Making a plaster wet box is a simple process that utilizes the moisture-retaining properties of plaster to create a humid environment inside a container, often used for keeping materials like clay or other moisture-sensitive items damp.
Simple Steps to Create a Plaster Wet Box
Based on the provided method, crafting a basic damp box requires minimal materials and effort. You don't need to complicated steps like removing the plaster block from the container.
- Materials You'll Need:
- A plastic tub with a lid (easily found at a hardware store)
- Plaster (like Plaster of Paris)
- Water
- A container for mixing plaster (separate from the tub)
- A tool for mixing (like a stir stick or trowel)
- A spray bottle (optional, for future use)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Wet Box
Follow these straightforward steps to construct your plaster damp box:
- Get Your Container: Obtain a plastic tub that comes with a secure lid from a local hardware store. Choose a size appropriate for the items you plan to keep inside.
- Mix the Plaster: Prepare the plaster according to the specific instructions on the plaster packaging. Mix it with water in a separate container until it reaches the desired consistency, typically a thick cream or pancake batter.
- Cast the Plaster Base: Pour the mixed plaster directly into the bottom of the plastic tub. "Mix up plaster and cast it straight in the tub, no need to remove it from the box." Spread it evenly if desired, covering the bottom to a reasonable depth (e.g., 1-2 inches). Allow the plaster to set and harden completely according to the plaster's curing time.
- Add Moisture: Once the plaster is fully set and dry, you can introduce water. The porous nature of the hardened plaster will absorb water and act as a reservoir. Pour or spray water onto the plaster surface.
- Maintain Humidity: To keep the plaster damp and the air inside humid, you may need to reapply water periodically. "Spray with water if needed and put your stuff in the box." A spray bottle is ideal for dampening the surface without creating standing water.
- Seal the Box: Place the items you wish to keep damp inside the tub, resting them on the set plaster base or on a barrier above it if direct contact is undesirable. Securely close the lid. "the lid keeps the moisture in."
How the Plaster Wet Box Works
The effectiveness of a plaster wet box comes from the properties of the plaster itself:
- Absorption: Hardened plaster is porous and readily absorbs water.
- Slow Release: It slowly releases this absorbed moisture into the air within the sealed container, increasing the humidity.
- Stable Base: It provides a solid, flat surface inside the tub.
By keeping the lid on, you trap the released moisture inside, maintaining a consistently humid microenvironment.
Usage Tips
- Always check the moisture level of the plaster. If it feels dry, lightly spray it with water.
- Avoid pooling excessive amounts of water on the plaster surface. Damp is sufficient.
- Ensure the lid forms a tight seal to prevent moisture from escaping.
This method provides a simple and effective way to create a humid storage box using readily available materials.
