Plaster of Paris imprint?

Question

I'm trying to make a Plaster of Paris imprint of my dogs paw to go along with a photograph that I am trying to have framed because he has to be put down in a week or so. I'm having trouble getting the plaster to the right consistency, if I try it when it's too wet, it doesn't take, if I try it a little drier, it doesn't take. Is there a trick to this stuff? I haven't used it since elementary school...which kind of makes me wonder about me in general...but any advice is helpful. Thanks so much.

Update:

Yeah, it's kind of hard to get him to keep his paw in place. He doesn't like getting his feet wet at all. I'm going to give it another try tomorrow. Thank you.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

why don't you go the indirect route? Get a piece of soil in the garden the right consistency to take paw prints. Then have him walk over it. You can then put a little frame around the print (e.g. cut the bottom off a yoghurt container or similar). Press frame into soil around paw print and pour plaster into it. 
The best way of mixing plaster is taking about 1/3 to half of your final volume in water. Slowly pour plaster into it until it doesn't sink in anymore and starts to build up over the water level. Then mix. 

I am pretty sure you can find more detailed descriptions of how to take molds of animal spoor by using plaster on the web.

Anonymous · Answer

you have to have it the consistancy of pancake batter, not too liquid, or too dry, it is a chemical process and if there isnt a balance it wont work, then you need to try and keep the paw in it for a few seconds, the longer the better, but again not too long, it will start to heat up when it is drying, that means that it is working. hope this helps

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Plaster of Paris imprint?

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