Reproduce Period Details With Plaster
Who> Kevin Shale
Where> Boston
What> Duplicated his home’s architectural details with molds
It’s no secret that TOH readers have a weakness for restoring antique architecture—and Kevin Shale is no exception. He was thrilled that some of the original plaster corbels and ceiling medallions on the first floor of his crumbling 1877 brick townhouse had survived. Hoping to match those details throughout his house, Kevin taught himself how to reproduce the prized pieces. Here, find out what he used to prep the originals, create molds, and cast perfect copies so that you can do the same.
Rubber Gloves
Wear these to protect your hands from goopy substances that can be difficult to wash off. $8 for 100; Amazon
Release Agent
Peel off old layers of paint from the original ornament after soaking it in warm water. Let dry, then prep the piece with this coating so that you can easily remove the mold once it hardens. $19 per quart; Abatron
Mold Paste
Kevin used Abatron’s two-part MasterMold to create reusable rubber molds of his originals. To support the molds after they dried, he set them in wood frames filled with plaster. Master-Mold, $54 per quart; Abatron
Paintbrush
Apply everything from the release agent to the mold paste with an inexpensive natural-bristle brush. $2; at hardware stores
Putty Knife
Once you’ve brushed on the initial coat of MasterMold, build up thicker layers with this tool. $2; at hardware stores
Tennis Ball
When casting a medallion, Kevin recommends placing one of these in the center hole so that it stays open. $2.30 for a can of three; Kmart
Plaster
After coating the inside of the mold with release agent, fill with a thin, soupy mixture of Plaster of Paris and water. Once it dries, peel off the mold. When you install the cast detail, use joint compound to fill any gaps between it and the ceiling or wall. Plaster of Paris, $6.50 for
4 pounds; Home Depot
Vaseline and Caulk
For reproducing small details, coat the original with Vaseline, then cover it with a thick layer of 100 percent silicone sealant. Let it cure, remove the mold, and fill with plaster of paris. Vaseline, $5 for 13 ounces; at drugstores. Caulk, $6 for 10 ounces; Lowes
