Launched in the early 1980s, the Jesmonite brand was created by Peter Hawkins and quickly established itself as a go-to name in the world of creative materials. He invented AC100, the brand's most popular product, which is now sold all over the world and remains a trusted choice.
A genuine alternative to concrete, Jesmonite can be used to make anything from decorative objects to large outdoor pieces, such as mouldings on building façades. Tangible proof of just how strong and durable this material is.
Jesmonite complements and enriches your creative world. Just like our reed diffusers, scented wax melts and pillow mists, it lets you create a warm, personalised decorative atmosphere. Whether you want to dress up your own home or design pieces for your customers, Jesmonite lets you make one-of-a-kind decorative objects.
Technically unique
Thanks to its two-part composition (liquid + powder), Jesmonite® is easy to prepare and use, even for beginners. Custom pigments, terrazzo effects, marbling or ultra-detailed textures: Jesmonite adapts to the maker's imagination, not the other way round, and opens the door to a whole host of creative ideas. Jesmonite products fall into two categories: acrylic-modified gypsum composites (AC100) and acrylic-modified cementitious composites (AC730). They are strong and impact-resistant!
Eco-friendly
Water-based and free from harsh solvents, Jesmonite is backed by a tangible environmental approach: local sourcing to reduce its carbon footprint, a gradual move away from plastic packaging in favour of cardboard, and a firm commitment to carbon neutrality. Free from solvents and toxic compounds, it can be used with complete peace of mind, even in family workshops.
Jesmonite vs microcement vs resin
Torn between several materials for your next creative project? Jesmonite, microcement and resin are often compared, yet they differ in both their uses and their constraints. Here's what you need to know before you choose.
Jesmonite: versatile and accessible
Jesmonite is a two-part, water-based, solvent-free material. It's easy to get to grips with, even with no prior experience, and suits both indoor and outdoor projects (depending on the range you choose). Lightweight, strong and endlessly customisable, it's the ideal choice for artisans and designers who want to create unique pieces without any major technical hurdles.
Microcement: beautiful but demanding
Microcement is first and foremost a decorative finish applied to existing surfaces (floors, walls, worktops). It takes real skill to apply properly and needs regular upkeep. Unlike Jesmonite, it can't be cast in a mould, which makes it hard to use for making objects by hand.
Resin: precise but restrictive
Epoxy resin gives a very smooth, glossy finish that is popular for artworks and translucent surfaces. However, it contains chemical solvents, gives off toxic fumes and requires proper protective equipment. It isn't recommended for use in confined spaces and sits poorly with an eco-friendly approach.
| Jesmonite | Microcement | Resin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Water | Cement | Chemical |
| Ease of use | Easy | Technical | Technical |
| Can be moulded | Yes | No | Yes |
| Eco-friendly | Yes | Partly | No |
| Odour / toxicity | Low | Moderate | High |
In short: if you're looking for a creative material that's easy to handle, eco-friendly and adaptable to all kinds of projects, Jesmonite remains the most complete choice. Microcement and resin have their strengths, but they are better suited to specific uses or to experienced makers.
Jesmonite AC84, AC100 or AC730? Understanding the ranges to make the right choice
Each Jesmonite range has its own characteristics and meets different needs. Here's a quick overview of their main strengths to help you find the one that best suits your project.
AC100 - For an easy start
An easy-to-work material with fast demoulding (20–30 min) and a smooth, highly customisable finish (pigments, terrazzo-style inclusions). Ideal for getting started or for regular production. This is the range we recommend for beginners.
Limitation: indoor use only.
AC84 - The versatile middle ground
An intermediate formula, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, with good resistance to impact, moisture and UV. Depending on the finish, the result can stay smooth or lean towards a more mineral look.
Limitation: takes a little more technique and patience than AC100 (demoulding ~2 h).
AC730 - For statement pieces
The toughest in the range, designed for intensive outdoor use and an authentic mineral finish (stone or concrete effect). We recommend this range for intermediate and experienced makers.
Limitation: fewer customisation options, as the pigments are pre-mixed to preserve the mineral finish, and more technical to work with (demoulding ~4 h).
If you'd like more detail on these ranges before making your choice, take a look at our article comparing all three, which you'll find among our Jesmonite articles.
Can you use Jesmonite for candle making?
Want to make your own Jesmonite candle containers? Good news: it's entirely possible, and all three ranges we offer are suitable for this use!
Bear in mind, however, that the material remains porous, so it must be sealed with a suitable treatment. You can apply Jesmonite acrylic varnish, available in a matt or gloss finish. We recommend leaving your container to dry for at least 48 hours before use to ensure it is fully heat-resistant.
Every piece designed to hold a candle must be burn-tested before it goes on sale!
A real opportunity to grow your creative business
Jesmonite offers plenty of ways to expand your creative range. You can design modern decorative objects, but also make unique candle containers, entirely handmade and customised by you. It's an excellent way to stand out, bring real added value to your creations and tap into the growing appetite for handcrafted, durable and personalised objects.
Now that you know all about Jesmonite, ready to get started? Discover how to work with Jesmonite and learn best practice step by step, along with the essential techniques and our tips for getting every creation right from your very first attempts.
