Jesmonite for beginners

Jesmonite is an innovative, creative material that DIY enthusiasts love for its ease of use and professional finishes. This water-based composite can be used to design modern, durable and eco-responsible decorative objects.

Just starting out? No problem! In this beginner's kit, you'll discover the main points to bear in mind if you're just starting out with Jesmonite creations.

Which mold to use? Why choose Jesmonite? What are the advantages of Jesmonite DIY? All the answers are here!

Jesmonite beginners: what equipment do I need?

To get started with Jesmonite, you'll need several items:

• Jesmonite: a basic powder + liquid set (the most popular is Jesmonite AC100)
• Practical accessories (gloves, pipette, spatulas) and a balance or measuring glass for dosing,
• One or more silicone molds adapted to the creation you wish to make,
• A few Jesmonite pigments if you wish to personalize your creations,

If you're just starting out and want to be sure you've got everything you need, a Jesmonite kitis ideal. They contain everything you need to get started, no questions asked. It's the best way to get started, especially when you're new to this material. You'll find everything you need for a specific creation. All you have to do is follow the instructions in your kit's manual.

With this type of Jesmonite kit, there's no need to search separately for each component. You can concentrate on your creativity, right from the start.

Whether you're a beginner or not, these kits for every type of DIY you want to make (vases and bowls, candleholders, coasters, egg trays, etc.), are very useful. They help you to have the right quantities of materials. This way, you can be sure you won't run out of anything during your creation.

Which moulds should I use with Jesmonite?

Silicone molds are the best choice for working with Jesmonite. Their suppleness allows effortless removal from the mold, avoiding damage to your objects. Of course, molds come in all shapes and sizes!You'll find a wide variety of shapes to suit your desires: trendy geometric molds, such as the cylinder for a candleholder or pencil pot, or the oval for a ring stand or soap dish. It's best to start with simple shapes to learn how to dose and pour the material properly. You can then experiment with more complex designs.

How to create your first Jesmonite object?

Whatever you decide to create, the basic steps will always be similar, if not identical.

You'll need to

• Choose the mould of your choice
• Weigh and mix your powder according to the proportions indicated on the material.
• Add pigments if you wish
• Pour the mixture into the mold, tapping to remove any air bubbles.
• Leave to harden for 30 to 45 minutes
• Unmold!

Our tips to keep in mind

• Wear gloves
• Work in a well-ventilated area
• Prepare everything before you start, as Jesmonite hardens quickly
• Clean tools with lukewarm water promptly after use

Easy creative ideas for Jesmonite beginners

With Jesmonite, even beginners can create original and trendy decorative objects. DIYs are plentiful, and projects quickly evolve in complexity and style.

Here are a few popular ideas to try out when you're just starting out:

• minimalistcubbies, to be personalized with pastel or marbled pigments,
• coasters in organic or geometric shapes,
• trendyearrings,
• simple candleholders, perfect for dressing up a shelf,
• small decorative trays for the bathroom or hallway.

These are simple, yet rewarding projects that allow you to gradually explore all Jesmonite's creative options.

If you're comfortable, you can try models with glitter or effects like terrazzo.

The advantages of Jesmonite

The success of Jesmonite in the DIY world is due to its many advantages. Not only is it easy to handle, it's also more resistant, more ecological and more aesthetically pleasing than other common materials.

Jesmonite :

• mixes quickly (liquid base + powder),
• offers a smooth, matt, contemporary surface,
• can be customized with pigments or glitter,
• is solid and durable, unlike plaster, for example,
• allows a variety of creative effects (inclusion, sanding, marble effect, terrazzo, etc.).

These advantages make Jesmonite a material of choice for beginners and more experienced designers alike.

If you'd like to go into more detail, take a look at our "Whatis Jesmonite?" fact sheet.