Your Jesmonite AC100 Starter Kit is Brilliant! It really does allow you to get creative with an Eco Friendly, Water Based and Solvent Free material which is safe to use, even with the Kids! This guide will show you how to create a marble effect Coaster and its Easy Peasy.
Useful Tips
Using Jesmonite can sometimes get a little messy so you want to create a safe clean working area. You will need no more space than the average size desk and its not a bad idea to cover that in a plastic sheet or old bed sheet. The Jesmonite AC100 Kit comes with disposable gloves to keep your hands clean. If you have an apron you can use that to keep your clothes clean too.
Whats in your Jesmonite AC100 Kit:
What else you will Need
Preparation
Lay all the components of your kit on your work station and choose one of the two coasters supplied for your project. Make sure it is clean and dry. Next you will select the colours that you are going to use. For the first time it is a good idea to choose the dark blue pigment which will be mixed into the unpigmented (no added colour)Jesmonite mix. This unpigmented mix is a soft off white colour and will contrast really well with the darker blue.
Step One
We are going to use the square coaster for this example. Place the coaster mould to one side and your scales in the centre of your work space together with a mixing cup. Have the AC100 Liquid and Powder to hand. Your instructions will outline exactly how much Jesmonite Liquid and Powder you will need for each mould. The Square Coaster Mould requires 56 grams of liquid and 144 grams of Jesmonite Powder. Pop on your gloves and get ready!
Step Two
Measuring out your material. Place the mixing cup on your scales and make sure that the scales are zero. Always add Powder to Liquid with Jesmonite. With this in mind shake the Jesmonite Liquid well before pouring and measure 56 grams into the mixing cup. Now open your bag of Jesmonite Powder and add 144 grams into the Jesmonite Liquid. An old spoon will help! This should be done bit by bit ideally, mixing together as you go.
Step Three
Mixing. You want to mix slowly and methodically. Vigourous mixing will add air bubbles into the mix and we want to avoid this if possible. You will need to scrap the sides and bottom of the mixing cup to make sure you blend both elements together. Mixing should last around 2 - 3 minutes. You are looking for a silky smooth consistency free of dry clumps. If this step takes a little longer that is fine. Once you are happy with the consistency gently tap the mixing cup onto the work surface a few times. This will help release any stubborn air bubbles. Set to one side.
Step Four
Adding Jesmonite Pigment. Less is more!!! As you can see from the images you need very little pigment. The example you see used just 4 drops of the blue pigment and we have had great results with just 2! Decide how many drops you require and carefully pop them into your Jesmonite mixture. Important. At this stage do not mix this well as you will end up with a block dark blue block colour! The trick here is to work by eye very gently swirling the pigment into the mixture creating a “Marble” effect. Don't be tempted to mix any further once you see a pattern you like.
Step Five
Pouring. Once you have the desired pattern you are ready to pour. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Slowly pouring directly into the centre of mould from a height of 5 - 10 cm allowing the mixture to self level will be fine. Pouring in a circular motion or any other combination will be fine. It is a voyage of discovery to see which techniques delivery the required pattern for you. Pouring slowly and methodically is the key. You will have just enough mixture if you have your weights and measures correct in Step 2. Once the mixture is in the mould do not be tempted to mix further as often the best results are found with a little patience!
Step Six
Air Release. Hopefully your mixture is relatively air bubble free but gently tapping the outer sides of you mould will help release any air. You can also use a lift and drop technique. Carefully lift your mould to a height of 3 - 4cm and drop back to the surface of your work station trying to land it on the flat. A couple of times should be sufficient and will also help shift any stubborn air bubbles.
Step 7
Patience! You can now leave your coaster mould for 30 to 40 minutes to cure. Tidy your work station in anticipation of your big reveal! Once the time has passed you can gently start to pull the sides on the silicone mould away from your set Jesmonite. You will see the two pull away easliy from each other and once all sides are free you can pull you project free of the mould with confidence. You will find your project is quite robust but will not reach is total cure and hardness for 24 hours. You can sand back the bottom of you Jesmonite Coaster easily with some 240 grit wet and dry sand paper until completely flat by placing the bottom side onto your sanding paper and moving in a circular motion until sanded to your desired finish. Adding a little water to the sand paper will help speed the process.
Fingers crossed you have just created a beautiful and unique, marbled coaster just like this one!