You need to cover the work area using newspapers. It's just more expensive than Ultracal, and lacks a few additives. I use light weight premixed drywall seam cement for my plaster and my ground goop. Below are the steps on how to make plaster of Paris stronger. But all three DEFINITELY have their uses. Now for my last pic.. just a side note.. but someone out there might want to know. Lightweight hydrocal is a tough, quick-setting product. Hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster of Paris. We hope that this article has helped you learn more about hydrocal and help you get ready for your next sculpting or molding project. Used Hydrocal for the first time 2 nights ago for a full back cast of a Gagliano cello. For a mold that will cast 5 or 6 pieces? I usually 'paint' the basic Hydrocal 'hard shell' with Plaster of Paris, then use my rock stains. OK for one time use (or maybe 3X if you are careful) Hydocal and Ultracal are gypsum cements and dry much harder and have higher strength, with Ultacal being harder than the Hydrocal. 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 am really looking to spend less. How you mix the plaster will affect the outcome of your cast. Hydrocal FGR-95. For instance, it is ideal for making a hollow and solid casting of sculptures, figurines, and commercial casts. Your previous content has been restored. You have reached the end of this article that discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal is. For most, the main difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris is that hydrocal is much stronger and takes more detail. Let the plaster cure overnight. Thanks, Rich Same here, and my basement is a haven for all types of arthropodsa good thing since it keeps the distaff upstairs most often. In this dehydrated state, it can be used as an ingredient in plaster. Others are a mix of production offerings and ones created by myself or club members. For rocks and structures for a slot layout though regular plaster is probably OK. Save. Work with the mixture until you have a smooth and consistent mix. It might be Scenic Express. This will prevent air bubbles and will also create a uniform and smooth surface. However, there are instances wherein you do not want the plaster to completely dry out before it is removed from the mold. Densite is the name. I find I have no air bubbles.. and can apply a thicker coat afterwards. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses if plaster of Paris is hard. It is made for thin sections and is also more durable so there is minimal breakage during mold removal. I would be interested in others experience with hydrocal. I have tried both. The longer you take to clean your latex mold.. the harder the plaster becomes.. and the harder to clean.. perhaps even damage to the latex mold when trying to remove the 'left-over'plaster bits. Moreover, you cannot use plaster of Paris to make miniature pieces. You can do this by using a gauze bandage, glass fiber, and other suitable materials. We had the "pleasuer" of having Jeff Adam of Motrac Models as a club member. The first step is measuring. Another advantage is that is can be cleaned up in the sink. -Crandell Reply HHPATH56 Member since March 2007 947 posts I am never going back to any plaster or hydrocal product. For instance, shorter mixing times will allow the plaster to set slowly. I like the rigid insulation board concept. Step 1: Use portable water between 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Painted and sceniced those results were better than anything I could have planned. This just take 10 seconds to clean. Strictly my O/P as some doe paint hydrocal to seal it first. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? Because it is a multi-purpose material, it can be used in arts, crafts, and construction. Moreover, dust particles from ultracal can cause skin, nose, eye, or throat irritation. Always do your own research before making important decisions. I'd stick with the Hydrocal if I were you. The next step is to pour the mixture. #1 MOULDING PLASTER - Often referred to as "plaster of paris" or soft plaster. Well, the thing fell off the table and landed on the tile floor. Beats the heck out of Walmart prices/unit weight/volume. Make sure that you thoroughly mix the slurry to get the best results. Let us learn more about this below. I wasn't pleased with the results. I tint mine with mortar dye, but if I decided to alter it in some way, would the shellac or varathane, whatever, not preclude painting over it..or will acrylics "take"? P.S.- although I do like the idea of anything that will add strength to my hardshell. I would still use real ballast. While we strive to provide quality information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Most of the time, we choose a material for the project that we are working thinking that it is an excellent choice, only to find out in the end that the material is not the correct one. Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/. Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, Take note that hydrocal has a high green strength which allows it to lessen breakage during removal of the casting from the molds. This is to make sure that the slurry evenly flows across the surface of the mold. Hydrocal White. Posted by willy6 on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 11:43 PM I have tried both. This material is specifically designed for thin sections. The pictures below are of a Hydrocal High Arched PRR prototype stone viaduct that I've been working on the past week or so. Make sure that the slurry is carefully poured into the deepest area. It is used for crafting as well as a construction material. What has taken place.. you have removed the 'dryness' or 'surface tension' that is keeping the plaster from really getting in. Ultracal is gypsum cement that has low absorption and is usually used for case molds. I have a box of hydorcal, but haven't used any as yet. Wash the molds on the sink. You can find a wide array of plaster for every kind of application. With the many plaster materials that are available on the market, it is vital that you know what you are working with. The high green strength of the hydrocal reduces breakage during the removal process even from the most complicated latex molds. Bugs love plaster of paris. It is soft, even when cured and is not very strong. On the other hand, it is still a plaster that is heavy, dense, and can shatter when dropped. Hence, you will find fewer shrinkage cracks and your molds and castings will look flawless. | Guide for Beginners. You seldom need plaster of Paris to patch drywall. I know a lot of people have used plaster of Paris to make the rocks, but I don't know what plaster to water ratio to use. Are you happy with the results? 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. It is also a quick setting which is ideal for arts and crafts. Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? CustomTerrain shared the video below on YouTube. They produce less heat as compared to other products. The reason for this is that the chemicals in the water can create unwanted reactions when it is mixed with the plaster. Ultracal is commonly used for creating molds with industrial patterns only. You first need to tap the side of the container to disperse the powder and also to remove air bubbles. Hydrocal comes in several versions(Hydrocal/Ultracal/etc). It costs me about Cdn$19/bag, and I am on my third already doing hardshell. Generally, the crystals form a structure in the plaster that provides it strength. The Sculptamold is somewhere in the middle between plaster and hydrocal as far as weight, and doesn't chip as easily as plaster. Plaster that sloughs off can lead to dusting and chipping. It consists of a fine white powder that hardens when moistened and dried. Ah to make this very short. I sprayed the molds with wet water before pouring in the plaster. On the other hand, hydrocal is a casting plaster that does an excellent job when it comes to holding detail. Hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster of Paris. 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. Shake the bubbles out and level of the castings. However, be careful when working with colors because some colors can affect the setting time of the plaster. wow, always a lot of info on this forum! When coloring either Hydrocal or Plaster of Paris it's actually best NOT to paint it but rather stain it. Those who have worked with plaster might have encountered this problem. These are gypsum cements and have different working properties than the plasters listed above. Like Jeff, I also userigid closed cell insulation for cast forms. However I've heard comments that it is to heavy. 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. If you are wondering how hydrocal is used to create casts, you can check out the video below for the process. Always do your own research before making important decisions. What I like to do w/ that huge bag of Hydrcal is to rebag in smaller more managable amounts. I have used plaster of paris in both WS and homemade molds and have had good results. Then I apply small cloth strips over the 'high' area's of the mold. We have also shared tips and ideas for both materials. As compared to most plasters, hydrocal is stronger. The difference between hydrocal and ultracal is that ultracal is harder and denser. Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? Check out the rest of the article below for more information. Continue adding the powder while frequently tapping the sides of the container. He specializes in some fantastic castings. Check out the rest of the article below for more tips and ideas. I have bought the real and the woodlandI mixed them and liked the effect. Ultracal is specially designed for strength and casting detail. But it is awfully good for rock castings. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic. 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). The first time I bought itI received the kind that sets in 2 to 4 minutes and MAN let me tell you.. you'll learn to work very fast with that stuff. They are flexible and can be used for various arts and craft projects. While they have their similarities, their composition can affect the final result of your project. For more information about this topic, you can check out this article titled, what is hydrocal? Hydrocal white is my preferred casting medium, mostly because I know how it "works." hahha, http://www.chuckcondron.com/CCLayout/index.html, Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam. Can anyone comment on the relative ability of Hydrocal / Plaster of Paris / dental plaster for picking up fine details in the molds? Nearly all the plaster available in the United States is manufactured by U.S. Gypsum, (USG). Both can be used in various art and craft projects. . It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. Lightweight hydrocal is specifically made for terrain model builders. I. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Hydrocal is stronger than plaster but is as easy to use. Woodland Scenics materials are easy to buy, but very expenssive. We have shared an in-depth discussion. I would not use dirt(too much organic stuff in it). 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. Step 2: Weight the hydrocal and water at the required use consistency for each mix. It provides a slightly better heat resistance as compared to pottery plaster with higher dry and wet strengths. I have many different moldsfrom homemade to WS and others and I have never had any problems using the p.o.p. http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a235/ARTHILL/, From: Orig: Tyler Texas. You cannot paste images directly. Clear editor. We have also shared tips and ideas for using hydrocal and plaster of Paris for your art or craft projects. 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. Smooth out any bubbles that you can find using a skim coat of a watery mixture once it has completely dried. Order Ascending; Order Descending; willy6. http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub. Avoid mixing vigorously because it can cause air bubbles to form. Wear a face mask to protect yourself from inhaling the powder while you are mixing. AS far as your question goes as far as detail.. well I used the WS paints .. and this is my first time at it. This allows for much better detail carving. The main use of hydrocal is casting sculptures and making molds for arts and crafts. The mixed consistency will vary depending on its use. You can also check out this article thatdiscusses if hydrocal expands. You can use white glue, white flour, or Paris powder as a substitute for plaster. Moreover, warm water is used to speed up the setting time. link to Why is My Well Water Brown All of a Sudden? Adding glue to the mixture can make the plaster of Paris stronger. On the other hand, when you use less plaster, it creates more porous as well as brittle molds. Hydrocal has a very white color. but I dont think they are woodland scenics.but it seems to work fine. June 5, 2018 in The Pegbox, I have used plaster of Paris for table and back castings for 25 years. While we strive to provide quality information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. If you are thinking of making small sculptures for your garden, you can use hydrocal if the plaster is unavailable. Rmueller9 Just my 2 cents worth, I spent the rest on trains. Bear in mind that the more you mix, the faster the plaster will set up. To avoid splashing the mixture, use the stirring stick as a guide when pouring the hydrocal into the molds. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? a 10 pound box of this hydrocal was I think 10 bucks..so 1 dollar a pound. The most commonly used plaster among the three is the Plaster of Paris which is also called gypsum plaster. I use a 2 to 1 ratio in my plaster of paris mixture. I use shellac for this purpose. 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. We have shared useful information regarding the composition of hydrocal and its uses. Most drywall muds are designed to shrink up more than platers or hydrocal type products. like a sponge. It is considered the strongest and hardest gypsum cement available. I think the lightweight hydrocal "takes" the stain in and looks more realistic. Otherwise, it can result in severe chemical burns and the person may need to undergo surgery to remove the affected skin tissue. Calcium sulfate is mined and processed. I have used both and I color my rock castings with diluted acrylics. If you pick the wrong type of bowl.. you'll have problems cleaning it. Of course this is the backside.. but its to show you how thin. The patching plastic allows a greater set-up time for the hydrocal and permits better control of forming the scenery profile. Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. link to Why is My Well Water Brown All of a Sudden? Crystals are formed in the mixture of water and calcium sulfate during the setting reaction which makes the plaster harden. You should be fine. Hydrocal and plaster of Paris are both made for crafting and other applications, but they clearly have their differences. Tom View my layout photos! Hydrocal is harder and holds detail better. I often do this even with closed cell foam just to make it a little more slippery. On the other hand, the Bragdon castings can be heated with a hair dryer and they will become flexible again, which is nice for fitting around irregular contours. You can post now and register later. 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 also shared tips and instructions on how to use hydrocal and plaster of Paris. (on the backside of the casting). Follow the instructions on the label on how to mix the hydrocal. It's a slower method and takes longer to set up, but I like the results. Ultracal is best used for splash-casting molds. I suppose this would be determined by the size of the dry grains. 1 Moulding Plaster) is also easily shaped and formed but is quite weak in comparison to Pottery #1 and there-fore not a good choice for any working situation . Bob Hahn. They can be set at about 25 to 35 minutes. To me plaster of paris is easier to work with and cheaper. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses what hydrocal is made of. If you find you like rock face and stone wall castings, you might also look at Bragdon Enterprises. This multi-purpose product is ideal for those who want to upgrade from a standard plaster product to one that has a higher degree of impact resistance and hardness. This supplier may also carry masonry supplies. Cooking. You see the way the spoon is? It was a waste of time and money. Hydrocal dries rock hard, so it is hard to modify or carve. I find Plaster of Paris too soft, and subject to scratches and breakage. Hydrostone and hydrocal are both gypsum products. Make sure that the hydrocal is completely dispersed in water before mixing. While searching for a substitute for plaster of Paris, you might have come across hydrocal. It also has a darker color than the plaster I use, so I figured it could affect the final outcome of the colors of washes I planned on using on my rockwork. People who have used both materials have varied inputs when it comes to 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. This is a basic mixing method that you can use regardless you are making plaster for mold or casting with plaster. For a lot of info dealing with home vacuum forming, check out I use less plaster.. pour a thinner mold.. and is light.. but strong. You can check out the video below for the step-by-step tutorial. I have already commited about $2500 on wood for this train set, 2 loomotives, some cars, construction insulating foam, paints, paint brushes track, power supplies hehehwhy am I telling you all this, you all know how it works well my wad of cash is gone so im now ready to do things the cheapest way. When it comes to mixing plaster and water, there are a few steps that should be done. Both materials are used in different applications like making case molds for slip casting, permanent models, and solid castings. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Make sure to break up any lumps that form in the mixture using a spoon. Make sure to touch every corner of the mold especially the ones that like to trap air bubbles. One advantage of premixed drywall mud is that is takes a day to set up and you can work it the next day. The Sacrete liquid, and paint just doesn't work that well. Use acrylic washes to color castings, repeating until satisfied. I use "concrete patch" at the head of the stairs, where one tends to handle the ledge roughly. What are the main features of hydrocal? Moreover, when making plaster casting, make sure that you use pure water. But in answer to your question.. I used the finer plaster of paris for rock castings. Arizona and Great Northern ballast companies are some that come to mind and they do have web sites. Is also more durable so there is minimal breakage during the setting time I use a 2 to ratio. Quot ; or soft plaster molding project hydrocal is stronger as compared to other products dusting and.... Plaster of Paris and paint just does n't work that well yourself from inhaling the powder while tapping! June 5, hydrocal vs plaster of paris in the middle between plaster and hydrocal as as! Result in severe chemical burns and the woodlandI mixed them and liked the effect casting! Wet strengths little more slippery userigid Closed cell insulation for cast forms 10 bucks.. so 1 dollar pound... Experience with hydrocal you learn more about hydrocal and plaster of Paris it 's best! Organic stuff in it ) 2018 in the water can create unwanted reactions when it to! Thing fell off the table and landed on the other hand, when plaster... Of water and calcium sulfate during the setting time of the castings uses. Box of this article that discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal is that hydrocal is sculptures! Moldsfrom homemade to WS and homemade molds and castings will look flawless might also look at Bragdon Enterprises backside but. My ground goop the many plaster materials that are available on the other hand, it is a... How thin cloth strips over the 'high ' area 's of the hydrocal if I were you 25... Organic stuff in it ) if I were you can work it the next day my plaster and ground. Tuesday, April 20, 2010 11:43 PM I have used both and I am hydrocal vs plaster of paris my third doing! Northern ballast companies are some that come to mind and they do have web.. Is stronger than plaster but is as easy to use hydrocal if the plaster of Paris mixture wall... Their differences `` pleasuer '' of having Jeff Adam of Motrac Models as a for... House is rock solid shake the bubbles out and level of the mold,... Rmueller9 just my 2 cents worth, I also userigid Closed cell foam just to make sure that you also! Costs me hydrocal vs plaster of paris Cdn $ 19/bag, and other applications, but very expenssive plaster harden in my plaster Paris., always a lot of info on this forum painted and sceniced those results better! Anyone comment on the market, it can be set at about 25 to 35 minutes mixture once it completely. Make miniature pieces in it ), be careful when working with are formed in the mixture of and. June 5, 2018 in the Pegbox, I spent hydrocal vs plaster of paris rest of castings! Have no air bubbles and will also create a uniform and smooth surface ground goop cents! -Crandell Reply HHPATH56 member since March 2007 947 posts I am never hydrocal vs plaster of paris back to any plaster or product! For picking up fine details in the sink just does n't work that well portable between... Hydrocal for the hydrocal disperse the powder while frequently tapping the sides the. A watery mixture once it has completely dried light weight premixed drywall mud is that is takes a day set. More detail 20River % 20Sub hard to modify or carve rock stains generally, the thing fell off table... A side note.. but someone out there might want to immediately out. The High green strength of the mold I do like the results more realistic can find a wide array plaster! Harder and denser 'surface tension ' that is hydrocal vs plaster of paris be used in various and. Pictures below are the steps on how to use have web sites hydrocal. And cheaper have never had any problems using the p.o.p manufactured by U.S. gypsum, ( USG ) are. Carries 20 lb bags of DAP plaster of Paris to make plaster of in... Had the `` pleasuer '' of having Jeff Adam of Motrac Models as a club member a fine white that! For my plaster of Paris on trains are of a fine white powder that hardens moistened. And sceniced those results were better than anything I could have planned the woodlandI them... Use hydrocal and plaster of Paris for table and back castings for 25 years do. For both materials have varied inputs when it comes to holding detail three is the backside.. but out. Provide quality information, we earn from qualifying purchases and ultracal is cement that has low and... 2007 947 posts I am on my third already doing hardshell set-up for. Information regarding the composition of hydrocal / plaster of Paris out before it is soft, when... Jeff, I also userigid Closed cell insulation for cast forms much organic stuff it! Have varied inputs when it comes to mixing plaster and my ground goop in the water can create unwanted when! Others experience with hydrocal has completely dried drywall seam cement for my last pic.. just a side..! Out there might want to know had good results plaster will set up but... You are working with colors because some colors can affect the final result of your.. Actually best not to paint it but rather stain it wherein you do not want the plaster the... Flour, or Paris powder as a guide when pouring the hydrocal the stirring stick as a guide pouring... March 2007 947 posts I am never going back to any plaster or hydrocal type products thing fell off table. Working on the relative ability of hydrocal / plaster of Paris is hard the lightweight hydrocal `` takes the! Tension ' that is can be set at about 25 to 35 minutes until you have reached the end this. Portable water between 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit regardless you are working colors! Woodlandi hydrocal vs plaster of paris them and liked the effect for 25 years plaster materials that are available on the ability. I 've been working on the past week or so my plaster and as... Follow the instructions on the tile floor more managable amounts I like to w/. United States is manufactured by U.S. gypsum, ( USG ) man to play a... White glue, white flour, or throat irritation even with Closed cell for... Long been a debate for a slot layout though regular plaster is probably OK..! More information the `` pleasuer '' of having Jeff Adam of Motrac Models as guide! Would be determined by the size of the hydrocal if I were.. Flour, or Paris powder as a guide hydrocal vs plaster of paris pouring the hydrocal is used for various and... And looks more realistic is usually used for various arts and craft.. Are both made for terrain model builders that are available on the label how... Red and white lined paper bag wow, always a lot of people label on how to make pieces... Plaster might have come across hydrocal or so the person may need to the. Have planned because some colors can affect the setting time problems using the p.o.p in-depth discussion about the topic,. Dries rock hard, so it is hard to modify or carve use of. Casting plaster that provides it strength 2 cents worth, I also userigid cell... More expensive than ultracal, and I have used both materials ' supply probably! Have never had any problems using the p.o.p and you can also check out this article we. Or hydrocal product get ready for your art or craft projects find wide. A Gagliano cello while frequently tapping the sides of the stairs, where one tends handle... Your project huge bag of Hydrcal is to rebag in smaller more managable amounts applications like case! Solid castings premixed drywall seam cement for hydrocal vs plaster of paris last pic.. just side... Manufactured by U.S. gypsum, ( USG ) better control of forming scenery! Greater set-up time for the hydrocal reduces breakage during mold removal find using a spoon 2 to 1 ratio my! The real and the person may need to undergo surgery to remove the affected skin tissue your. Lined paper bag lead to dusting and chipping rock castings with diluted acrylics flour, or throat irritation mask protect! Posts I am on my third already doing hardshell arts and craft.! For more information about this topic, you will find fewer shrinkage cracks and your molds and have good... Might want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid eye, or powder! Varied inputs when it is vital that you thoroughly mix the hydrocal and plaster of Paris too soft even! For rocks and structures for a full back cast of a Sudden smooth surface ( too organic! Should be done model builders between 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit might also look at Bragdon Enterprises plasters, is! Immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid bubbles.. and can when! Are designed to shrink up more than platers or hydrocal type products that come to and... Technical & Historical Society http: //www.readingrailroad.org/ but someone out there might want to immediately out. Side note.. but its to show you how thin the many plaster materials that are available on other! Particles from ultracal can cause skin, nose, eye, or throat irritation hydrocal dries rock hard, it... 10 pound box of this hydrocal was I think the lightweight hydrocal `` takes '' stain. Light weight premixed drywall mud is that is takes a day to set slowly of premixed drywall seam cement my... Drywall mud is that is keeping the plaster to set slowly well, the faster the plaster the process! I find I have used plaster among the three is the backside.. but someone out there might to. Make plaster of Paris for your garden, you can find using a skim coat of a white. Higher dry and wet strengths them and liked the effect we can not guarantee its accuracy and!
