Plaster Tray – DIY Trinket Tray Using Gypsum
Learn how to make a plaster tray perfect for Trinkets or sink-side caddies using gypsum – or Plaster of Paris! When you’re done, check out this tutorial for how to make a resin tray too. This post contains affiliate links.
You may have seen the “gypsum” trend online and wondered what it is and how to craft it! I’ve seen it done primarily with rimmed oval trays, often used for trinkets. When I got this duo cleaner and lotion dispenser to keep in my kitchen, I knew that tray would fit it perfectly, so I decided to give making a plaster tray a go.
But first, let’s explore the general idea of crafting with “gypsum” and offer you all the tips you need to craft this successfully!
Tips for crafting with Gypsum
What is gypsum?
When I first saw people crafting with gypsum, I had to look into this “new” material and, well, turns out it’s basically the main ingredient in Plaster of Paris. In other words, Plaster of Paris, yes, that white powder we felt so cool casting as kids, is a modified version of gypsum, which is a naturally occurring mineral.
Add water to gypsum-turned-Plaster of Paris, and it hardens.
Pros and Cons of plaster vs. resin.
Plaster of Paris is incredibly easy to work with. I find it much easier than working with resin, but I confess, the results are not quite as durable.
You get a faux ceramic type of look but, it is, in fact plaster. So yes, it’s kind of like a drywall-like final result. It’s not close to as durable as resin.
Plaster DOES cure much quicker – while resin takes days, Plaster of Paris generally takes under an hour. This makes for much faster turnaround time but much less working time. It also requires much less stirring – one of the more tedious elements of resin crafts.
For my DIY purposes, it’s fabulous. It’s not necessarily the best way to make a high-quality final home decor piece, in my opinion. But it looks cool and is so easy, so let’s get crafting!
Coloring and finishing the plaster tray
You can easily color wet (uncured) plaster using acrylic paint. Simply mix a few squirts in before casting it. Keep in mind that plaster sets FAST, so you don’t want to add to the crafting time.
My best trick is to mix the color into the water before adding the plaster, so that you are basically mixing it with tinted water.
A common way to color a plaster tray is to get that false Terrazzo look. I didn’t want to start making color chips for that, so I decided to splatter paint on the final, demolded, cured tray. I kind of messed up at one point, just painted the whole thing over, and started again… So my final try is actually surface painted.
The big advantage of surface painting your plaster tray is that you get a much better finish. While the color doesn’t “integrate” as well as if you mix it into the wet plaster, you remove that chalky/dusty feel that plaster sometimes has.
If you’re selling your final product, you probably DO want to totally seal it, whether it’s with paint or a hard finishing acrylic or Mod Podge sealer.
How to use your plaster tray
These oval trays are the perfect size for making with plaster – and they are so useful! They’re typically trinket trays, great for dropping jewelry on a dresser or vanity table. But they’re also a FABULOUS size for glasses, making them great for bedside tables or entryways.
I made mine to fit a cleaner and soap dispenser (that I use for hand lotion) duo in my kitchen. Again, it’s a fabulous size for that. I love it when something like a mold is more versatile than just the intended project, and this oval tray mold is just that.
You can also use it for things like pencils on a desk, and as a horizontal drop zone for various office supplies. Since Plaster of Paris is considered to be fire resistant due to gypsum’s natural properties, it makes a great base for small candlesticks or tea light holders. I wouldn’t put heat directly on it, but it’s a great barrier/base.
You can also use these as larger-sized coasters for couples’ drinks, although avoid using them in contact with food as it is NOT food safe.
Caring for your plaster tray
Plaster is a highly porous material, and so if you’re going to even want to wipe it clean, you’ll want to seal it first.
If unsealed, keep it away from any moisture and dust it or wipe it with a dry cloth as needed.
If you do seal it with something waterproof, I recommend sticking to wiping it down with a damp cloth or sponge, just in case you have an unfinished spot – you don’t want to risk ruining the whole thing.
How to make a plaster tray
Materials needed
- Oval tray mold
- Plaster of Paris
- Measuring cup
- Mixing cup
- Water
- Paint stir sticks or large popsicle sticks for mixing
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- Optional: sealer such as acrylic spray sealer or Outdoor Mod Podge
Watch the full-length video
Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.
Step-by-step tutorial with pictures
1. When mixing plaster of Paris, follow the directions on your package for things like ratio and work time. Start by measuring out your water and pouring it into your mixing cup.
2. Squirt in some acrylic paint and mix it together. How much you need will depend on the intensity of the paint, how dark you want it, etc. Start with a generous squirt, and follow your instincts to add more. Keep in mind that the white of the plaster will make it opaque and creamier looking.
Mix it until it’s fully incorporated.
3. Add your plaster. A ratio of 2:1 plaster to water is standard, so if you’re unsure, start with that, but of course, first, reference your package instructions and prioritize that.
4. Mix it together until smooth. You should have a batter-like consistency without lumps. It should be totally pourable, but hold some ripples.
5. Pour it into your mold, starting by filling a base layer in the deeper parts.. Run a stick through it to push it to the corners.
Fill your mold completely. To make sure it reaches all the edges, pull out the corners of the mold and tap it to let the plaster run to those areas.
6. Use a stick to smooth out the top as much as you can.
7. Allow it to cure completely according to package instructions (usually like half an hour or so).
8. If you prefer, you can paint over it using glossy acrylic paint. If you want the look I got, splatter it with paint.
Seal it for durability (optional). Your plaster tray is complete!
I hope you enjoyed crafting this DIY Plaster of Paris tray! Do you enjoy using gypsum as a crafting medium? What do you enjoy making with it? Comment below!
DIY Gypsum Trinket Tray
Learn how to make a plaster tray perfect for Trinkets or sink-side caddies using gypsum - or Plaster of Paris!
Materials
- Oval tray mold
- Plaster of Paris
- Measuring cup
- Mixing cup
- Water
- Paint stir sticks or large popsicle sticks for mixing
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- Optional: sealer such as acrylic spray sealer or Outdoor Mod Podge
Instructions
1. When mixing plaster of Paris, follow the directions on your package for things like ratio and work time. Start by measuring out your water and pour it into your mixing cup.
2. Squirt in some acrylic paint and mix it together. How much you need will depend on the intensity of the paint, how dark you want it, etc. Start with a generous squirt, and follow your instincts to add more. Keep in mind that the white of the plaster will make it opaque and creamier looking.
Mix it until it's fully incorporated.
3. Add your plaster. A ratio of 2:1 plaster to water is standard, so if you're unsure, start with that, but of course, first, reference your package instructions and prioritize that.
4. Mix it together until smooth. You should have a batter-like consistency without lumps. It should be totally pourable, but hold some ripples.
5. Pour it into your mold, starting by filling a base layer in the deeper parts.. Run a stick through it to push it to the corners.
Fill your mold completely. To make sure it reaches all the edges, pull out the corners of the mold and tap it to let the plaster run to those areas.
6. Use a stick to smooth out the top as much as you can.
7. Allow it to cure completely according to package instructions (usually like half an hour or so).
8. If you prefer, you can paint over it using glossy acrylic paint. If you want the look I got, splatter it with paint.
Seal it for durability (optional). Your plaster tray is complete!
Notes
What is gypsum?
When I first saw people crafting with gypsum, I had to look into this "new" material and, well, turns out it's basically the main ingredient in Plaster of Paris. In other words, Plaster of Paris, yes, that white powder we felt so cool casting as kids, is a modified version of gypsum, which is a naturally occurring mineral.
Add water to gypsum-turned-Plaster of Paris, and it hardens.
Pros and Cons of Plaster vs. Resin:
Plaster of Paris is incredibly easy to work with. I find it much easier than working with resin, but I confess, the results are not quite as durable.
You get a faux ceramic type of look but, it is, in fact plaster. So yes, it's kind of like a drywall-like final result. It's not close to as durable as resin.
Plaster DOES cure much quicker - while resin takes days, Plaster of Paris generally takes under an hour. This makes for much faster turnaround time but much less working time. It also requires much less stirring - one of the more tedious elements of resin crafts.
For my DIY purposes, it's fabulous. It's not necessarily the best way to make a high-quality final home decor piece, in my opinion. But it looks cool and is so easy, so let's get crafting!
