Have you just received your Jesmonite order and are wondering where to start? Don’t worry, working with Jesmonite doesn’t require any specialised or expensive equipment. A few well-chosen tools are all you need to get started and achieve neat, professional results. Here are the tools you’ll need to get started with Jesmonite, and why each one really makes a difference.
If you’re just discovering this material, we recommend starting with our guide “What is Jesmonite? Uses and tips”, which explains how it works, its applications and the essentials you need to know before you begin.
Essential accessories for getting started with Jesmonite
The precision scales (0.1 g): an absolute must-have
Working with Jesmonite is like baking: measurements must be precise to the nearest gram. A precision scale accurate to 0.1 g prevents you from wasting material, running out during casting, or ending up with an unbalanced mixture that compromises the setting and strength of your creation. This is the most useful initial investment, and it will serve you just as well for your Jesmonite creations as for your projects using wax or other materials.
Mixing containers – at least two, preferably reusable
Allow one container for the liquid and one for the powder, then as many additional containers as there are colours or effects you wish to achieve (marbled effect, multiple shades, etc.).
Our recommendation: stainless steel containers, which are durable, easy to clean and can be reused indefinitely.
Clean your containers with hot soapy water immediately after mixing. Jesmonite dries quickly: the longer you wait, the harder it will be to clean.
Silicone moulds: the only type compatible with Jesmonite
Only soft silicone moulds allow for clean demoulding without damaging the piece. Do not use other types of moulds for your Jesmonite creations.
Drying time before demoulding, depending on the range:
- AC100: ~ 30 minutes
- AC84: ~2 hours
- AC730: ~4 hours
Three important points to remember:
- Check that your mould is perfectly clean before each use: any dust, residue or impurities can cause surface defects and weaken your creation when removing it from the mould. Get into the habit of cleaning and inspecting the mould before each pour.
- Wait until the piece has cooled before removing it from the mould: Jesmonite heats up during curing (a normal exothermic reaction).
- Do not leave the piece in the mould for too long: condensation can leave marks on the finished surface.
Good news: Terre de Bougies’ silicone moulds are fully compatible with all Jesmonite ranges.
How do you work out the correct proportions for your Jesmonite creations?
You don’t need to be a mathematician. It only takes one step to work it all out – here’s how.
Step 1: Measure the volume of your mould
- Place your empty mould on the scales and set them to zero (tare).
- Fill the mould with water right to the top.
- Read the weight displayed: this is the weight of the water alone, and that’s all you need.
Taring is essential: it cancels out the weight of the mould so that only the weight of the water remains.
Step 2: Apply this formula
| Range | Divide the weight of water by… | Then multiply by… |
|---|---|---|
| AC100 | ÷ 2 | × 2.5 for the powder |
| AC84 | ÷ 3 | × 5 for the powder |
| AC730 | ÷ 3 | × 5 for the powder |
The Jesmonite calculator by Terre de Bougies: a time-saver
If you’d rather save time and avoid doing the maths, use our Jesmonite calculator. In just a few clicks, it automatically works out the quantities of base and liquid required based on the volume of your mould.
Cleaning: a step not to be overlooked
To ensure your tools and moulds last:
- Wash them immediately after use with hot soapy water; don’t wait for the material to dry.
- You can use Jesmoclean as a supplement for a more thorough clean.
- Dry your moulds thoroughly before pouring again: pouring into a mould that is still damp may cause surface irregularities on your next creation.
How to store my Jesmonite products
- Make sure you close the containers tightly after each use.
- Store the products in a dry place at a temperature between 5 and 25 °C.
- Avoid freezing and high temperatures.
In summary
An accurate set of scales, a few reusable containers and some silicone moulds: that’s all you need to get started with Jesmonite with confidence. The secret to a professional result lies not in sophisticated equipment, but in precise measurements and adhering to drying times.
Now that you know which tools to use, it’s time to choose the Jesmonite range best suited to your project. Discover the differences between the AC100, AC730 and AC84 ranges to select the one that best meets your needs.
