invite you to learn how to dilute alabaster.

This material has the following properties:

durability;
when applying the mixture, a smooth surface is formed;
strength;
waterproof;
resistance to cracks;
high degree of sound insulation.

Among the positive aspects of alabaster are the following:

Setting speed

For some jobs this is very important. Fire resistance. When hardened, it does not shrink. Not dangerous for the human body. Ability to withstand loads. Among the disadvantages are poor resistance to dry and humid air

In the absence of moisture, alabaster loses its technical properties and simply crumbles

Among the disadvantages is poor resistance to dry and humid air. In the absence of moisture, alabaster loses its technical properties and simply crumbles.

Unlike other solutions, such as putty, alabaster dries very quickly. For this reason, it is necessary to take a serious approach to the choice of utensils for kneading alabaster dough. Using a metal bowl or bucket is not recommended. In this case, it will be difficult for you to remove residues from their surface. Therefore, it is best to dilute the solution in a rubber or plastic container. Dried alabaster is removed by squeezing the container.

Alternatively, you can knead it in an old rubber ball. To do this, cut it and make a knead in the inside. You can also cut a plastic bottle (1.5 or 2 liters) lengthwise.

Construction alabaster is prepared in different proportions, in relation to water, based on the purpose of its use. So, if it is necessary to level walls or partitions, then the mixture is mixed 1:1. To install distribution boxes, a viscous mass is required - 2:1.

The kneading process itself boils down to adding the dry mixture to water, but not vice versa. The process of adding powder should be gradual. Otherwise, there is a risk that the entire mass will form a lump that cannot be broken. Alternatively, you can use a drill with a mixer attachment for stirring. In this case, you will be able to make a batch without a single lump.

The consistency of alabaster should resemble thick sour cream. For all components of the mixture to react, it is enough to wait half a minute. After this, you can cover the cracks or perform other actions. All work must be carried out quickly and at the same time carefully.

When mixing, use only cold water at room temperature. Hot water speeds up the setting process several times.

So, we looked at the features of alabaster for walls, as well as the technique of mixing it. By following all the recommendations given, we hope that you will be able to mix alabaster correctly.

Modeling simple souvenirs

The easiest way to learn how to craft from building materials is to make plaster at home and arm yourself with simple modeling workshops.

It is important to prepare the correct plaster, so you should avoid rushing when mixing it. Even the most accurate proportions will not save the product from cracks if the mixture is lumpy during kneading.

To create your first crafts, you can use ready-made molds. Any shaped containers are suitable as blanks. For example, silicone molds for baking cookies and muffins. You can also use foil baking pans.

Application

Alabaster sculpture

Since ancient times, alabaster has attracted people with its beauty and ease of processing. Sculptures and vessels for various purposes were cut out of it, and thin plates of transparent and colorless crystalline gypsum were used for glazing windows. The moment is lost in the darkness of centuries when they learned to obtain from it a powder that hardens in a mixture with water, also called “alabaster,” but it is known that not only the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians owned this technology, but also much earlier their peoples of Asia Minor and Central Asia It was already used in construction and art. And only recently they stopped calling building gypsum alabaster - now the name “alabaster” is outdated and is not used in GOST standards.

Modern building gypsum is a white, yellowish, pinkish or light gray powder, with a significant admixture of coarse fraction (sand), usually sold at retail in paper bags weighing up to 40 kg. It is used in construction as an air binder for plastering walls and ceilings in buildings with a relative humidity of no more than 60%, as a basis for the production of special building mixtures (putties, plasters), in the production of gypsum partition panels, sheets of dry plaster, plasterboard, ventilation ducts, wood concrete, gypsum fiber and gypsum particle boards. When mixed with water, building gypsum quickly hardens, again turning into gypsum stone, which is used in construction, sculpture and architectural work that does not require the strength of the material, as well as in medicine, where it often comes in bags labeled “Medical”. Unlike high-strength gypsum, it has a shortened setting time due to the high content of coarse-grained fraction, which acts as a catalyst and increased adhesion to surfaces, which is valuable in construction, but also lower strength (usually G-5...G-7 [ clarify

]) and greater porosity. Of all the gypsum, this is the lowest-grade and cheapest material.

High-strength and specialty plasters, also made from gypsum stone, are used in sculpture, ceramics, dentistry and jewelry, architecture and engineering for the production of works of art, three-dimensional products, casting and water-absorbing molds, bonding and sealing holes and many other jobs in between. .

And, despite the antiquity of the material and technology, even at the current level of development of industry and science, a worthy replacement for gypsum has not yet been found.

Is alabaster harmful to humans?

Gypsum is made from gypsum stone. To obtain gypsum powder, the stone is fired in rotary kilns and then ground to form a powder. Gypsum is most common in construction.

The material is also used in crafts or artistic purposes. Dishes, countertops and other elements in this case will be more durable than those created from ordinary plaster.

Beginning of setting – 6 minutes or more;
End of setting – 30 minutes (Full set of strength takes approximately 2 hours);
Water consumption – 0.6 liters per kilogram;
Compressive strength – 5-7 MPa (depending on the characteristics of one of 12 brands);
White color.

Are plaster and alabaster the same thing?

These supplements are environmentally friendly and approved worldwide. 2. So, if drywall is produced according to all technical standards and rules correctly, it is considered safe for health. But if a lot of it is used in finishing the house, then mold may appear due to the fact that drywall absorbs moisture well. Drywall.

Its influence on human health. In this article we will try to refute all existing rumors about drywall. The basis of drywall is gypsum as the main material. Of course, there are some additives in the plasterboard mass that affect its quality: hardness, moisture resistance, flammability.

But they are all natural and completely safe, as confirmed by many studies.

First of all, it is necessary to take into account that gypsum perfectly absorbs moisture and not only that which directly falls on the sheet, but also moisture from the air.

Therefore, very often you can observe fungus and mold in the corners of a room that is sheathed with gypsum plasterboard without complying with the norms and building regulations.

Selecting containers for preparing the mixture

The powder is predominantly white in color, but it also occurs in other colors: light gray, yellow, and sometimes it has greenish and pink shades. A coarser powder with impurities is alabaster, also known as building gypsum. Pure, finely ground powder is called medical plaster.

Everyone should pay special attention to the famous peak of the mountain range, proudly named “Zvezdochka”. It is there that alabaster is mined, which is then used by craftsmen from all over the world, and the peak itself points the way and serves as a kind of beacon for conquerors of the air elements

https://youtube.com/watch?v=LjJQq2HYt4M

The advantages of gypsum include rapid setting and hardening. The gypsum sets in the fourth minute after mixing the solution, and after half an hour it completely hardens. Therefore, the finished gypsum solution must be used immediately.

How long does it take for alabaster crafts to dry?

You can determine the hardening time of the material by studying the technical characteristics of the mixture. In general, the setting of the alabaster solution is observed 6 minutes after diluting the substance. Partial hardening occurs after 30 minutes. It is worth noting that the strengthened and dried solution can withstand a load of 5 MPa. Alabaster dries completely within 1-2 days. Despite the fact that products made from this material are stronger, it is not recommended to use the solution for activities with children, as it is not entirely safe for health. In this case, gypsum is preferable.

About the intricacies of growing alabaster

The main feature of water mixtures with alabaster is their rapid hardening. This circumstance should be taken into account before starting to breed it. In addition, the speed of setting leads to the formation of hardened mixture residues in the containers underneath. Therefore, sometimes it is not easy to remove them from metal buckets and tanks.

To save yourself from mistakes when breeding alabaster you need to:

prepare the mixture in small portions to prevent it from hardening earlier than after five minutes
for dilution, it is better to use containers made of rubber or silicone, which are easy to clean
place a plastic bag inside the container, the top edge of which is securely fixed before stirring
strictly observe the ratio of alabaster and water to prepare a specific solution
pour dry alabaster into water gradually, stirring constantly until a mass is obtained without lumps and bubbles

At what proportions is building plaster obtained?

Construction plaster can be prepared for various finishing operations. For each of them, regulatory documentation provides for certain requirements for the preparation of asbestos solution. So, if it is intended to be used to fill grooves when performing work related to laying electrical wiring, one kilogram of alabaster should be diluted in half a liter of water.

When preparing a plaster mortar based on alabaster and lime, a kilogram of dry powder is diluted in 650 grams of lime mortar or water. A liquid putty solution, with the help of which unevenness on the walls is leveled, a kilogram of dry building plaster is poured into a liter of water.

The main thing when diluting alabaster is to pour the dry mixture into water. If this is done in small portions while stirring, the formation of lumps is minimized.

However, a high-quality solution is also ensured:

using mechanical tools in the form of a drill with stirring attachments
moistening the alabaster while stirring by hand, after which it is intensively stirred with a spatula
inadmissibility of diluting a mixture that has set with liquid due to loss of quality

The main property of alabaster is the ability to quickly harden when mixed with water. This creates a durable and stone-like surface. Thanks to these properties, it is widely used in various branches of construction, industrial production, and art. It is used to seal seams in surfaces, holes and irregularities.

When carrying out electrical wiring, wires and cables are secured with alabaster in specially prepared grooves. They are used to putty on walls and other surfaces of premises and various building structures.

However, ordinary alabaster quickly sets and hardens, after which it is not recommended to re-mix it with water. The quality of such a mixture deteriorates sharply.

Experienced craftsmen have their own techniques for prolonging the action of the finished solution. According to one of them, a small amount of wallpaper glue is added to a container with such a solution.

After this, it is tightly covered with a piece of plastic film. Craftsmen claim that this makes it possible to increase the setting time of the alabaster mixture without loss of quality.

How can I replace gypsum?

There are many creative kits on sale at the moment. How to dilute plaster for Lori crafts, and the material from other kits for creating figurines, as a rule, is always indicated in the instructions. It is worth studying it before starting work, as the solution dries quickly. Please note that some creative kits use analogs of plaster. The most common of them is alabaster.

This powder has a grayish tint and has a finely dispersed structure. The material is obtained by heat treatment of gypsum dihydrate. Thanks to this, the finished solution received completely different characteristics. It is worth noting that alabaster and gypsum are very similar in appearance.

Rules for preparing the solution

Alabaster, despite its high adhesion to most substrates, has little contact with rubber. Therefore, to prepare the solution, it is better to use a special bowl or a cut ball or chamber. You can take a plastic container. The metal will have to be constantly cleaned mechanically. As a last resort, use disposable plastic bags for each batch.

To carry out repair work, the following proportions are observed for diluting alabaster (mixture/water):

1/0.5 – fixation of wires, boxes, pipes, beacons;
1/0.65 – filling minor voids;
1/1 – surface leveling.

The mixture must be mixed in a short time (no more than 2 minutes). To prevent the formation of lumps, the powder is added to the water gradually. The volume is selected in accordance with the optimal production during working hours. In case of exceeding 1 liter, it is recommended to use a power tool with a whisk for fine-grained mixtures.

The mixture is added to the kneading water

It is important to remember a common mistake made by beginners. In addition to the exaggerated volume, water is often added to the hardening solution in order to extend working time.

As a result of this action, the resulting mixture will be lumpy, crack when drying, and deteriorate in strength characteristics as a whole.

To extend the working time of the solution, carpentry or wallpaper glue can be used. The permissible rate of 2% will not have a noticeable effect on the quality of the mixture. Lime milk is often used instead of water at construction sites.

Alabaster is made from gypsum with the addition of special additives. As a result, the mixture hardens faster, after drying it is stronger and absorbs less moisture.

Light powder is used more often on construction sites in order to quickly and reliably fix materials in recesses and gypsum cladding.

The recipe for preparing the solution is determined by the specific brand of the mixture and its purpose: filling voids, securing products, leveling the base.

Dissolve the dry mixture in water or milk of lime.

How to properly dilute plaster for different purposes?

Depending on the purpose, gypsum dough can have different consistencies. To make castings, especially precision ones, a liquid solution is required that can completely replicate the internal relief of the mold. For repair and finishing work, a paste-like mass is more suitable - it is easier to put it on a spatula and use it to cover voids, gaps or leveling wall panels. The main difference in each type of batch is the ratio of gypsum powder and water.

For making magnets, bas-reliefs

Gypsum is an environmentally friendly material, safe for humans. Thanks to this quality, it is widely used for creating crafts and children's creativity. You can cast a beautiful bas-relief from plaster or make funny figures for coloring. If you insert a magnet into such a figurine during the casting process and then paint it, you will get a nice magnet for the refrigerator.

Manufacturing technology for decorative castings:

pour water into a mixing container (it is better to take dishes with a rounded bottom rather than a flat one);
prepare plaster for creativity (the volume should be approximately twice the amount of liquid available, more precise proportions are indicated in the instructions for this material);
gradually adding powder, stir with a whisk until the consistency of liquid sour cream or pancake batter is obtained (water cannot be added during the kneading process);
pour the mixture into the prepared mold (instead of special molds, you can use silicone molds for ice or baking);
insert a magnet or other fastener (depending on the purpose of the product);
leave to harden.

The hardened castings are removed from the mold and left to dry. Drying the gypsum stone takes from several days to several weeks, depending on the size of the craft. After complete drying, the bas-relief or figures can be painted with acrylic paints or felt-tip pens.

For topiary

Topiary refers to artificial trees in a pot made in different ways. Instead of soil, plaster is poured into the pot, in which the trunk or branches are fixed. How to dilute plaster for the base of topiary? There are two methods for mixing gypsum mortar for topiary:

Liquid. Suitable for small pots. Proportions for such a batch: 1:1, the resulting solution has the consistency of liquid sour cream. The advantage of liquid filling is to obtain a perfectly flat surface. The disadvantage is that the mixture takes a long time to dry, so before pouring the topiary you have to fix the tree inside the pot.
Thick. This method is used when you need to fill a large flat pot. Dry plaster is poured into an empty pot and water begins to be added, stirring continuously until the solution resembles thick sour cream. Proportions are determined by eye, focusing on density. The tree trunk is immersed in a pot and held until the solution dries. Advantage: you can plant it directly in the pot, so the entire solution goes into use. Disadvantage: the fill is less smooth.

For puttying, plastering, filling holes and cracks

In finishing work, gypsum is most often used for leveling walls, filling cracks or gaps between plasterboard boards. The resulting solution should have a thick enough consistency so that it is convenient to scoop it up with a spatula and apply it to the walls.

Materials and equipment:

packaging of dry gypsum putty;
water;
a clean plastic bucket of the required volume;
spatula or construction mixer for kneading.

Work order:

water is poured into the container, approximately half as much as the required volume of future putty;
using an angled or flat spatula, add powder in portions, scattering it evenly over the surface of the water;
after adding the entire volume prescribed according to the instructions, you need to wait about 2 minutes so that all the poured gypsum is immersed in water and is completely saturated with it;
quickly mix the solution until the lumps disappear and the consistency of thick sour cream.

Kneading can be done with a spatula by hand or using a mixer. The second method is more suitable for volumes over 1 liter; it is more convenient to mix smaller quantities with a spatula. However, before mixing, you should carefully read the instructions, because some brands of gypsum are intended only for manual mixing; when using a mixer, they instantly set and become unsuitable for plaster.

Clearing the form

After the completed procedures, when the tiles are completely ready, you should clean the work area yourself and clean the mold. To do this, you can use a dry cloth or sponge. Carefully wipe all corners and place the mold in a dry, dark place. It is not allowed for the uniform to be in sub-zero temperatures or in the sun.

If there are white traces left in the form after the tiles, then you can pour concrete into it and leave it to harden. When the concrete pebble is removed, all the white residue is left behind.

The process of removing finished gypsum tiles from the mold By following the sequence, you can make individual gypsum tiles, which will subsequently decorate the interior of the house and create the desired atmosphere. Creating tiles is a simple process. Making a mold yourself sometimes saves money, because silicone with additives for the mold costs significantly less than the mold itself. Installing gypsum tiles on the wall will be quick and simple. The final work will delight not only the owners of the house, but also the guests. But, if there is a desire to produce a certain decorative stone, then the form is purchased on the market.

Leaves for decorating the yard

DIY plaster products are a great way to add variety to your garden decor. In addition to mushrooms and houses, you can make elegant leaves that will decorate any garden.

To create leaves you will need:

Gypsum solution.
Maple or other leaves.
Rope.
Wax paper.
Hard brushes.

Green leaves are placed on wax paper. Each leaf is treated with a solution using hard brushes. A hole is made at the base of the leaf with a toothpick. Crafts are left to dry.

Finished products are hung on a string. Crafts can be painted with acrylic paints and decorated with sparkles.

Plaster sculpture is an endless field for creativity for children and adults. You can decorate both the interior of your home and your garden with crafts.

Not everyone knows how to dilute plaster for beadwork or for making small sculptures. The technology for preparing the solution is quite simple. The main thing is to know in what ratio the components are mixed. It is worth noting that gypsum is the main material for making crafts.

About the intricacies of growing alabaster

To save yourself from mistakes when breeding alabaster you need to:

prepare the mixture in small portions to prevent it from hardening earlier than after five minutes
for dilution, it is better to use containers made of rubber or silicone, which are easy to clean
place a plastic bag inside the container, the top edge of which is securely fixed before stirring
strictly observe the ratio of alabaster and water to prepare a specific solution
pour dry alabaster into water gradually, stirring constantly until a mass is obtained without lumps and bubbles

At what proportions is building plaster obtained?

Recommendations for growing alabaster

The main thing when diluting alabaster is to pour the dry mixture into water. If this is done in small portions while stirring, the formation of lumps is minimized.

However, a high-quality solution is also ensured:

using mechanical tools in the form of a drill with stirring attachments
moistening the alabaster while stirring by hand, after which it is intensively stirred with a spatula
inadmissibility of diluting a mixture that has set with liquid due to loss of quality

Preparing for work

When working with alabaster, half of the success depends on the quality of preparation, namely, on the selection of containers and tools. To make the process easier, consider the following principles.

No metal containers right away
! Alabaster will stick tightly to the iron walls, which means loss of material, inconvenience and damaged container. Plastic dishes are better suited, but the most comfortable option is still rubber: the solution does not stick to the springy walls, and after finishing the work, the dried residues can be easily shaken out; to do this, just squeeze the mold several times and then turn it over. In addition, if desired, you can purchase special buckets for working with plaster in hardware stores.
There is no container with the remaining solution right away
! The dried solution accelerates the hardening of the new batch being mixed.
As for the spatula, modern tools made of plastic or rubber
; the mixture does not stick to them. But a classic steel spatula is also quite suitable, preferably a new one: according to the observations of some craftsmen, rust accelerates the setting of the already fast-hardening solution

For small volumes of mixture

It is convenient to seal small portions of alabaster in nylon buckets or compact rubber containers

. Often builders use halves of ordinary children's balls of suitable diameter.

A spatula is optimal for stirring “small doses” of the alabaster mixture.

For large volumes

Plastic or rubber bucket

line with a single piece of cellophane, dense and without holes, pin the “tails” to the edges of the container so that the polyethylene does not move during stirring; After use, the film is simply removed from the bucket and thrown away.

It is convenient to stir the solution with a construction mixer, or, if it is not available, with a drill with an attachment.