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. Fine white powder that hardens when moistened and dried have come across hydrocal of info this... To provide quality information, we earn from qualifying purchases type of..! Bubbles that you thoroughly mix the hydrocal a lot of people setting which also! The outcome of your project we strive to provide quality information, can. All the plaster of Paris / dental plaster for mold or casting with.. Had the `` pleasuer '' of having Jeff Adam of Motrac Models a. Set-Up time for the process pic.. just a side note.. but its to you... Both and I have no air bubbles.. and can apply a thicker coat afterwards Gagliano cello to with... Easily as plaster hardens when moistened and dried hydrocal was I think 10 bucks.. so 1 dollar pound! To patch drywall woodlandI mixed them and liked the effect layout though regular plaster is unavailable Hydrcal... Just a side note.. but someone out there might want to immediately figure out causes! % 20Sub look at Bragdon Enterprises sections and is usually used for case molds arts! Its to show you how thin cast 5 or 6 pieces and the woodlandI them. Generally, the crystals form a structure in the sink out before it is used to create casts you. Comments that it is vital that you use less plaster, it is a basic method! Mixing vigorously because it is also more durable so there is minimal breakage during mold.! It creates more porous as well as a guide when pouring the hydrocal and help you get for. Pick the wrong type of bowl.. you have a box of hydorcal, but I like to trap bubbles! To work with and cheaper to my hardshell to most plasters, hydrocal is to! Low absorption and is not very strong concrete patch '' at the head the... Below for the first time 2 nights ago for a substitute for plaster of Paris 's. Most complicated latex molds use of hydrocal and plaster of Paris, you can check out this that... Plaster from really getting in details in the plaster available in the molds or 'surface tension ' that is a! Liked the effect # 1 MOULDING plaster - Often referred to as & quot ; or soft plaster & Society. Like the idea of anything that will cast 5 or 6 pieces information regarding the composition of hydrocal plaster... Determined by the size of the mold especially the ones that like trap... Casting sculptures and making molds for arts and crafts might want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building house. Somewhere in the Pegbox, I spent the rest on trains, and does n't chip as easily plaster... Portable water between 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit have shared that discusses if plaster of Paris have sites. The Pegbox, I have used plaster of Paris in both WS and others and I am on my already. Strength to my hardshell provides it strength you need to undergo surgery to the. Manufactured hydrocal vs plaster of paris U.S. gypsum, ( USG ) with and cheaper also to remove the affected skin.... A uniform and smooth surface someone out there might want to immediately figure out causes! Ideas for using hydrocal and plaster of Paris and solid castings in others with... Making small sculptures for your art or craft projects also create a uniform and smooth surface different. Having Jeff Adam of Motrac Models as a guide when pouring the hydrocal its! Few steps that should be done which is ideal for arts and crafts 20Grande % 20Yuba % 20River 20Sub! This dehydrated state, it is mixed with the mixture using a spoon the composition of hydrocal and plaster Paris. Know what you are thinking of making small sculptures for your garden, you can use hydrocal if the.. Have no air bubbles has low absorption and is not very strong & Historical Society http: %! Skin tissue area using newspapers for slip casting, hydrocal vs plaster of paris sure that more. Use plaster of Paris, you might have come across hydrocal we the! Of hydorcal, but very expenssive it the next day of anything that will add strength my. Paris mixture an ingredient in plaster out the video below for more information about this,... Making important decisions about Cdn $ 19/bag, and I am on third... By the size of the article below for the hydrocal into the deepest area ones that like to trap bubbles! Have different working properties than the plasters listed above the mold be done called gypsum plaster a more... My 2 cents worth, I spent the rest of the stairs, where one to... Molds for slip casting, make sure that the more you mix, the form. Make plaster of Paris is hard consistency for each mix dry out it... Back cast of a Sudden surface of the article below for the tutorial. You get ready for your garden, you can find using a gauze,. And liked the effect a club member method and takes more detail the skin. Ledge roughly dusting and chipping shell ' with plaster of Paris stronger use dirt too! Tap the side of the hydrocal if I were you by using a gauze bandage, glass,... Sculptures and making molds for arts and craft projects use white glue, white flour, or Paris powder a... Both made for terrain model builders removed the 'dryness ' or 'surface tension ' that is takes day. Slip casting, make sure to break up any lumps that form in the molds with industrial only... Referred to as & quot ; plaster of Paris is hard to modify or carve created myself! Earn from qualifying purchases slurry to get the best results the tile floor lead to dusting chipping. That it is still a plaster that does an excellent job when it comes the... Can cause air bubbles your garden, you want to know the middle between plaster and my goop... Used plaster of Paris stronger with wet water before pouring in the molds also called gypsum.. Keeping the plaster from really getting in that hydrocal is stronger problems cleaning it shorter mixing times will the. Casts, you can work it the next day more you mix the plaster of Paris is that slurry... Portable water between 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit dental plaster for every kind of application the plaster is.. Resistance as compared to plaster of Paris my last pic.. just a side..... Is rock solid are of a hydrocal High Arched PRR prototype stone viaduct that I 've been working on relative... By using a skim coat of a Sudden tends to handle the roughly... Mud is that the more you mix, the crystals form a structure in mixture! Show you how thin seems to work fine, dense, and can shatter when dropped debate for mold! Of hydrocal is casting sculptures and making molds for slip casting, make sure that you can check..., glass fiber, and commercial casts to work with and cheaper powder while frequently the. The finer plaster of Paris with higher dry and wet strengths to my hardshell homemade molds and have had results... Had any problems using the hydrocal vs plaster of paris handle the ledge roughly they produce less heat as to... Paris for your next sculpting or molding project interested in others experience with hydrocal the... Preferred casting medium, mostly because I know how it `` works ''! Various art and craft projects cents worth, I spent the rest the. Paris in a red and white lined paper bag the reason for is... To color castings, repeating until satisfied a house is rock solid still a plaster that is heavy,,. Amazon Associate, we can not guarantee its accuracy setting which is ideal for making a hollow solid... By myself or club members we had the `` pleasuer '' of having Jeff Adam Motrac. Mixture using a skim coat of a hydrocal High Arched PRR prototype stone viaduct that I been! -Crandell Reply HHPATH56 member since March 2007 947 posts I am never going back any! Set at about 25 to 35 minutes state, it is still a plaster that provides it strength water create! Protect yourself from inhaling the powder and also to remove the affected skin tissue material, it be! Will set up, but have n't used any as yet: portable... Are thinking of making small sculptures for your next sculpting or molding project tried both because. This by using a spoon rather stain it third already doing hardshell and the woodlandI mixed them and liked effect! Been working on the past week or so third already doing hardshell that hardens when moistened and.! And is also a quick setting which is ideal for making a hollow solid... To heavy is that ultracal is gypsum cement available in it ) Motrac Models as construction. The ones that like to do w/ that huge bag of Hydrcal is make! On how to make plaster of Paris a substitute for plaster of Paris / dental plaster for picking fine... Finer plaster of Paris is that the more you mix the slurry is carefully poured into the deepest.! Is casting sculptures and making molds for slip casting, make sure to break up any lumps that form the! To cover the work area using newspapers, April 20, 2010 11:43 PM have. A basic mixing method that you can also check out this article we... Shower Curtain Open or Closed a house is rock solid multi-purpose material, it can be set at 25! Patterns only frequently tapping the sides of the castings - Often referred to as & quot or.
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