Casting Plaster, Concrete or Resin – Which to Choose? 

Decorative trays, candle holders, figurines, vases, soap dishes, plant pots and outdoor decorations can be made from a wide range of materials that may appear very similar at first glance. However, standard casting plaster, polymer-modified plaster, fine-grain concrete and water-based casting resins differ in more than just price or colour.

Some mixtures are best suited to lightweight indoor decorations, others to thin-walled items that will be handled frequently, while some can be used outdoors or in applications where the finished item will regularly come into contact with moisture.

Before choosing a casting material, it is therefore worth considering a few questions:

• Will the finished item be used indoors or outdoors?
• Will it come into contact with water, oil or wax?
• Do you want a white, coloured, marble, terrazzo or natural concrete finish?
• Will the material be poured into a mould or shaped by hand?
• Will the finished item be purely decorative or used regularly?
• Is affordability, ease of use or maximum strength the main priority?

Plaster, Concrete or Casting Resin – What Is the Difference?

Casting Plaster

Plaster-based mixtures are mixed with water and poured into silicone or plastic moulds. They set relatively quickly, reproduce fine mould details well and can be sanded, painted and decorated.

Casting plaster is best suited to indoor decorations such as figurines, reliefs, wall decorations, ornaments, prototypes and small decorative containers.

Standard plaster is porous and relatively sensitive to moisture. Soap dishes, plant pots, cosmetic trays and other items that may come into contact with water therefore require a suitable protective coating.

Polymer-Modified Plaster

Plaster reinforced with polymer additives remains easy to cast but becomes stronger than standard modelling plaster once cured. It is better suited to thinner details, complex shapes, high-quality interior items and small commercial production runs.

Fine-Grain Concrete

Fine-grain concrete mixtures are cement-based. They are heavier, stronger and generally more suitable for damp environments or outdoor use than plaster-based mixtures.

The fine particle size makes it possible to achieve a smoother and more detailed surface than with ordinary construction concrete.

Water-Based Casting Resin

Not all casting resins are epoxy resins. RESIN CAST, for example, is a powdered casting compound based on acrylic copolymer and plaster that is mixed only with water. It is not transparent like epoxy resin, but once cured, it becomes very hard and develops a smooth, ceramic-like surface.

JESMONITE is also classified as a water-based casting system, although it uses two components: a mineral base and a liquid acrylic component. Different Jesmonite systems can be designed for indoor items, outdoor applications, stone-effect finishes or larger architectural elements.

CERA-MIX Casting Plasters – From Simple Experiments to Highly Durable Castings

CERA-MIX casting plasters are available in three main types:

• CERA-MIX Standard;
• CERA-MIX Super;
• CERA-MIX Exclusive.

The main differences between them are colour, surface porosity, working time and the final strength of the finished item.

CERA-MIX STANDARD – For Simple Decorative Projects

CERA-MIX Standard is a light grey casting plaster intended for decorative objects, reliefs, models and other creative projects.

The mixture has a more porous structure, which means that the cured item can be shaped and worked further using tools. Approximately 0.5 litres of water is required for 1 kilogram of plaster. The working time is approximately 18 minutes, initial drying takes around 30 minutes, and full curing requires considerably longer.

CERA-MIX Standard is best suited to:

• first casting experiments;
• simple figurines;
• decorative reliefs;
• wall decorations;
• ornaments;
• testing moulds and pigments;
• items that will later be painted;
• creative activities for older children or beginners.

Its light grey colour is well suited to creating a natural stone or concrete effect. However, for a bright white result, CERA-MIX Super, CERA-MIX Exclusive, Keraflott or DECORINO is a better choice.

CERA-MIX Standard is not the best option for very thin trays, narrow edges or frequently handled items. A stronger mixture should be chosen for these projects.

CERA-MIX Super – For Stronger White Castings

CERA-MIX Super is a white casting plaster that, according to the manufacturer, is approximately six times stronger than CERA-MIX Standard.

Approximately 0.4 litres of water is required for 1 kilogram of the mixture. The prepared material remains workable for around 8 minutes, so the mould, tools and all decorative materials should be prepared in advance. Initial drying takes approximately 30 minutes, although full curing takes longer.

CERA-MIX Super is best suited to:

• decorative trays;
• candle holders;
• incense holders;
• ring and jewellery dishes;
• small containers;
• stronger figurines;
• white reliefs;
• decorative houses;
• medium-thickness castings;
• items that will be painted or decorated.

It is a good choice when you want a white and relatively strong finished item but do not require the maximum strength of CERA-MIX Exclusive or DECORINO.

Compared with CERA-MIX Standard, this mixture is better suited to practical interior objects that will be moved and handled more frequently.

CERA-MIX Exclusive – For Highly Durable, Professional-Looking Castings

CERA-MIX Exclusive is a high-strength white casting plaster. According to the manufacturer, it is approximately 30 times stronger than CERA-MIX Standard.

Approximately 0.25 litres of water is required for 1 kilogram of the mixture. The working time is short, at around 6 minutes. Initial drying takes approximately 20 minutes, while the finished item reaches full cure after around 8 hours.

CERA-MIX Exclusive is worth choosing for:

• thinner trays;
• thin-walled containers;
• complex silicone moulds;
• highly detailed figurines;
• small sculptures;
• decorative handles and knobs;
• reliefs with thin elements;
• stronger commercial products;
• items that will be touched or moved frequently.

This is the most suitable CERA-MIX option when both a white surface and high final strength are important.

Because the mixture sets quickly, it is better suited to makers who already have some casting experience. Before mixing, the materials should be weighed accurately, the mould prepared and the use of pigments and decorative elements planned in advance.

Even very strong CERA-MIX Exclusive remains a plaster-based material. For permanently damp conditions or exposed outdoor use, cement-based VITO PIANO, PLASTY FIX, Jesmonite AC84 or Jesmonite AC730 is a better choice.

Which CERA-MIX Plaster Should You Choose?

Choose CERA-MIX Standard when affordability and a longer working time are important and the finished item will be mainly decorative.

Choose CERA-MIX Super for white trays, candle holders, figurines and stronger indoor items.

Choose CERA-MIX Exclusive for thinner, more detailed and frequently handled items that require maximum strength.

Keraflott – When a Brilliant White Colour Matters Most

Keraflott is a brilliant white plaster-based casting mixture designed for silicone and plastic moulds. It is mixed with water, flows easily into the mould and can be combined with pigments, terrazzo flakes and decorative granules.

Keraflott is particularly suitable for:

• white minimalist figurines;
• decorative houses;
• ring dishes;
• relief wall decorations;
• small trays;
• small vases for dried flowers;
• Christmas and seasonal decorations;
• terrazzo-style interior accessories.

Keraflott is particularly convenient when you want a clean, brilliant white base without using a separate liquid polymer component.

Compared with CERA-MIX Standard, it produces a whiter surface. However, CERA-MIX Exclusive, DECORINO, RESIN CAST or Jesmonite AC100 is a better choice for thin items that will be handled frequently.

Keraflott remains a porous material. Items that may come into contact with water, oil or wax should therefore be treated with a suitable impregnating product or protective coating.

DECORINO – For Highly Durable, Professional-Looking White Castings

DECORINO is a very strong white polymer-modified plaster designed for detailed, professional-quality castings. Its fine, free-flowing consistency helps fill complex moulds and reproduce their surfaces accurately.

DECORINO is best suited to:

• high-quality interior decorations;
• detailed figures and sculptures;
• complex ornaments;
• thin-walled containers;
• furniture handles and knobs;
• decorative architectural elements;
• items that will need to be sanded, drilled or bonded;
• small professional production runs.

Compared with standard casting plaster, DECORINO produces stronger edges and a more uniform surface.

The intended uses of CERA-MIX Exclusive and DECORINO partly overlap. CERA-MIX Exclusive is convenient for those looking for an extremely strong plaster that is mixed only with water, while DECORINO is worth choosing for professional, detailed and technically more complex castings.

Because DECORINO is a plaster-based material, a cement-based product is more suitable for exposed outdoor use.

RESIN CAST – An Easy-to-Use Casting Resin Without a Liquid Hardener

RESIN CAST is a powdered casting compound that only needs to be mixed with water. It does not require a separate liquid component or hardener.

Although the product is described as a casting resin, it is not a transparent epoxy resin. RESIN CAST is made from acrylic copolymer and plaster. Once cured, it becomes very strong and opaque and develops a smooth, ceramic-like surface.

RESIN CAST is particularly convenient for beginners who want a more modern and durable result than ordinary plaster can provide but do not want to weigh two separate Jesmonite components or work with epoxy resin.

RESIN CAST can be used to make:

• trays;
• candle holders;
• decorative dishes;
• jewellery containers;
• small bowls;
• incense holders;
• shell-shaped decorations;
• figurines;
• terrazzo-style items;
• marble-effect interior accessories.

White RESIN CAST Casting Compound

White RESIN CAST is a versatile base for coloured and decorative projects. Water-based pigments or dyes can be mixed into the water before the powder is added. Glitter, metallic foil and terrazzo flakes made from cured casting material can also be incorporated.

The manufacturer recommends mixing approximately 100 g of white RESIN CAST powder with 35 g of water. The amount of water can be adjusted slightly depending on the desired consistency. Initial drying takes approximately 90–240 minutes, while full curing requires around 24–48 hours.

White RESIN CAST is best suited to:

• marble effects;
• pastel-coloured items;
• terrazzo trays;
• white candle holders;
• coloured interior accessories;
• decoration with gold or silver foil;
• items containing glitter;
• castings made with two or more colours.

To reduce air bubbles, gently tap or vibrate the filled mould for several minutes.

Black RESIN CAST Casting Compound

Black RESIN CAST has an intense black colour and develops an almost ceramic-like surface once cured.

It is mixed with water at a ratio of approximately four parts powder to one part water. Initial setting takes around 60–90 minutes, while final strength is reached within 24–48 hours.

Black RESIN CAST is particularly suitable for:

• black minimalist trays;
• shell-shaped dishes;
• modern candle holders;
• black jewellery containers;
• decorations with gold or silver foil;
• contrasting black-and-white castings;
• products with a luxurious, almost ceramic-like surface.

White and black RESIN CAST can be combined to create marble, swirl or contrasting layered effects.

When working with the black material, wear gloves and protect the work surface, as the intense pigment may leave marks.

RESIN CAST or Jesmonite AC100?

Both materials are suitable for trays, candle holders, dishes, figurines and other interior accessories, but they are used differently.

Choose RESIN CAST when:

• you want the simplest possible mixture;
• you do not want to weigh two separate components;
• you prefer a material that only needs to be mixed with water;
• you want a white or intensely black base;
• you are creating small decorative items;
• you want a ceramic-like surface.

Choose Jesmonite AC100 when:

• you want a wider range of pigmentation options;
• you are planning marble, terrazzo or other more complex effects;
• you want to use original Jesmonite pigments and additives;
• you require a professional two-component system;
• you plan to produce larger batches;
• consistent and repeatable results are important.

RESIN CAST is more convenient for simple and quick creative projects, while Jesmonite AC100 offers greater technical flexibility and more surface-finishing options.

VITO PIANO – For Strong Concrete Items and Outdoor Decorations

VITO PIANO is a fast-setting, self-compacting fine-grain concrete. It offers high early and final strength and produces a smoother surface than ordinary construction concrete.

It is suitable for:

• outdoor plant pots and decorations;
• garden figures;
• heavy trays;
• doorstops;
• bookends;
• architectural models;
• concrete-style candle holders;
• frequently used interior objects.

White VITO PIANO

The white version is worth choosing when you want a light, clean concrete surface. It is well suited to minimalist figures, trays, vases and architectural models.

Ice Grey VITO PIANO

This is a versatile option for creating a natural concrete effect. It is well suited to minimalist plant pots, trays, candle holders and Scandinavian-style decorations.

Black VITO PIANO

Black VITO PIANO is suitable for distinctive dark concrete products. The magnetite in the mixture gives the finished item ferromagnetic properties.

This mixture can therefore be used for:

• magnetic memo boards;
• key or small-item holders;
• modular decorations;
• black trays;
• sculptures;
• distinctive furniture and interior details.

PLASTY FIX – When You Want to Shape Rather Than Cast

PLASTY FIX is a kneadable white concrete. Once water is added, it forms a pliable material that can be rolled out, shaped into slabs or strips, or modelled in a similar way to clay.

It is not the best choice for fluid casting into a detailed silicone mould. PLASTY FIX is designed for hand modelling. Once cured, items made from it can be used outdoors and are frost-resistant.

It can be used to create:

• sculptural bowls;
• ornaments and reliefs;
• decorative plaques;
• jewellery;
• plant markers;
• garden decorations;
• hand-shaped candle holders;
• irregular, organically shaped objects.

PLASTY FIX is worth choosing when a silicone mould would limit the creative idea and the item needs to be shaped by hand.

Jesmonite AC100 – For Coloured, Marble and Terrazzo Items

Jesmonite AC100 is a popular two-component water-based system. It sets quickly, reproduces fine mould details well, can be coloured with pigments and can be combined with decorative fillers.

AC100 is best suited to:

• coloured trays;
• marble-effect dishes;
• terrazzo items;
• jewellery;
• decorative bowls;
• figurines;
• incense holders;
• candle holders;
• decorative covers for indoor plant pots;
• personalised interior gifts.

Beginners may find it convenient to start with a complete Jesmonite AC100 kit containing the base, liquid component, mould, pigments and essential tools.

AC100 is mainly used for interior products. It must be properly protected for outdoor projects, while cement-based AC730 is a more practical choice for items that will be in regular contact with water.

Jesmonite AC84 – For Indoor and Outdoor Decorative Castings

Jesmonite AC84 is a fast-setting, acrylic-polymer-modified cement-based composite. It is suitable for decorative castings, mould reproductions, interior products and, when used correctly, outdoor decorations.

AC84 is suitable for:

• garden ornaments;
• small statues;
• concrete-effect trays;
• candle holders;
• interior sculptures;
• decorative bowls;
• small mould reproductions;
• wall decoration elements;
• prototypes and samples.

AC84 can produce either a smooth or a more textured surface. It is suitable when a cement-based material is required but a lighter and more versatile solution than traditional concrete is preferred.

Jesmonite AC730 – For Outdoor Products and a Natural Stone Effect

Jesmonite AC730 is a fast-setting, acrylic-modified cement-based composite. It is designed for outdoor applications, decorative castings, architectural elements and natural stone-effect finishes.

AC730 is best suited to:

• outdoor plant pots;
• garden decorations;
• stone-effect trays;
• architectural elements;
• decorative wall panels;
• larger or glass-fibre-reinforced items;
• sculptures;
• objects that will regularly come into contact with moisture.

AC730 contains fine decorative aggregates. The surface can be left smooth or treated with a special acid-etching solution that exposes the aggregates and creates a natural stone texture.

Although AC730 has lower water permeability than plaster-based mixtures, practical items should still be treated with a suitable AC730 penetrating sealer or surface sealer.

Quick Selection by Intended Product

For first casting experiments: CERA-MIX Standard or Keraflott.

For affordable indoor decorations: CERA-MIX Standard.

For white trays and figurines: CERA-MIX Super or Keraflott.

For thin and complex plaster details: CERA-MIX Exclusive or DECORINO.

For strong, professional-quality white castings: DECORINO or CERA-MIX Exclusive.

For easy-to-use items with a ceramic-like finish: RESIN CAST.

For black trays and candle holders: black RESIN CAST or black VITO PIANO.

For marble and terrazzo items: white RESIN CAST or Jesmonite AC100.

For professional coloured interior products: Jesmonite AC100.

For a natural concrete finish: ice grey VITO PIANO or Jesmonite AC730.

For outdoor plant pots and garden decorations: VITO PIANO, Jesmonite AC84 or Jesmonite AC730.

For a natural stone effect: Jesmonite AC730.

For hand-modelled concrete objects: PLASTY FIX.

For black magnetic items: black VITO PIANO.

What Should You Choose for Trays?

Most casting mixtures can be used for decorative trays, but the best choice depends on the desired result.

• For affordable experiments: CERA-MIX Standard.
• For white trays: CERA-MIX Super or Keraflott.
• For thinner and stronger trays: CERA-MIX Exclusive or DECORINO.
• For a ceramic-like effect: RESIN CAST.
• For coloured, marble and terrazzo trays: Jesmonite AC100.
• For a natural concrete effect: VITO PIANO.
• For a stone effect and outdoor use: Jesmonite AC730.

All trays that may come into contact with water, cosmetics, oil or wax should be treated with a protective coating suitable for the selected mixture.

What Should You Choose for Soap Dishes?

A soap dish is regularly exposed to water and soap residue, so standard unsealed casting plaster is not the best choice.

The most suitable materials for soap dishes are:

• Jesmonite AC730;
• Jesmonite AC84;
• VITO PIANO;
• properly sealed Jesmonite AC100;
• properly sealed RESIN CAST.

CERA-MIX, Keraflott and DECORINO should only be used for soap dishes when covered with a reliable water-resistant coating. Even when sealed, the item should be designed so that water cannot collect on its surface.

What Should You Choose for Plant Pots?

Jesmonite AC100, RESIN CAST, CERA-MIX Exclusive or DECORINO can be used for decorative indoor plant pot covers, but the plant itself should be kept in a separate plastic or ceramic pot.

For plant pots that will come into direct contact with damp soil and water, it is better to choose:

• Jesmonite AC730;
• Jesmonite AC84;
• VITO PIANO.

Even when using a cement-based material, drainage, wall thickness, frost exposure and the need for a suitable protective coating should be considered.

What Should You Choose for Candle Holders and Candle Vessels?

Decorative candle holders can be made from:

• CERA-MIX Super;
• CERA-MIX Exclusive;
• DECORINO;
• RESIN CAST;
• Jesmonite AC100;
• Jesmonite AC84;
• Jesmonite AC730;
• VITO PIANO.

However, a candle holder and a vessel into which wax is poured directly and a wick is inserted are not the same thing.

A candle vessel is exposed to:

• prolonged heat;
• the wick flame;
• hot liquid wax;
• fragrance oils and dyes;
• temperature fluctuations.

Jesmonite AC100 and AC730 have high fire-performance classifications, but the manufacturer emphasises that every candle design must be tested individually. Direct exposure to heat or flame may blacken the surface, cause cracks or damage the protective coating.

A complete burn test must therefore be carried out for every vessel shape, wall thickness, wax, wick and fragrance concentration.

The fact that a material is strong or fire-resistant does not automatically mean that a specific candle vessel will be safe.

Do Not Forget Surface Protection

Even a very strong product is not necessarily resistant to water, oil or staining. Plaster, concrete and mineral casting systems generally have surfaces that are porous to a greater or lesser extent.

A protective coating is particularly important when making:

• soap dishes;
• cosmetic trays;
• plant pots;
• vases;
• candle holders;
• candle vessels;
• bathroom accessories;
• items used in the kitchen.

The protective product must be compatible with the specific casting mixture.

Jesmonite AC100 should be treated with a compatible acrylic sealer, while cement-based AC730 requires a penetrating sealer or another product recommended by the manufacturer.

It is important to understand that water resistance and food-contact suitability are not the same. The Jesmonite product range has not been tested or certified as suitable for contact with food.

Summary

There is no single universal mixture that is suitable for every project.

CERA-MIX Standard is an affordable choice for simple indoor decorations and first casting experiments. CERA-MIX Super is suitable for white, stronger trays, candle holders and figurines. CERA-MIX Exclusive is worth choosing for thin, detailed and frequently handled items.

Keraflott is most useful when a brilliant white colour and simple preparation are the main priorities. DECORINO is suitable for professional, highly durable and detailed white castings.

RESIN CAST is a convenient choice for those looking for a strong, ceramic-like casting compound that only needs to be mixed with water. White RESIN CAST is particularly suitable for marble and terrazzo effects, while the black version is ideal for modern, intensely black items with gold or silver details.

Jesmonite AC100 is best suited to coloured, marble and terrazzo-style interior products. AC84 can be used for both indoor and outdoor decorative castings, while AC730 is intended for outdoor products, stone-effect finishes and objects that require greater resistance to environmental exposure.

VITO PIANO is worth choosing for strong concrete items and outdoor decorations, while PLASTY FIX is designed for objects that will be shaped by hand rather than poured into a mould.

The best result depends on more than the name or strength of the mixture. Accurate weighing of the components, compliance with the manufacturer’s specified mixing ratio, proper curing and the use of a protective coating appropriate for the item’s intended purpose are equally important.