Year 10 - Art and design
3D Design: plaster casting
3D Design
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This is a teacher led unit which introduces to pupils to the skills within their endorsements. Through a series of workshop activities, students experiment with a range of materials and techniques. They develop a range of studies exploring mark making media, print and mixed media.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to experiment with three plaster casting methods and show how form, surface and construction interact.
Key Notes
- When casting, plaster is poured directly over a model to create a mould.
- When casting, the model is coated with a release agent to prevent sticking.
- A mould can be created in two halves, allowing for more complex shapes.
- Applying a thin layer of plaster (poured or brushed) to a model and building up several layers creates a solid shell.
Vocabulary To Learn
- mould: a hollow form used to shape plaster
- release agent: prevents plaster sticking to the model
- casting: pouring a liquid material (like plaster) into a mould, where it hardens into the shape of the mould to form a replica
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- I can just pour all the plaster at once and it will work.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
When casting, plaster is poured directly over a model to create a mould. When casting, the model is coated with a release agent to prevent sticking.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'mould'
a hollow form used to shape plaster.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: I can just pour all the plaster at once and it will work. Correction: Plaster heats as it sets and pouring too much at once can trap air, cause cracks or damage the model. Layering ensures detail and structure.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 3D design: an introduction to the areas of study Study Guide
- 3D Design: building with cardboard Study Guide
- 3D Design: clay construction techniques Study Guide
- 3D Design: clay surface techniques Study Guide
- 3D Design: form, structure and surface texture Study Guide
- 3D Design: found materials Study Guide
- 3D Design: introduction to the principles of sculpture Study Guide
- 3D design: the influence of sources on your investigations Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Art and design guide library.