How to Make a Plaster Cast of a Clay Tile

Casting a Prototype Tile So That it Can Be Replicated

Nov 13, 2008

Teachers can include many students in a ceramic tile wall project by making a cast of a tile. Each student can press his own tile to become part of the bigger picture

When creating a ceramic tile wall mural, teachers may want to include many students in the project. This can be achieved by making a cast of a tile and allowing each student the chance to press his own tile, which will become a part of a larger project. The process of making a cast described in this project is just one stage of the creation of a tile wall.

The purpose the wall in the example serves is as a backdrop for a sculpture of St. Elizabeth. Other designs can be used based on the needs of the students. Each tile will be only a quarter of the design, but in this case, once the tiles are made from the pressed clay they fit together to form an image of a rose. As these quarter relief roses are placed side by side, they in turn create a larger outer pattern. This pattern reflects the theme of the “Miracle of the Roses.”

Understanding The Process of Casting A Clay Tile

For the design to work, the clay must be soft enough to receive a good impression from the cast.

Make the tile as shown in the article How to Make a Clay Tile Backdrop For a Sculpture. While the tile is still wet, coat it with slurry. This can be made by mixing clay shavings with water. This slippery coating will ensure that the clay will pull away from the cast evenly once set. This slurry must be of a creamy consistency. If it is too thick it will prevent any intricate line work showing up in the clay impression.

Once the enclosure is ready to receive the plaster, mix it to a custard like consistency. Make sure it is not lumpy, as lumps will prevent a good impression of the tile forming. Pour the plaster into the space and leave the mold to set.

Once separated from the clay, the plaster will become a simple basic mold. As soon as the plaster has set, peel the clay away from it. Removing the walls of clay while they are still moist is always easier. If the clay sets too hard it is more likely to scratch or break the surface of the mold.

How To Make Spare Plaster Molds

When you have peeled away the clay sides, gently lift off the original clay tile. If it is still intact, make more casts from it. These spares come in handy if the original becomes damaged during the tile making process. If the original clay tile has been marked during the casting process, refashion and remodel it until it is exactly the same as before.

Make at least five molds this way so that there are plenty for the class to use.

Making a Clear Impression on Clay Tiles

Take a wooden mallet and placing the mold face down onto the slab of clay, which has been cut to the right size. Once the mold has been gently placed in position, press down firmly. Tap the mold with the wooden mallet in an even circular motion. Move gently around the mold so that the tile is evenly pressed into the form. This will make an impression of a neat tile.

As you finish each tile, carefully separate it from the mold and place it on the drying shelves. Once these tiles are fired, they can be assembled into formations of four. This will create a mathematically planned rose background.

The copyright of the article How to Make a Plaster Cast of a Clay Tile in Visual Arts Education is owned by Jo Murphy. Permission to republish How to Make a Plaster Cast of a Clay Tile in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.