WHAT IS JESMONITE?
Gather Homeware products are made primarily from Jesmonite®️, which has fast become a popular casting material with artists, makers and architects across the world.
Jesmonite®️ is a two part system - a mineral Gypsum base powder and water-based resin liquid. Like concrete, the two parts are mixed together and then cast in silicone moulds.
TERRAZZO
Most Gather Homeware products have utilised a terrazzo effect. What is terrazzo? It is an ancient technique of combining marble, glass and stone aggregate into cement which is then polished to a high shine. Examples have been discovered in Asia and Turkey as far back as 9000BC and even ancient Egypt. It’s modern day equivalent has more in common with the 18th century examples in Venice.
Our terrazzo is created by mixing coloured chips of Jemsonite®️ that has been pre-made and smashed. These are then selected, mixed into the base Jemsonite®️ and set in moulds. Once set, it is then sanded twice, then polished to a smooth stone-like finish.
See below for a video of the sanding process.
SUSTAINABILITY
Jesmonite®️ is made from a combination of a water-based liquid and a Gypsum mineral base. Gypsum comes from sedimentary rock, is a naturally occurring abundant material that’s a greener alternative to concrete and fibreglass. It is all sustainably sourced within the UK.
Lighter than traditional building materials like concrete and natural stone, which reduces the need for heavy lifting equipment and transport costs, reducing the carbon footprint.
It is free from harmful VOCs and solvents, making it safe to use in both residential and commercial settings. By choosing Jesmonite, you're not just investing in a superior product, but also supporting a greener future.
JESMONITE vs CONCRETE
Jesmonite®️ is like creative concrete. Concrete is extremely strong and can hold up under heavy items such as cars and vans. Jesmonite®️ is also very strong, but much more lightweight in comparison, this it makes it better suited to crafting and decorative building work.
The end result is a finished piece that looks and feels like smooth stone. Lightweight, durable and adaptable using decoration, pigments, metal effects and techniques such as terrazzo.
WORK IN PROGRESS
Sanding process of a medium pot at 3 x speed. (Click to play)
At Gather Homeware, we wet sand by hand as it gives the most consistent and quality finish. The process begins recently cast Jesmonite pot, the surface is very smooth but the terrazzo pattern is not visible.
Sanding with a rough-grit sandpaper helps to reveal the beautiful terrazzo patterns hidden beneath.
Then a medium-grit sandpaper is used. This step focuses on sanding out any deep grooves left by the previous step and begins the process of refining the surface. The pot is constantly rotated allowing even coverage without missing any areas.
Once I happy with the pattern, a fine, polishing sandpaper is used. This smooths out any visible lines and marks and leaves behind a smooth finish.
Once dry, polishing continues with a beeswax based stone wax usung a soft cloth. This is where the colours and patterns of the terrazzo begin to shine, transforming the pot into a stunning piece.