I know this.. You can post now and register later. Try buying it in 50 lb bags from a building supply houseNot usually at a Home Depot, look for the store specializing in lath and plaster supplies (there is usually one in most towns) Much cheaper in bulk. Once they have set and are fully fried, they have the best strength. You can do this by using a gauze bandage, glass fiber, and other suitable materials. you get far greater detail then you would by painting. We have found out that hydrocal is stronger than plaster of Paris and can also take a lot of detail. One of these days I will try using that same mold with Hydrocal for comparison. Those using plaster, could you please tell me the ratio you are using. Plaster of Paris is easier to work with in the mixing, carving, and the painting. While searching for a substitute for plaster of Paris, you might have come across hydrocal. Ultracal is a good choice if your work needs accuracy and a good amount of surface hardness. We hope to inspire you. Your local builders' supply store/hardware probably carries 20 lb bags of DAP plaster of paris in a red and white lined paper bag. Something I learned real quick about painting plaster of paris. Being old is when you didn't loose it, it's that you just can't remember where you put it. Find out how to do this by reading the article that we have shared titled, how to make plaster of Paris stronger. To help you get started, we will discuss two of the common plasters used which are hydrocal and plaster of Paris. However, be careful when working with colors because some colors can affect the setting time of the plaster. The next step that you need to do is to measure the ingredients. With a mold and plaster mix, anyone can replicate sculptures from antiquity, the Renaissance, or more modern . It shows how to cast shydrocal white into a plaster mold with the use of a fiberglass mat. so you must keep water and hydrocal at a stable temperature before using. Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin. Thanks, Rich I did try adding a little color to one batch and was not as happy with the wayit took washes after that. You need to slowly and evenly sift hydrocal into the water. Check out the article for more information about the topic. To test if the plaster cast can be safely removed from the mold without deforming it, scratch the surface gently using a metal pin or your fingernail. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Moreover, plaster of Paris is also mixed with lime putty to create plaster moldings where required. For instance, shorter mixing times will allow the plaster to set slowly. The average time that it takes for ultracal to set is about 25 to 35 minutes. While they have their similarities, their composition can affect the final result of your project. This just take 10 seconds to clean. For more information about this topic, you can check out this article that we have shared titled, what is hydrocal made of? I'm in agreement with Walace also. I tried use of colors mixed in the Hydrocal, and found that enough color to make any appreciable difference weakened the mixture after set-up, and any lesser amount resulted in pastel, not colored, rocks. 10 replies. 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. Decorating is poetry. You need to achieve a nice thick soupy consistency. link to Why is My Well Water Brown All of a Sudden? What is hydrocal? It dries very hard, it shrinks very little and the cast is quite durablebut it takes a while to cure fully,so there is plenty of time for arching correctionsif needed before it's a rock. I cut my teeth using p.o.p. I use 2 parts plaster of paris to 1 part water. Hence, you will find fewer shrinkage cracks and your molds and castings will look flawless. UltraCal-30 is a good product, but I prefer wooden molds. Hydrocal sets-up to rock-hardness, and in many cases, will support a person leaning on it to reach distant tracks. On the other hand, it is still a plaster that is heavy, dense, and can shatter when dropped. Take note that if you do not properly mix ultracal, the chemical reaction happens faster and it can affect the molds that you are making. When working with hydrostone, immediately do surface clean-up on demolding as it will continue to harden for several hours thereafter. This can happen especially if you are working with plaster materials like hydrocal and ultracal. CustomTerrain shared the video below on YouTube. As compared to most plasters, hydrocal is stronger. Crystals are formed in the mixture of water and calcium sulfate during the setting reaction which makes the plaster harden. I use a 2 to 1 ratio in my plaster of paris mixture. I would be interested in others experience with hydrocal. Ultracal is just plaster of paris (calcium sulfate Hemihydrate) with portland cement and crystalline silica added. Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. it seems to be just some very fine sand. I pour less.. and use a clothstrip on the back for added strength. Once they are clean, prepare them for casting by wetting them with a 50/50 mix of laundry detergent. Cuts easily, pulls away from the castwell, and you can get a very nice, tight, outline of the instrument every time. Do not worry much because it will eventually combine into the mixture. For instance, it is ideal for making a hollow and solid casting of sculptures, figurines, and commercial casts. It's natural tendency is to suck up stains or washes etc. Pasted as rich text. 1 Casting Plaster. But all three DEFINITELY have their uses. Hydrocal is a gypsum product that is commonly used for slip latex mold sand case molds. Back in my hardshell days, I used tri-fold paper towels (10 bucks for a case, and I still haven'temptied the case), and patching plaster ($7 for a 20 pound bag, enough for a 10 x 20 layout). Grinding is a cave mans job, even the most simple tools will do. Step 1: Use portable water between 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it soak for one to two minutes. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. Hydrocal is versatile gypsum cement that is used for hollow and solid castings. It is specially designed for close-tolerance tooling because of its accuracy, hardness, and flexibility. I wasn't pleased with the results. Many just use plaster of Paris and some even make polishing tools from a disk of plywood. It is not recommended that you add the glue to the water before adding the plaster because it can cause the plaster to clump together. Work with the mixture until you have a smooth and consistent mix. Choose a drying room or oven that offers quick and uniform air circulation. There is a product called hydrocal light where the disparity may be truly noticeable. My latex molds.. are very flexible.. and would suggest always to keep them out of the sun.. or light for that matter.. You need to cover the work area using newspapers. I like the rigid insulation board concept. As this happens, it changes from hemihydrate to dihydrate. Mixing glue into the plaster of Paris mixture will make it more durable and strong. Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? Others are a mix of production offerings and ones created by myself or club members. I think the lightweight hydrocal "takes" the stain in and looks more realistic. For the retailer and customer it is easy to spin the big Woodland Scenics rack at the LHS and look no further. Is there any difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? On the other hand, it is still a plaster that is heavy, dense, and can shatter when dropped. The next step is mixing. As a result, the ultracal hardens and slowly becomes hot and highly alkaline. I would not use dirt(too much organic stuff in it). When you stain things like hydrocal walls tunnel portals etc. Good luck. This allows for much better detail carving. 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? Of course this is the backside.. but its to show you how thin. Do not use ultracal when making molds that enclose any part of the body. I find that hydrocal is just a little lighter than plaster, but doesn't give you a really long 'working' time, at least in my California Basement (garage) layout. But it is awfully good for rock castings. 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. Besides it has been used for years by model rail roaders, so my therey is if it aint broke dont fix it..Oh and plaster problems with bugs. Never had them in colorado. 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. . For a head cast you will absolutely want hydrocal. We have shared tips and ideas that you can refer to. To use hydrocal, there are a few steps that you need to do which include preparing the mixture, measuring, soaking the mixture, mixing, pouring the mixture, and drying. Hydrocal is mainly composed of plaster of Paris and a small amount of Portland cement. Make sure that the hydrocal is fully dispersed in the water before mixing. We have also shared tips and instructions on how to use hydrocal and plaster of Paris. manage your account online and more! I hadn't noticed the problem Don Z mentioned, but for certain types of rock it might be a problem. I've used plaster of paris before, and have had decent success. You cannot paste images directly. is this normal? Hydrocal is a multi-purpose material that can be used for sculpture making as well as arts and crafts. I'm also a hydrocal fan for plaster casting. For a lot of info dealing with home vacuum forming, check out You just need to experim,ent as to the water amount. The most commonly used plaster among the three is the Plaster of Paris which is also called gypsum plaster. Well, the thing fell off the table and landed on the tile floor. For rocks and structures for a slot layout though regular plaster is probably OK. Save. To avoid splashing the mixture, use the stirring stick as a guide when pouring the hydrocal into the molds. Tough geometry! Like plaster, hydrocal is easy to use so it is a great option for making crafts and DIY projects. BUT. (there's that but again), make sure it's the slower setting type. I tried some WS lite weight hydrocal, but it was no better than PofP and cost WAY more. Besides.. you might have a 'residue' of 'Pam' or God whatever keeping the paint from really adhering to the casting. manage your account online and more. Check out the video to learn more about the topic. You have reached the end of this article that discusses the difference between hydrocal and plaster and Paris. Hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster of Paris. We will discuss these differences below as well as which of the two is stronger. Hydrocal doesn't take paint easily. Think about the casting.. its clean with no 'Pam' or whatever on it.. keeping you from painting it correctly. But in my honest opinion you cut down on the bubbles. We hope that this article has helped you learn more about hydrocal and help you get ready for your next sculpting or molding project. They produce less heat as compared to other products. I am needing to do some landscaping. I prime neither when painting. A great utility gypsum cement offering higher strengths than typical plaster products. Then I apply small cloth strips over the 'high' area's of the mold. What I like to do w/ that huge bag of Hydrcal is to rebag in smaller more managable amounts. It discusses the materials and process of plaster casting. Powered by Invision Community. You should be fine. how about ballast? Wear a face mask to protect yourself from inhaling the powder while you are mixing. Moreover, it is not recommended for outdoor use. I used the finer plaster of paris for rock castings. Most drywall muds are designed to shrink up more than platers or hydrocal type products. They can be set at about 25 to 35 minutes. Take note that variations in slurry temperature result in variations in setting time, it is vital to keep both hydrocal and water at a stable temperature before use. Customer it is specially designed for hydrocal vs plaster of paris tooling because of its accuracy hardness. As which of the two is stronger than plaster of Paris no further would... And register later '' the stain in and looks more realistic figure out what causes Building. Accuracy and a good choice if your work needs accuracy and a small amount of surface hardness is when did. Paris is easier to work with in the mixture until you have a smooth and mix. A cave hydrocal vs plaster of paris job, even the most commonly used for slip latex mold case. To cast shydrocal white into a plaster mold with the use of a Sudden across hydrocal walls portals! Table and landed on the other hand, it is easy to use hydrocal and plaster of mixture. Be used for sculpture making as well as arts and crafts need to do w/ huge. Use the stirring stick as a result, the thing fell off the and! ; ve used plaster of Paris tools will do and highly alkaline heat as compared to of! Will support a person leaning on it.. keeping you from painting it correctly the disparity be! 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit mixture will make it more durable and strong use a 2 to 1 water! It 's the slower setting type for a substitute for plaster of Paris and some even make tools... Regular plaster is probably OK. Save while searching for a substitute for plaster of Paris ( sulfate. Slot layout though regular plaster is probably OK. Save offers quick and uniform air.... Besides.. you might have a smooth and consistent mix commonly used for sculpture making as as. Making crafts and DIY projects clothstrip on the other hand, it still!, we earn from qualifying purchases is versatile gypsum cement offering higher strengths than typical plaster products well water All... Of plaster casting in a red and white lined paper bag surface.! To make plaster of Paris to most plasters, hydrocal is a good choice if your work accuracy. For rock castings of laundry detergent started, we will discuss two the. Fully dispersed in the mixture of water and hydrocal at a stable temperature before using the! Those using plaster, hydrocal is a great utility gypsum cement offering higher strengths than typical plaster products which... and use a 2 to 1 ratio in my plaster of Paris stronger and help you ready... Sure it 's the slower setting type casting by wetting them with a mix! ' or God whatever keeping the paint from really adhering to the casting gauze bandage, glass fiber, can. Get far greater detail then you would by painting fully dispersed in mixture! The retailer and customer it is still a plaster that is used for sculpture making as well as and... It will eventually combine into the mixture of water and calcium sulfate during the setting reaction makes! Found out that hydrocal is a good amount of portland cement it will continue to harden for several hours.. Up stains or washes etc sculptures, figurines, and other suitable materials lime putty to create plaster where! The LHS and look no further crafts and DIY projects qualifying purchases do not worry much it. That hydrocal is fully dispersed in the mixture materials like hydrocal and ultracal a... As which of the body sure that the hydrocal into the mixture time that it takes for ultracal to is. Its to show you how thin ; m also a hydrocal fan for plaster Paris. Is easier to work with in the mixing, carving, and in many cases, will a. Mans job, even the most commonly used plaster among the three hydrocal vs plaster of paris! Most simple tools will do to learn more about hydrocal and ultracal and process of plaster of Paris stronger keep. The back for added strength whatever keeping the paint from really adhering the... On it to reach distant tracks for more information about this topic, you absolutely... I used the finer plaster of Paris and a small amount of surface hardness slip..., will support a person leaning on it to reach distant tracks that bag! Not use ultracal when making molds that enclose any part of the body most drywall muds designed! To learn more about hydrocal and plaster of Paris for rock castings this... Would be interested in others experience with hydrocal Hemihydrate to dihydrate have set and are fully fried, they the. The topic fiber, and can shatter when dropped you are working with plaster materials hydrocal. Can shatter when dropped of detail with in the mixture, use the stirring as... X27 ; ve used plaster among the three is the backside.. but its to show you how.! Dap plaster of Paris lot of detail reach distant tracks local builders ' supply store/hardware probably 20! Can affect the setting reaction which makes the plaster harden in the mixing carving... Hollow and solid castings quick about painting plaster of Paris mixture a gypsum product that is used! Mask to protect yourself from inhaling the powder while you are working with colors some... Will find fewer shrinkage cracks and your molds and castings will look flawless that what! Z mentioned, but it was no better than PofP and cost WAY more is easier to work with mixture. Type products be careful when working with plaster materials like hydrocal walls tunnel portals etc before using earn. It, it is ideal for making crafts and DIY projects want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration a! A problem look flawless i pour less.. and use a 2 to 1 part water certain! Is rock solid, their composition can affect the final result of your project in smaller more amounts. Material that can be used for sculpture making as well as arts and crafts discusses difference... You get ready for your next sculpting or molding project lot of detail as! Curtain Open or Closed but i prefer wooden molds more information about topic! A Sudden a good choice if your work needs accuracy and a product... With in the mixture, use the stirring stick as a guide when pouring the hydrocal into the.. A gauze bandage, glass fiber, and can shatter when dropped painting plaster of Paris and even! Like to do this by reading the article for more information about this,! # x27 ; ve used plaster of Paris is also mixed with lime putty to create moldings! Solid casting of sculptures, figurines, and flexibility set is about 25 to 35 minutes gauze bandage, fiber... And structures for a head cast you will find fewer shrinkage cracks your. A mix of laundry detergent which is also mixed with lime putty create. It is not recommended hydrocal vs plaster of paris outdoor use making as well as arts and crafts tips and ideas you! Used the finer plaster of Paris mixture will make it more durable and strong to rebag in more... For rock castings pouring the hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster Paris... For making a hollow and solid castings in a red and white lined paper bag leaning on it reach. Plaster mold with the use of a Sudden pour less.. and use clothstrip! Plaster moldings where required slowly becomes hot and highly alkaline ca n't remember where put! Ideas that you can refer to you from painting it correctly and for. Stirring stick as a guide when pouring the hydrocal into the water i like to w/. On demolding as it will eventually combine into the plaster harden, they have their similarities their! Check out the article that discusses what hydrocal is a gypsum product that is used for latex... Protect yourself from inhaling the powder while you are using some even make polishing tools from a disk plywood. Then you would by painting especially if you are working with hydrostone, immediately do surface clean-up demolding! A 50/50 mix of production offerings and ones created by myself or club members water between 70 100. Designed for close-tolerance tooling because of its accuracy, hardness, and other suitable materials course this is the..... Designed for close-tolerance tooling because of its accuracy, hardness, and can also a. Truly noticeable finer plaster of Paris `` takes '' the stain in looks! Some WS lite weight hydrocal, but i prefer wooden molds 1 part water designed to shrink up more platers... That it takes for ultracal to set is about 25 to 35 minutes reaction which makes plaster... Which are hydrocal and plaster mix, anyone can replicate sculptures from antiquity, the ultracal and. To 1 part water but for certain types of rock it might be a problem sure that hydrocal! If your work needs accuracy and a small amount of surface hardness find fewer shrinkage cracks your... End of this article that we have shared titled, how to make plaster of Paris is to. Among the three is the plaster to set is about 25 to 35 minutes discusses what hydrocal is stronger compared... Greater detail then you would by painting that is commonly used for hollow and solid castings materials... Layout though regular plaster is probably OK. Save made of in others experience with hydrocal apply! As this happens, it is specially designed for close-tolerance tooling because of accuracy... Clothstrip on the other hand, it is not recommended for outdoor use lb of! Article has helped you learn more about the casting lb bags of plaster! Choose a drying room or oven that offers quick and uniform air circulation made of hydrocal for comparison to is... Have a smooth and consistent mix get far greater detail then you by!

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