Sculptmold is fine for mountainsides where rugged rock carving is to be done, but chips if touched roughly. You can mechanically mix hydrocal by batch and continuous processes. Seal it first. Then really dry it. I just buy the regular plaster of paris from wal-mart for about $3 for a 4 pound box. This material is specially designed for making thin sections. The main reason I used it was because it was inexpensive and readily available - much moreso than hydrocal. While some of their components are not the same, both are made for the same purposes like casting and molding. Used for waste molds or temporary patterns where surface hardness and strength are not important. Copyright 1996 - 2022 Maestronet USG Hydrocal Brand White Gypsum Cement is a good multi-purpose product for people looking to upgrade from a standard plaster product to one that has a higher degree of hardness and impact resistance. I don't know why.. It's heavier than Hydrocal but I have no complaints. Plaster of Paris is gypsum plaster that is made from a fine white powder that hardens when it is moistened and dried. Aside from that, hydrocal also takes more detail and does not slough off. The ratio of the two ingredients is important because it affects the physical properties of the cast piece. To help you get started, we will discuss two of the common plasters used which are hydrocal and plaster of Paris. We hope that you have learned more about ultracal and hydrocal after reading this article that we have shared. Another friend loves lightweight hydrocal. Then I apply small cloth strips over the 'high' area's of the mold. Both have pros and cons so you need to make sure that you weigh out your options to make the best choice based on the project that you are working on. However, most sealers cause the plaster to have a sheen, do not take stains, and do not make the finished scenery any stronger or damage resistant. If you choked a Smurf what color would he turn? You can post now and register later. Hydrocal is a gypsum product that is commonly used for slip latex mold sand case molds. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses how to make plaster of Paris stronger. By This is the plaster that is used for skim coating blue board. In the video, how to mix and use ultracal is discussed. But in my honest opinion you cut down on the bubbles. The powdered dye is added to the dry plaster to approximate end color of choice. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal. I stopped using much plaster cloth after I discovered foam scenery. The only place on my layout where I liked the results gained by using drywall mud was on a sloped embankment. I believe these are offered commercialy now. Mix them until the glue is thoroughly dissolved in water. Aside from that, it is also weatherproof and scratch-resistant. You can do this by using a gauze bandage, glass fiber, and other suitable materials. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. Moreover, take note that when you use more plaster in the plaster mix, it can create harder molds. You can keep the surface of the casteasy to scrape by lining with cellophane and filling with sand while it cures over the course of several days. Avoid pouring all the powder into the water. Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. I have poured large faces of rocks.. using less and less dental plaster. Mixing ultracal with water produces a chemical reaction. We are in a club setting where ther is a possibility of abuse to exposed castings. Mabye in more humid climates though. Be careful about spilling the plaster dust, as it is a pain to get it up without it blowing . You can also check out this article thatdiscusses if hydrocal expands. What is hydrocal made of? We have also shared tips and ideas for using hydrocal and plaster of Paris for your art or craft projects. Something I learned real quick about painting plaster of paris. Thanks, Rich. Do not worry much because it will eventually combine into the mixture. What is hydrocal? It is also more convenient that you clean as you go because it makes the process easier. Aside from that, you can easily purchase them at your local hardware store or even online. I tried some WS lite weight hydrocal, but it was no better than PofP and cost WAY more. You first need to tap the side of the container to disperse the powder and also to remove air bubbles. I would be interested in others experience with hydrocal. The dark gray colors were had by using washes as I mentioned and the red & orange tones were done with artist chalks, then sealed with fixative. They can be set at about 25 to 35 minutes. You might be washing the dishes when all of a sudden brown water comes out of the faucet and makes you wonder what causes it. This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. It is soft, even when cured and is not very strong. "CLANK" was the sound, a high pitch clank. You need to let it soak for about one to two minutes. Are you happy with the results? For a mold that will cast 5 or 6 pieces? Falling in Art 1lb Plaster of Paris Powder - Plaster Hand Mold Casting Kit Powder, Gypsum Cement, Pottery & Ceramic Plaster Powder for Crafts, Sculpture, Diorama and Home Decor. We have shared helpful tips and ideas that you can refer to. what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris. Your link has been automatically embedded. Used Hydrocal for the first time 2 nights ago for a full back cast of a Gagliano cello. Ultracal is stringer and harder as compared to hydrocal. can I get this stuff in bulk? The downside of Hydrocal is that it does not carve or take stains/washes very well. Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. Dental Stone is is also calcium sulfate Hemihydrate, but it is created at a higher temperature and under pressure. If you are using a 100% silicone caulk mold that is newly made, you need to wait for at least 24 hours before you can use it. It can also take a lot of details and does not slough off. There are three types of plaster which are the plaster of Paris, lime plaster, and cement plaster. I am not 'bashing' Woodland Scenics, but there are other sources for these scenic items. I don't really recommend trying to cut a master for your own use but Making molds of existing origionals is easily done w/ the RTV. Shake off the excess water and lay the molds on the table to the floor. Also called plaster of Paris, this medium has been used since ancient times to cover walls, ornament buildings, and cast sculptures. Hydrocal FGR-95. If you want it to be thoroughly cured before de-molding, you need to wait until it feels warmish and dry. Aside from that, they are also durable and lightweight. I was wondering about this idea after helping my son-in-law hang sheetrock and mudding the seams. To help you get started, we will discuss the differences between both materials below. If you are looking for a good substitute for plaster of Paris, you can consider using hydrocal. For general wall and ceiling repair. On the other hand, hydrocal is a casting plaster that does an excellent job when it comes to holding detail. I'm also a hydrocal fan for plaster casting. I am never going back to any plaster or hydrocal product. You'll also lose detail very quickly with plaster. Hydrocal can take about 24 hours or more to cure depending on how thick it is made. Step 1: Use portable water between 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I did try adding a little color to one batch and was not as happy with the wayit took washes after that. I find Plaster of Paris too soft, and subject to scratches and breakage. The mixed consistency will vary depending on its use. To avoid splashing the mixture, use the stirring stick as a guide when pouring the hydrocal into the molds. It is 30 to 50 percent harder as compared to other casting plaster. Moreover, they are easy to prepare and can be set after just a few minutes. It has a similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, and ultracal. Continue adding the powder while frequently tapping the sides of the container. It was a waste of time and money. Hydrocal provides twice the compressive strength of plaster and is ideal for thin and delicate sections where high green strength is needed. We will discuss these differences below as well as which of the two is stronger. I use a 2 to 1 ratio in my plaster of paris mixture. Easy to make, easy to patch, and don't weigh a ton. Strictly my O/P as some doe paint hydrocal to seal it first. Hydrocal is versatile gypsum cement that is great if you are doing a solid and hollow casting of figurines and lamp bases. It is a high-quality, quick-setting plaster that is usually normally used with gauged lime putty. I already had a two pound carton of Woodland Scenics Hydrocal Lite at $8.49. In this article, we will discuss the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris. CustomTerrain shared the video below on YouTube. You need to use water at temperatures between 70 and 100 Fahrenheit. When plaster of Paris sloughs off, it results in dust and chips continously. However I've heard comments that it is to heavy. Description. Unless you have a portable layout,I don't see where weight would be a problem unless I'm overlooking somethingcomments? This just take 10 seconds to clean. Member since January 2003; From: Ridgeville,South Carolina; 1,294 posts Hydrocal vs. Plaster of Paris. Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/. Is there any difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? Hydrocal comes in several versions(Hydrocal/Ultracal/etc). manage your account online and more! When it comes to mixing plaster and water, there are a few steps that should be done. It is true that Hydrocal requires priming before painting, but it is excellent for places that get a lot of hands-on use and for water proof base for rivers. Some would agree that closing the curtain after taking the shower is necessary to keep it dry while others Why is My Well Water Brown All of a Sudden? Posted 11 May 2017 - 09:42 AM. Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. As compared to most plasters, hydrocal is stronger. I would not be able to breakit up.. its that strong. Once you have measured the ingredients, you need to soak them. a 10 pound box of this hydrocal was I think 10 bucks..so 1 dollar a pound. Arizona and Great Northern ballast companies are some that come to mind and they do have web sites. Pour 1 cup of water into the mixing bowl. Hydrocal dries rock hard, so it is hard to modify or carve. Choose an ingredient that you are most comfortable working with. Hydrocal is waterproof. Ultracal can be used in a wide array of applications. Hydrostone and hydrocal are both gypsum products. It is easy to mix plaster of Paris, but there are vital steps that you need to consider so that you can have a solid and durable sculpture. Ultracal is a good choice if your work needs accuracy and a good amount of surface hardness. While hydrocal is an excellent product, it is usually sold in really small packages and can be expensive. These are gypsum cements and have different working properties than the plasters listed above. The difference is that hydrostone is considerably harder and lacks the period of plasticity in the setting curve which enables the plaster to be worked directly. http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub. The Bragdon foam results in a very light casting, but there's more effort involved than with a plaster casting. Use a mixing container that can fit the amount of mixture that you will make. Not the best photo.. but study this sheet.. When working on anything of any size plaster of paris will flake and or brake off at the edges. They soak up moisture, float, and even grow mold in some enviroments. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. I am really looking to spend less. Bob Hahn. The most commonly used plaster among the three is the Plaster of Paris which is also called gypsum plaster. Ideal for hollow and solid casting applications to create figurines, moldings and plaques You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses if hydrocal is stronger than plaster of Paris. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic. I have a box of hydorcal, but haven't used any as yet. Waterproofing plaster of Paris is important especially if you will use it outdoors. Why?> When you're done.. and the plaster is dried to your bowl.. just add water.. look closely at the bow.. you'll see a thin film of plaster.. that just slides up and off the rim of the bow. If the plaster has not thoroughly cured, it will feel cold to the touch. Moreover, hydrocal does not slough off as compared to plaster of Paris. The finished product.. is an extremely thin .. light.. very strong casting. Product Details. Thanks for your reply. The next step is mixing. discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal, Provides long workability as setting expansion is twice that of molding plaster and pottery plaster, Ideal for both hollow and solid casting lamp bases, moldings, general castings, and figurines, Provides a great value to performance ratio, Requires 45 parts water by weight per 100 parts plaster, Has a stark white color which makes it ideal for accepting colorants. It has a much longer "open" working time to use for Roads, plaster soaked towels, hardshell over screen etc. Hydrocal White is versatile gypsum cement that is an excellent choice for making solid and hollow castings. Hydrocal is harder and holds detail better. Bear in mind that the more you mix, the faster the plaster will set up. It costs me about Cdn$19/bag, and I am on my third already doing hardshell. I will fill coffee cans and place in quart size plastic bags. Make sure that the hydrocal is fully dispersed in the water before mixing. When the drywall mud shrank back on itself , I gained some erosion channels and short narrow ravines randomly along the embankment. Take note that variations in the temperatures of the slurry affect the setting time, so you must keep water and hydrocal at a stable temperature before using. The difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris is that hydrocal is stronger. With the many plaster materials that are available on the market, it is vital that you know what you are working with. Hydrocal doesn't take paint easily. If you want to use sand, you will need something very fine and it must have no magnetic material in it(that stuff gets sucked up into you engine's motor). Plaster of Paris is an ideal material to use for craft and sculpture projects. They You can check out this article that we have written titled, how to make homemade plaster for more tips and information. When you stain things like hydrocal walls tunnel portals etc. Some LHS's carry these lines, others you have to mail order from. bulk sand? If you pick the wrong type of bowl.. you'll have problems cleaning it. WHITE HYDROCAL - Used for making plaster objects, a neutral gypsum cement having a normal set of 25 minutes. You can also add color to the plaster using poster paint or tempera. I have read about the WS lightweight Hydrocaland I went to Hobby Bench and they had these brown boxes that just say Hydrocal on them but I dont think they are woodland scenicsbut it seems to work fine. For instance, it is ideal for making a hollow and solid casting of sculptures, figurines, and commercial casts. Side note: I can even break this casting a bit.. remove certain areas.. it breaks nicely.. and the plaster cloth on the backholds everything together..so I can go back.. add plaster to the areas.. to seal them up.. and I guess its a mild re-glueing with plaster. 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