Abstract: In connection with a device for casting lead grids for electric battery plates, a highly porous ceramic mold lining, preferably of zirconium oxide, is prepared by flame-spraying. Such a lining can include a thin surface coating on a profiled, basic metallic mold or a separately prepared insert plate which is retained to a metallic mold molder. The ceramic surface coating may be accurately formed in place, or may be formed as an over-spray which is then reduced in thickess. Formation of the surface coating may be accomplished by placing masks on the basic metallic mold during the flame spraying, for those areas of the grid which tend to accumulate material, or by adjusting an initially coarse profile of the ceramic layer to the exact profile of the casting by a material-removing treatment.