Jesmonite Explained – A Practical Guide to the Eco-Friendly Material

Jesmonite is a water-based composite made from gypsum powder and acrylic resin. It’s lightweight, strong, and sets quickly, making it a popular choice for crafts and design. We use it in our Brighton studio to create durable trays and dishes with built-in drainage. This post covers what Jesmonite is, how it works, and why it’s a good option for sustainable making.

How Jesmonite Works

Jesmonite comes in two parts: a mineral powder (gypsum) and a liquid acrylic binder. Mix them together, pour into a mold, and it hardens in 20–30 minutes. Once cured, it’s about half the weight of concrete but resists cracking and wear. It takes pigments well, so we can add colour or texture to match different styles—smooth, matte, or stone-like finishes. The low curing temperature keeps energy use down, and there are no strong fumes during mixing or setting.

Why It’s Sustainable

Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral that can be recycled. The acrylic is water-based, so it has lower emissions than solvent-based resins like polyester or epoxy. Scraps from one project can be ground up and reused in the next. The material doesn’t contain VOCs, and production waste is minimal. For us, that means less impact from start to finish and pieces that last years instead of months.

Everyday Uses

Jesmonite is versatile. We cast trays with drainage slots to keep items dry, but it’s also used for coasters, planters, tiles, and small sculptures. It works indoors or out, cleans easily, and holds up to daily use. Because it’s lightweight, it’s practical for shipping and handling without adding bulk.

Weight: Half that of concrete.
Strength: Crack-resistant and durable.
Finish: Takes colour and texture well.
Eco: Recyclable gypsum, low-emission binder.

We make all our Jesmonite pieces in Brighton using simple moulds and reusable tools. If you’re interested in the material or the trays, check the collection.
(Shop Jesmonite Dishes with Trays).