Discover Jesmonite and its endless possibilities

Versatile, easy to use, ultra-durable, non-toxic, and sustainable: Jesmonite is an excellent substitute for plaster for creating decorative objects and sculptures, offering endless possibilities for customisation and finishing.

From today, you can find Jesmonite products in our catalogue and accessories that will allow you to unleash your creative imagination.

Although Jesmonite has been on the market since the 1980s, its use is not very widespread in Italy, which is why we have prepared this introductory guide to present the product and its enormous potential!

What is Jesmonite?

Jesmonite is a polymer made partly of acrylic resin and partly of gypsum powder. It consists of two parts, one liquid and one powder, which must be mixed together to obtain the material to work with.

Jesmonite compounds are water-based and do not use chemical agents, making the product particularly safe and sustainable.

The main qualities that have made Jesmonite one of the most loved raw materials by creatives and artists around the world are certainly:

• high hardness and abrasion resistance;
• quick drying: the compound hardens in 20 minutes from pouring into the mould!
• versatility of use and “chameleon-like” properties, allowing Jesmonite products to have any type of finish, from marble to ceramic to metal, etc.

AC100 consists of a powder base and liquid, available in packs of 3.5 kg. The two components should be mixed in a ratio of about 2.5 parts powder to 1 part liquid. Once mixed and poured into the mould, Jesmonite hardens in just 20 minutes, but should still be left to dry for at least two hours before removing it from the mould.

Some Jesmonite products are also specifically designed for outdoor use and therefore boast even greater resistance to weather conditions. The compounds are white in colour but, as we will see later, the use of pigments allows us to customise Jesmonite as we wish.

It’s time to discover Jesmonite products and their features!

Jesmonite AC100

Jesmonite AC100 is a two-component polymer-mineral acrylic resin that is water-based and free of chemical solvents. An ideal substitute for plaster, it is mainly used for creating moulded decorative objects.

Easy to use, easily adaptable to any type of mould, it stands out for its quick drying and high mechanical resistance. It can replicate any type of surface, colour, or texture.

To ensure that every trace of moisture and water evaporates properly, guaranteeing the material maximum strength, it is recommended to leave Jesmonite to dry outside the mould for at least 24 hours.

Jesmonite AC84

Jesmonite AC84 is a fast-drying acrylic cement composite material particularly suitable for working on outdoor objects. Its main characteristics are:

• long-lasting and resistant to weather conditions, over 300 cycles;
• easy to pour and shape, low viscosity;
• fireproof, lightweight, shock-resistant.

The recommended ratio for mixing this product is 1 part liquid to 5 parts powder. For this reason, it is recommended to use a special blade to mix the compound. The blade can be attached to a drill and used to mix at low speed while slowly adding the liquid. To prevent the compound from hardening too quickly, a retarder can be used: this way, Jesmonite will remain more malleable and workable.

Colouring: pigments and paints

Jesmonite offers endless possibilities for customisation. You can use liquid Jesmonite pigments or powder to colour the compound before pouring, creating all kinds of colour effects, from solid colours to veined effects. You can pour different coloured compounds into the mould to achieve even more vibrant results.

Another option is to colour Jesmonite objects once they have hardened: in this case, you can use tempera paints, varnishes, enamels, etc., to give your creation the finish you prefer.

Retarder and other accessories

We have already mentioned that Jesmonite offers a wide range of useful accessories for various needs.

We have already mentioned the Retarder, which serves to extend the working time of the compound once mixed. It should be added to the liquid part of the compound before mixing. Another useful product is the Thixotropic, an additive that makes Jesmonite denser before pouring. It is used with Jesmonite AC100 and is particularly suitable for applying the first layer of product in the mould without it sliding off the surface. It can also be useful for creating a paste to use for repairing cracks or for bonding two surfaces together.

These and many other accessories, such as mixing cups, silicone moulds, or spatulas and abrasive sponges for finishing, are available in the Jesmonite section on our website.