How to Get a Glossy, Ceramic-Like Finish on Jesmonite®

At first glance, this glossy pink tray could easily be mistaken for fired ceramic. It is actually made from Jesmonite®.

While Jesmonite naturally has a more matte finish, you can give decorative pieces a much smoother, high-gloss appearance with a simple finishing technique using Haksons Gloss Coat.

The process requires very little equipment and works especially well for trays, coasters and other decorative Jesmonite pieces.

What You’ll Need

• A completely cured Jesmonite piece
• Haksons Gloss Coat
• Clean water
• A container large enough to dip your piece
• A clean lint-free cloth
• Gloves

Step 1: Dilute the Gloss Coat

Start by adding water to a clean container.

Add an equal quantity of Haksons Gloss Coat and mix the two thoroughly until the solution is uniform.

A 1:1 dilution makes the coating fluid enough for the dipping technique used here.

Step 2: Dip the Jesmonite Piece

Take your finished Jesmonite piece and completely dip it into the Gloss Coat mixture.

Make sure the entire surface you want to finish comes into contact with the solution.

Step 3: Wipe the Surface

Remove the piece from the solution and gently wipe the surface with a clean cloth.

This helps remove loose particles from the surface while leaving behind a thin, even coating.

Avoid aggressively rubbing the piece.

Step 4: Allow It to Dry

Leave the piece aside until the coating is dry to the touch.

Do not immediately apply another layer. Allowing every coat to dry individually is what helps build the finish gradually without creating an unnecessarily thick coating.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

Once dry, dip the piece again.

Repeat the same process approximately five times, allowing every coat to become dry to the touch before applying the next one.

Several thin coats generally give a more controlled finish than trying to achieve the entire gloss level in one heavy application.

The Final Result

After multiple coats, the surface develops a much smoother appearance with a strong reflective gloss.

The result is an almost ceramic-like finish while retaining the shape and detailing possible with Jesmonite®.

A Few Tips

Make sure the Jesmonite piece is clean and fully cured before beginning. Dust or loose material on the surface can become trapped underneath the coating.

Keep the dilution and application consistent between coats, and always allow one coat to become dry to the touch before moving on to the next.

This finishing method is best treated as a technique for decorative Jesmonite pieces. For pieces intended for specialised applications, check the suitability of the coating for that particular use.