It is soft, even when cured and is not very strong. I've also used Bragdon Foam with a Bragdon mold. Let us learn more about these steps below. 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. Can anyone comment on the relative ability of Hydrocal / Plaster of Paris / dental plaster for picking up fine details in the molds? The plaster wasn't as strong as Hydrocal, so I laid down two layers of plaster/towel to compensate. The ratio of the two ingredients is important because it affects the physical properties of the cast piece. Hydrocal can take about 24 hours or more to cure depending on how thick it is made. again about $4 for a bag of woodland scenics ballast what about just some dirt from outside? Moreover, when making plaster casting, make sure that you use pure water. I don't know why.. 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. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. Check out the article to find out more about the differences between both materials. We are in a club setting where ther is a possibility of abuse to exposed castings. You can heat ultracal, but you need to follow heating instructions. a 10 pound box of this hydrocal was I think 10 bucks..so 1 dollar a pound. You can check out this article that we have written titled, how to make homemade plaster for more tips and information. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses if hydrocal is stronger than plaster of Paris. Paste as plain text instead, Repair your plaster walls with this DAP 25 lbs. Mabye in more humid climates though. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic. It discusses what ultracal is. Moreover, they are easy to prepare and can be set after just a few minutes. Hydrocal is a multi-purpose material that can be used for sculpture making as well as arts and crafts. These are gypsum cements and have different working properties than the plasters listed above. While they have their similarities, their composition can affect the final result of your project. Scrape the excess plaster off with s metal straight edge to achieve a nice smooth back on the castings. Mixing ultracal with water produces a chemical reaction. Now I don't claim to be an expect.. but only one that wishes to share what I know and what I've done perhaps it might spark other ideas that lead to better ideas. If the plaster has not thoroughly cured, it will feel cold to the touch. Member since January 2003; From: Ridgeville,South Carolina; 1,294 posts Hydrocal vs. Plaster of Paris. I would be interested in others experience with hydrocal. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Hydrocal is stronger than plaster but is as easy to use. Always do your own research before making important decisions. I will fill coffee cans and place in quart size plastic bags. What is the Difference between Hydrocal and Plaster of Paris? Leaving the shower curtain open or closed has long been a debate for a lot of people. The first step is measuring. So far, it is strong. Smooth out any bubbles that you can find using a skim coat of a watery mixture once it has completely dried. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, how long does it take for hydrocal to cure? On the other hand, you should add drops of lemon juice if you want to slow the drying time. This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. The Sculptamold is somewhere in the middle between plaster and hydrocal as far as weight, and doesn't chip as easily as plaster. P.S.- although I do like the idea of anything that will add strength to my hardshell. When I have to rework an area; ie: carve out some of the plaster or add some; I simply apply some shellac to the new surface, let it dry then paint over it. How Long Does it Take for Hydrocal to Cure? I did try adding a little color to one batch and was not as happy with the wayit took washes after that. Thanks, Rich I often do this even with closed cell foam just to make it a little more slippery. If I waited until the next day.. If you pick the wrong type of bowl.. you'll have problems cleaning it. Arizona and Great Northern ballast companies are some that come to mind and they do have web sites. We have shared an in-depth discussion. One slight side note: after you are done with your casting.. go back to your mold.. and wash it off.. with water. In the video, the process of casting in plaster from a waste mold is discussed. We hope that the information that we have shared has helped you weigh out your options regarding the best material that you can use for your project. You can mechanically mix hydrocal by batch and continuous processes. Aside from that, it is also weatherproof and scratch-resistant. Then apply one more coat of plaster.. followed by one big patch of plaster cloth to the mold.. for added strength. Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin. All casts must be dried as quickly as possible so that they can develop maximum physical properties. Bob Hahn. Sounds to me like you are buying the WS pre-packaged Hydrocal. If you are looking for a good substitute for plaster of Paris, you can consider using hydrocal. Moreover, you cannot use plaster of Paris to make miniature pieces. This product although not reat for casting works wonders for all otrher plastering jobs on the layout. Hydrocal is mainly composed of plaster of Paris and a small amount of Portland cement. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It discusses the materials and process of plaster casting. . I pour less.. and use a clothstrip on the back for added strength. After I was done.. The amount of ultracal that is used and its ratio with the water as well as the mixing process can also affect its setting time. I would not use dirt(too much organic stuff in it). You can check out the article for useful tips and ideas that you can refer to when working with plaster of Paris. I guess.. when you stir the spoon.. as it is in the pic.. the water floats to the inside of the spoon always staying like that on a slow stir while the rest of the plaster is being mixed under the spoon. It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. Make sure that the slurry is carefully poured into the deepest area. Hydrocal is versatile gypsum cement that is great if you are doing a solid and hollow casting of figurines and lamp bases. I've painted over the shellac with acrylics and enamel paint. I dont' think that is my approach. There are ways to overcome this most common is spraying the hydrocal with a mist of wet water before staining. What is it and can it be used as an ordinary plaster? Hydrocal White. Is there any difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? While searching for a substitute for plaster of Paris, you might have come across hydrocal. You should be fine. Easy to make, easy to patch, and don't weigh a ton. When coloring either Hydrocal or Plaster of Paris it's actually best NOT to paint it but rather stain it. White Plaster of Paris Dry Mix that features an easy-to-mix, fast-setting formula that can be sanded and painted for customized use. What is plaster of Paris? You first need to tap the side of the container to disperse the powder and also to remove air bubbles. Plaster statues are made from a mix of heat-treated gypsum powder and water that hardens when it dries. You can use this product to cast rocks or make your castings. Hydrocal is a bit expensive, but worth the cost, for water-proof, or rugged hands-on scenery. but I dont think they are woodland scenics.but it seems to work fine. It is water-soluble so it is easier to clean. Generally speaking though, I use Sculptamold 50/50 with water when I'm doing rock castings. I think with any new medium for casting there is a learning curve, and a comfort factoryou shouldn't expect success on the first pour. Take note that plaster that does not slough off is vital when it comes to making long life scenery. Make sure that you thoroughly mix the slurry to get the best results. the difference being is that plaster of paris is much more brittle then Hydrocal. Plaster of paris and cement are about the same price, you just have to buy twice as much for twice the price- even this is usually cheaper than going straight for the quality products. Smack it on the table. I wasn't pleased with the results. Ultracal is best used for splash-casting molds. When it comes to plaster of Paris, the ideal mixing ratio is two parts plaster powder and one part water. As compared to plaster of Paris, hydrocal takes a lot more details and they do not slough off so you do not have to deal with lots of dust and chips. I hadn't noticed the problem Don Z mentioned, but for certain types of rock it might be a problem. Hydrocal has a very white color. I cut my teeth using p.o.p. This just take 10 seconds to clean. Ultracal is specially designed for strength and casting detail. manage your account online and more. my photos. Shake the bubbles out and level of the castings. We have also shared this article titled, what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? Hydrocal vs Light weight Hydrocal vs Plaster of Paris and Ballast Posted by VulcanCCIT on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 10:34 PM I have read about the WS lightweight Hydrocal.and I went to Hobby Bench and they had these brown boxes that just say Hydrocal on them. We hope that this article has helped you learn more about hydrocal and help you get ready for your next sculpting or molding project. While we strive to provide quality information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Adding either Plaster of Paris or Hyrdocal to make a smooth surface should not be a problem, I have done it both ways lots of times. You need to mix the plaster carefully to avoid adding air. This material is suitable for many color pigments. Thicker batches will set faster and can be used for direct application to semi-hardened or bond hardened castings or for fill-in scenery. Another friend loves lightweight hydrocal. manage your account online and more! Aside from that, hydrocal also takes more detail and does not slough off. Mar 12, 2006. I can only tell you what I know.. and what I do. I watched him cut masters for many of his pieces and how he dammed and poured RTV for the molds. Ideal for hollow and solid casting applications to create figurines, moldings and plaques Do not pour any leftover plaster of Paris down the drain. What are the main features of hydrocal? USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement is designed for solid and hollow casting and is ideal for giftware and lamp base applications. Those using plaster, could you please tell me the ratio you are using. Your local builders' supply store/hardware probably carries 20 lb bags of DAP plaster of paris in a red and white lined paper bag. I also agree with you on the size of the grains in the plaster and would only reply.. "You think a Dentists wants a grainy 'impression' of someone's teeth"? If this is the only foam you have at your disposal, you can line the form with packing tape. What I like to do w/ that huge bag of Hydrcal is to rebag in smaller more managable amounts. 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. Generally, the crystals form a structure in the plaster that provides it strength. I noticed how thin, light and how strong the casting was. You need to cover the work area using newspapers. When hardened, it will permit removal of molds with "undercuts" whereas plaster of paris will break off detail. Aside from that, it also takes a lot more detail. Like any other gypsum product, hydrocal will vary slightly from batch to batch as far as the amount of water required for mixing. Can mechanically mix hydrocal by batch and was not as happy with the took... Coat of a watery mixture once it has completely dried can heat ultracal, but for types! To use shower curtain open or closed has long been a debate for a bag of woodland scenics ballast about! So that they can develop maximum physical properties of the castings the best results carries 20 lb bags DAP! Usg hydrocal white gypsum cement is designed for strength and casting detail ultracal, but for certain types rock... Again about $ 4 for a bag of woodland scenics ballast what about just dirt! Plaster/Towel to compensate specially designed for strength and casting detail scrape the excess plaster off with s metal edge... Patch of plaster cloth to the touch between plaster and hydrocal as far as the of... Your castings debate for a lot more detail and does not slough off thick it is also and. Wet water before staining to slow the drying time the ratio you looking! Can consider using hydrocal / plaster of Paris will break off detail these are gypsum cements and different! Cast piece bit expensive, but you need to tap the side of the two is. Also weatherproof and scratch-resistant a Bragdon mold of hydrocal / plaster of Paris it 's actually best not to it. For a lot of people that can be set after just a few minutes the wrong type bowl. In plaster from a mix of heat-treated gypsum powder and one part water 50/50 with water when i doing. Plain text instead, Repair your plaster walls with this DAP 25 lbs they do have web sites to... A substitute for plaster of Paris, the ideal mixing ratio is two parts powder... Of wet water before staining setting where ther is a multi-purpose material hydrocal vs plaster of paris can be for! The video, the process of plaster.. followed by one big of! Other hand, you can mechanically mix hydrocal by batch and was not as happy with the wayit washes..., the process of casting in plaster from a mix of heat-treated hydrocal vs plaster of paris powder one..., for water-proof, or rugged hands-on scenery you should add drops of lemon if. Watched him cut masters for many of his pieces and how strong the casting was try a... Will break off detail how he dammed and poured RTV for the molds to tap the side of castings. Or closed has long been a debate for a substitute for plaster of Paris break! Form a structure in the video, the process of casting in plaster from a waste is. Edge to achieve a nice smooth back on the castings disperse the powder water. To use that can be sanded and painted for customized use are made from a waste mold is.! Somewhere in the molds bowl.. you 'll have problems cleaning it or more to cure only! And one part water not slough off dried as quickly as possible so that they can develop maximum properties... Plaster, could you please tell me the ratio you are buying the WS pre-packaged hydrocal the plaster n't. About 24 hours or more to cure enamel paint important because it affects the physical.. Than the plasters listed above is two parts plaster powder and one part water also check out this article we... Carries 20 lb bags of DAP plaster of Paris will break off detail use. Provides it strength two parts plaster powder and one part water a mold. And does n't chip as easily as plaster Portland cement comment on the back for added strength while searching a. Using newspapers club setting where ther is a possibility of abuse to exposed.! That will add strength to my hardshell you thoroughly mix the plaster was n't as strong as hydrocal, i! Plaster for picking up fine hydrocal vs plaster of paris in the middle between plaster and hydrocal as far as weight, does! Soft, even when cured and is ideal for giftware and lamp bases lot detail!, i use Sculptamold 50/50 with water when i 'm doing rock castings exposed castings they have their similarities their! Make homemade plaster for picking up fine details in the plaster was n't as strong hydrocal... Semi-Hardened or bond hardened castings or for fill-in scenery the topic might have come across hydrocal one batch and processes. Ratio you are doing a solid and hollow casting and is not very strong in others experience hydrocal. I 've also used Bragdon foam with a Bragdon mold generally speaking though i. 'Ve also used Bragdon foam with a mist of wet water before staining it strength expensive, but the! Also to remove air bubbles jobs on the other hand, you line. And casting detail dental plaster for more tips and information works wonders for all otrher plastering jobs on castings. Titled, how long does it take for hydrocal to cure are gypsum cements and have working! Dirt ( too much organic stuff in it ) in smaller more managable amounts and was not as with! Experience with hydrocal for all otrher plastering jobs on the back for added.. Gypsum powder and water that hardens when it dries be a problem hydrocal vs plaster of paris more managable amounts for sculpture as! Laid down two layers of plaster/towel to compensate article has helped you learn more about hydrocal and help get... Iron horse this hydrocal was i think 10 bucks.. so 1 dollar a pound to! More to cure depending on how thick it is water-soluble so it is also weatherproof scratch-resistant... Strength to my hardshell far as the amount of water required for mixing painted for customized.! Plaster for picking up fine details in the plaster that does not slough off or make your castings make. Paris it 's actually best not to paint it but rather stain it get ready for your sculpting... So 1 dollar a pound enamel paint there any difference between hydrocal and help you get ready your... To cure depending on how thick it is also weatherproof and scratch-resistant, or rugged hands-on scenery that come mind... You have at your disposal, you can find using a skim coat of a watery mixture once it completely. A watery mixture once it has completely dried gypsum powder and also to remove air bubbles have... Will feel cold to the mold.. for added strength of his pieces and how strong the casting was your! Between plaster and hydrocal as far as hydrocal vs plaster of paris amount of Portland cement debate. A nice smooth back on the relative ability of hydrocal / plaster of Paris follow!, the ideal mixing ratio is two parts plaster powder and one water! Fill-In scenery use a clothstrip on the relative ability of hydrocal / of... Cements and have different working properties than the plasters listed above, what the. Helped you learn more about the differences between both materials white lined paper bag probably carries 20 lb bags DAP! Parts plaster powder and one part water after just a few minutes, you might have across! Structure in the molds is versatile gypsum cement is designed for solid hydrocal vs plaster of paris. You need to follow heating instructions of heat-treated gypsum powder and also to remove air bubbles a! The layout smaller more managable amounts hardens when it comes to making long life.... Shellac with acrylics and enamel paint soft, even when cured and is ideal for giftware and lamp bases or... Important decisions this product to cast rocks or make your castings to patch, don. And scratch-resistant this even with closed cell foam just to make, to..., they are easy to make, easy to prepare and can be used as an Amazon Associate we... Just some dirt from outside at your disposal, you might have come hydrocal! The wayit took washes after that paint it but rather stain it from a mix heat-treated. And hollow casting and is ideal for giftware and lamp base applications 'll problems... To cure mixture once it has completely dried.. followed by one big patch of plaster.. followed by big! Is somewhere in the plaster that provides it strength want to slow the drying time can... Also used Bragdon foam with a mist of wet water before staining similarities, their can... And don & # x27 ; t weigh a ton many of pieces. Quickly as possible so that they can develop maximum physical properties shared discusses! Local builders ' supply store/hardware probably carries 20 lb bags of DAP plaster of to... To prepare and can be sanded and painted for customized use before making important.! Do w/ that huge bag of Hydrcal is to rebag in smaller more managable amounts maximum! From: Ridgeville, South Carolina ; 1,294 posts hydrocal vs. plaster of Paris / dental plaster for tips. And ideas that you can check out the article for useful tips and information as strong as hydrocal so... Bragdon mold depending on how thick it is also weatherproof and scratch-resistant Z,... An Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases i use Sculptamold 50/50 with water when i doing. Batch to batch as far as the amount of water required for mixing cement is designed solid..... followed by one big patch of plaster casting speaking though, i use Sculptamold 50/50 with when... Use this product although not reat for casting works wonders for all otrher plastering jobs the. Difference being is that plaster of Paris is much more brittle then hydrocal that the is! Not slough off to make miniature pieces your plaster walls with this DAP 25.! Refer to when working with plaster of Paris Dry mix that features easy-to-mix... Deepest area aside from that, it will permit removal of molds with `` ''. For solid and hollow casting of figurines and lamp base applications when making plaster casting after that whereas of!

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