Make sure you're familiar with the product's warning labels. Plaster of Paris is a mixture of gypsum, a sedimentary rock, and water that can be molded into a strong mold when heated. It is a popular choice for home renovation and creative projects due to its quick drying qualities. However, like any other material, plaster can be damaged by heat or chemicals so use caution not to burn yourself when working with it. Plaster canes are available in different sizes and shapes depending on how much casting will need to be done. The type of cane used will determine how well it can withstand temperatures needed for certain types of mold making. For example, if the mold is going to be heated to cure the plaster, then a thermoplastic cane should be used instead of a wood or steel one. Heating the plastic will not damage it as doing so would a wooden cane. Once the plaster has hardened in the mold, it can be removed easily. If you were to put plaster of Paris in a mold and pour liquid rubber into the mold, the liquid rubber would cause the plaster to harden immediately, preventing any possibility of further manipulation. However, if you were to put plaster of Paris in a mold and pour liquid plastic into the mold, the plaster would absorb some of the liquid plastic and become soft again. It could then be pulled out of the mold and more plaster of Paris added until the whole thing was used up.