Caring for Your Gypsum & Plaster Home Decor

Our plaster and gypsum accessories - sculptural home accents, decorative vessels, and ornamental pieces- are made entirely by hand in our Donegal studio. Each one is individually crafted, which means slight natural variations in texture and form that make every piece unique.

Gypsum and plaster are beautiful materials, but they require a little more consideration than ceramic or glass when it comes to care. This guide will help you keep your pieces looking their best for years to come.

Understanding Gypsum and Plaster

Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral - calcium sulphate - that has been used in decorative arts and architecture for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used it, the ancient Greeks used it, and it remains one of the most expressive materials available to artisan makers today.

Plaster of Paris is derived from gypsum through a heating process that removes moisture, then reconstituted with water to create the liquid material that's cast into moulds. When set, it produces a beautiful, smooth, chalk-white surface with a soft matte quality that photographs beautifully and looks at home in both contemporary and traditional interiors.

Its main characteristic - and the thing to bear in mind when caring for it - is that it is porous and moisture-sensitive. Unlike ceramic or glass, it will absorb water if exposed, and excessive moisture can cause surface damage, softening, or in extreme cases, crumbling.

Day-to-Day Care

Dusting

Regular dusting is the primary maintenance your plaster pieces will need. Use a soft, dry cloth or a clean, dry paintbrush to remove dust from the surface and any recessed areas. A soft makeup brush is excellent for detailed pieces with carved or textured surfaces.

Never use a damp cloth for routine dusting - even mild moisture applied regularly will gradually affect the surface finish of unsealed plaster.

Handling

Handle plaster pieces with clean, dry hands. Natural oils and moisture from hands can, over time, affect the finish of unsealed plaster - particularly on areas with high-contrast texture. If you're repositioning or moving pieces frequently, consider using cotton gloves.

Gypsum is more brittle than ceramic. Treat it gently - don't knock it against hard surfaces and be careful when placing it on shelves or mantlepieces.

Cleaning

For light surface marks or spots:

1. Use a very slightly damp cloth (barely moist - almost dry)
2. Dab gently at the mark rather than rubbing
3. Allow to dry completely before returning the piece to display

For more significant marks or staining, a soft artist's eraser can sometimes lift surface marks gently without any moisture. Work carefully in one direction rather than scrubbing.

What not to use:

• Chemical cleaners, household sprays, or solvents - these will damage the surface and may dissolve the material
• Abrasive cloths or scouring pads - these will scratch and dull the finish
• Large amounts of water - even a brief soak or splash can cause irreversible damage

Placement in Your Home

Avoid High-Humidity Areas

Bathrooms, kitchens, and conservatories are not ideal environments for unsealed plaster pieces. The combination of steam, condensation, and temperature fluctuations creates exactly the conditions plaster doesn't like.

If you specifically want plaster décor in a bathroom, keep pieces away from the shower and bath splash zones, ensure the room is well ventilated, and consider whether a sealed or painted plaster piece (with a moisture-resistant treatment) might be more appropriate.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Extended exposure to direct sunlight can cause very white plaster surfaces to develop a slight yellow tint over time. Display your pieces in bright but not directly sun-facing positions for the best longevity.

Stable Surfaces

Gypsum is harder and more brittle than it might look. A fall from a shelf or mantlepiece will almost certainly chip or crack the piece. Ensure your plaster décor is placed on stable, flat surfaces where it cannot be knocked.

Repairing Minor Chips or Damage

For small chips, a fine artist's spatula and fresh plaster of Paris (available from art supply shops) can be used for careful repair. Apply a small amount of fresh plaster to the damaged area, smooth with a damp artist's brush (working quickly as plaster sets fast), and allow to dry fully before sanding lightly with fine-grade sandpaper. The repair may require a light touch of white gouache or chalk paint to blend perfectly.

For significant damage, we'd recommend contacting us - in many cases, a replacement may be more practical, and we want our customers to have pieces they're proud of.

Storage

If you're storing plaster pieces seasonally (particularly our seasonal decorative items):

• Wrap individually in acid-free tissue paper
• Store in a cool, dry location - never in attic spaces where temperature and humidity fluctuate significantly
• Avoid storing in airtight plastic containers, which can trap moisture
• Store upright and don't stack pieces without sufficient padding between them

Our Plaster Collection

Our plaster and gypsum accessory collection includes decorative home accents and sculptural pieces that complement our candle range beautifully. Each piece is handmade in our Donegal studio - no two are absolutely identical, which is part of what makes them special.

Care for them well and they'll remain beautiful additions to your home for many years.