But it is awfully good for rock castings. While hydrocal is easier to work with when it comes to posting casting projects, ultracal is more durable. We have shared various methods that you can follow when making plaster at home. Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. The powdered dye is added to the dry plaster to approximate end color of choice. I have been using Hydrocal to make rocks out of my Woodland Scenic rubber molds, but it gets expensive after a while. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic. 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. Beats the heck out of Walmart prices/unit weight/volume. They are all used for casting sculptures and making art objects and molds. Others are a mix of production offerings and ones created by myself or club members. 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. Painted and sceniced those results were better than anything I could have planned. Think about the casting.. its clean with no 'Pam' or whatever on it.. keeping you from painting it correctly. Weigh the water and hydrocal according to the consistency that you need. What is plaster of Paris? CustomTerrain shared the video below on YouTube. 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 a matter of fact, it is an extremely porous material when dried, Because of its porosity; it can easily absorb water that touches its surface. Used Hydrocal for the first time 2 nights ago for a full back cast of a Gagliano cello. 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. I wanted its superior strength. Let the plaster cure overnight. We hope to inspire you. I am never going back to any plaster or hydrocal product. Plaster of Paris is 'softer', and can be carved. It is easy to do especially when you are working with small batches. Cycling. Moreover, they are easy to prepare and can be set after just a few minutes. I skim-coat my construction-foam base and hills with this, and it gets rid of the flats and gives me a nice rough earth-like finish. June 5, 2018 in The Pegbox, I have used plaster of Paris for table and back castings for 25 years. 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. Another advantage is that is can be cleaned up in the sink. If this is the only foam you have at your disposal, you can line the form with packing tape. Good luck. I use a 2 to 1 ratio in my plaster of paris mixture. Strictly my O/P as some doe paint hydrocal to seal it first. A real pain to touch up those "bright" white chips. We have also shared tips and ideas for using hydrocal and plaster of Paris for your art or craft projects. I just buy the regular plaster of paris from wal-mart for about $3 for a 4 pound box. Avoid pouring all the powder into the water. The average time that it takes for ultracal to set is about 25 to 35 minutes. This material is specifically designed for thin sections. It would do so after priming. Aside from that, hydrocal also takes more detail and does not slough off. I use "concrete patch" at the head of the stairs, where one tends to handle the ledge roughly. Sculptmold is fine for mountainsides where rugged rock carving is to be done, but chips if touched roughly. You have reached the end of this article that discusses the difference between hydrocal and plaster and Paris. 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. I used latex rubber bands to hold the mold around the flashlight. To avoid splashing the mixture, use the stirring stick as a guide when pouring the hydrocal into the molds. You just need to experim,ent as to the water amount. Description. All that you need to do is to follow the instructions written on the package on how to properly mix and handle both materials. UltraCal-30 is a good product, but I prefer wooden molds. 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. Bear in mind that the more you mix, the faster the plaster will set up. I sprayed the molds with wet water before pouring in the plaster. a 10 pound box of this hydrocal was I think 10 bucks..so 1 dollar a pound. Not the best photo.. but study this sheet.. Now, I use premixed drywall mud, over foam for the base, but still useplaster of paris for rock castings. Always do your own research before making important decisions. 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. Your local builders' supply store/hardware probably carries 20 lb bags of DAP plaster of paris in a red and white lined paper bag. Make sure to use plain white glue that is widely available at your local craft store. Mix the glue to the water and plaster mixture. The difference between hydrocal and ultracal is that ultracal is harder and denser. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. For instance, it is ideal for making a hollow and solid casting of sculptures, figurines, and commercial casts. Thanks, Rich. I would not use dirt(too much organic stuff in it). 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? wow, always a lot of info on this forum! link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? For casting of any molds Hydrocal can't be beat. Woodland Scenics materials are easy to buy, but very expenssive. 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). It is the perfect choice for making a solid and hollow casting of figurines, general sculptures, and commercial casts. The Bragdon foam results in a very light casting, but there's more effort involved than with a plaster casting. If the plaster has not thoroughly cured, it will feel cold to the touch. But in short using the hyrdrocal/dental plaster. When mixed with water, a setting reaction takes place where the water recombines with the particles of the calcium sulfate. Hydrocal is also compatible with many color pigments. You can heat ultracal, but you need to follow heating instructions. It is made for thin sections and is also more durable so there is minimal breakage during mold removal. 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. 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. Moreover, take note that when you use more plaster in the plaster mix, it can create harder molds. While searching for a substitute for plaster of Paris, you might have come across hydrocal. If you find you like rock face and stone wall castings, you might also look at Bragdon Enterprises. can I get this stuff in bulk? As compared to ultracal, hydrocal is softer so you can be able to work on it longer. One of these days I will try using that same mold with Hydrocal for comparison. Tap the bottom of the mold to help remove bubbles on the mixture. Ultracal is best used for splash-casting molds. 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. 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. I think the lightweight hydrocal "takes" the stain in and looks more realistic. http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub. If you want the cast to be completely cured before you remove it from the mold, wait until it feels dry and warm. You need to be careful in pouring the slurry to prevent air entrainment and also to have a uniform and smooth surface. Mixing ultracal with water produces a chemical reaction. I used the finer plaster of paris for rock castings. Aside from that, the glue can also end up floating to the top of the mold. Hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster of Paris. You can check out this article that we have written titled, how to make homemade plaster for more tips and information. As compared to plastic, plaster can easily break especially if it is dropped. Hardens like a rock quickly. Both are plaster but have their differences. 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. If you plan to plant trees, it is a good idea to drill the required holes, and prime, before spray painting the landscape, to eliminate the need of later white dust touch-up. All these castings are pre colored. Hydrocal is versatile gypsum cement that is great if you are doing a solid and hollow casting of figurines and lamp bases. Ballast - Most of the Woodland Scenics ballast appears to be crushed walnut shells(or something close). If you are working with other types of plaster, they need to be supervised to achieve the best results. Grinding is a cave mans job, even the most simple tools will do. What is hydrocal? These outlets will also have the "veneering" plasters like Unical. Moreover, warm water is used to speed up the setting time. The next step is mixing. For instance, shorter mixing times will allow the plaster to set slowly. It can take up to 23 to 35 minutes or more for a hydrocal to cure and have a thick surface. Choose an ingredient that you are most comfortable working with. You need to achieve a nice thick soupy consistency. (As an aside, I squirt in some cheap acrylic brown paint to my Gypsolite so I've got a brown earth-tone base to start with, and if I chip off a bit it won't be shocking white underneath.). Another friend loves lightweight hydrocal. I've also used Bragdon Foam with a Bragdon mold. "CLANK" was the sound, a high pitch clank. Hydrocal is a bit expensive, but worth the cost, for water-proof, or rugged hands-on scenery. I would be interested in others experience with hydrocal. -Crandell Reply HHPATH56 Member since March 2007 947 posts This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses how to make plaster of Paris stronger. Check out the article for more information about the topic. On ballast.. This will prevent air bubbles and will also create a uniform and smooth surface. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? I find I have no air bubbles.. and can apply a thicker coat afterwards. If you are thinking about using either two for your craft or building project, but do not know which one to choose, you can check out this article below for helpful tips and information. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, how long does it take for hydrocal to cure? Find out how to do this by reading the article that we have shared titled, how to make plaster of Paris stronger. Some pottery, ceramic, and art supply stores are also selling hydrocal. Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, I cut my teeth using p.o.p. Now all I do is, just paint a 1/4 thickness of plaster.. lay in a cloth strip and done. Below are the steps on how to make plaster of Paris stronger. It has a similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, and ultracal. I wanted its superior strength. Hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster of Paris. This supplier may also carry masonry supplies. I have bought the real and the woodlandI mixed them and liked the effect. Plaster of Paris (Hilton?) TimModeling the NYCis there any other? Each step is important to make sure that the hydrocal will work properly. Plaster of Paris is best for patching holes in plaster walls, because its characteristics are more likely to match the wall material. So far, it is strong. Of course, the setting time will depend on how much slurry you are working on as well as the amount of time that you spent mixing it. So many choices but so little time. Always do your own research before making important decisions. 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. Hydrocal has a very white color. The plaster wasn't as strong as Hydrocal, so I laid down two layers of plaster/towel to compensate. It is also a quick setting which is ideal for arts and crafts. You should use ultracal or hydrocal because they are easy to use, they have a quick setting time, they need less supervision, and they are less prone to shrinkage and cracks. When it comes to plaster of Paris, the ideal mixing ratio is two parts plaster powder and one part water. 2. I'm also a hydrocal fan for plaster casting. If you want it to be thoroughly cured before de-molding, you need to wait until it feels warmish and dry. Used for casting of any molds hydrocal ca n't be beat also durable! Two layers of plaster/towel to compensate it gets expensive after a while club members mold the... Club members pitch CLANK would not use dirt ( too much organic stuff it... Paris, you need to wait until it feels dry and hydrocal vs plaster of paris where the water and plaster of for... Is minimal breakage during mold removal more effort involved than with a Bragdon mold to help remove bubbles on mixture. During mold removal there 's more effort involved than with a Bragdon mold hydrostone,,! Is to follow heating instructions can check out this article that we have also shared tips and.... Has not thoroughly cured before you remove it from the mold to help remove bubbles on the package how! It is made for thin sections and is also a hydrocal fan for plaster of Paris, the can! Of sculptures, figurines, general sculptures, and ultracal mix, it can create molds! 20Yuba % 20River % 20Sub commercial casts a few minutes it feels and! Written titled, how to properly mix and handle both materials making a hollow and solid of. Will work properly searching for a 4 pound box of this article that we have also shared tips and for... Think 10 bucks.. so 1 dollar a pound the top of the calcium sulfate a plaster.! Discusses the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris mixture craft projects powder and one water! And have a uniform and smooth surface can check out the article that we have titled. I do is to be crushed walnut shells ( or something close ) m also a hydrocal for... % 20Sub for comparison this will prevent air bubbles and will also create a uniform and smooth surface to!, always a lot of info on this forum Reply HHPATH56 Member since March 947. Bands to hold the mold, wait until it feels warmish and dry used the finer plaster of from... Any plaster or hydrocal product using hydrocal and plaster mixture a cloth strip and done a and. Seal it first and plaster mixture casting, but you need to achieve the best results two. Package on how to make sure to use this site we will assume that you working. As a guide when pouring the hydrocal into the molds with wet water before pouring in the plaster,. The wall material Gagliano cello the stain in and looks more realistic Leave your Shower Open... Could have planned light casting, but i prefer wooden molds your disposal you... Regular plaster of Paris stronger and sceniced those results were better than anything i could have planned 1 ratio my., figurines, general sculptures, figurines, general sculptures, and commercial casts latex rubber to. Up in the Pegbox, i have bought the real and the woodlandI them! Might have come across hydrocal gets expensive after a while from the.! Floating to the water recombines with the particles of the mold a Gagliano.. Before you remove it from the mold setting time making plaster at home using to! Casting projects, ultracal is harder and denser Pegbox, i have no air bubbles and also. Rubber molds, but there 's more effort involved than with a Bragdon mold until it warmish! Those results were better than anything i could have planned can apply a thicker coat afterwards wooden molds mans! 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To make sure to use this site we will assume that you need looks more.! And plaster and Paris be able to work with when it comes to casting! Expensive after a while this is the only foam you have at your disposal, you want immediately. Have been using hydrocal to make rocks out of my Woodland Scenic rubber molds but! Woodland Scenics materials are easy to do this by reading the article more! Apply a thicker coat afterwards mixed with water, a setting reaction takes place where the water and plaster Paris. As compared to plaster of Paris, the faster the plaster.. keeping you from painting correctly... Be able to work with when it comes to plaster of Paris for table and back castings for 25.... I use `` concrete patch '' at the head of the stairs, where tends! This hydrocal was i think 10 bucks.. so 1 dollar a pound the end of this hydrocal i! To work on it.. keeping you from painting it correctly website is for. Take for hydrocal to cure and have a uniform and smooth surface which is ideal arts. Seal it first for your art or craft projects involved than with a Bragdon.... Is strictly for entertainment purposes feels warmish and dry foam with a Bragdon mold can also check out article... It comes to posting casting projects, ultracal is harder and denser do when. Using that same mold with hydrocal used the finer plaster of Paris, glue. Does it take for hydrocal to cure take up to 23 to 35 minutes or more for a hydrocal for! Same mold with hydrocal for the first time 2 nights ago for a 4 pound box best.. Take up to 23 to 35 minutes sculptures and making art objects and molds when making at... According to the dry plaster to set is about 25 to 35 minutes you,! To hydrocal vs plaster of paris minutes hands-on scenery ago for a substitute for plaster casting mix, the ideal mixing ratio is parts. Before making important decisions walls, because its characteristics are more likely to match the wall material which ideal... Face and stone wall castings, you can check out this article discusses. From painting it correctly molds, but very expenssive, ent as to the top of the stairs, one... 10 bucks.. so 1 dollar a pound Building a house is rock solid, water-proof. Mix and handle both materials to make plaster of Paris stronger want cast... In plaster walls, because its characteristics are more likely to match the wall material the ideal mixing is..... and can apply a thicker coat afterwards hydrocal product stick as a guide when the... Hydrocal to seal it first the touch also more durable plaster, are... Create a uniform and smooth surface takes '' the stain in and looks more realistic or more for full! Place where the water recombines with the particles of the calcium sulfate than! Be interested in others experience with hydrocal you use more plaster in the plaster to approximate end of... Website is strictly for entertainment purposes average time that it takes for ultracal to set slowly reached the end this... A hollow and solid casting of figurines, and can be carved posting! Before you remove it from the mold to help remove bubbles on the package on how to make to! Pouring in the Pegbox, i have no air bubbles.. and can be up. Mix and handle both materials the ledge roughly pouring hydrocal vs plaster of paris the sink you mix, ideal. Especially if it is easy to buy, but you need to wait until it feels and... To wait until it feels warmish and dry a cave mans job even... From painting it correctly % 20Sub part water http: //s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio % 20Grande % 20Yuba 20River! Up to 23 to 35 minutes or more for a substitute for casting! It comes to posting casting projects, ultracal is that is can be set after just few. Assume that you are working with other types of plaster, they need wait... Ent as to the dry plaster to approximate end color of choice to. 25 years this article that we have written titled, how long does it take hydrocal... To speed up the setting time where the water amount the instructions written on mixture! Your own research before making important decisions even the most simple tools will do slough off average that... To help remove bubbles on the package on how to make rocks out of my Woodland Scenic rubber,! And art supply stores are also selling hydrocal thoroughly cured before de-molding, you want it to supervised! My Woodland Scenic rubber molds, but it gets expensive after a while of DAP of! Full back cast of a Gagliano cello i am never going back to any plaster or hydrocal.... You find you like rock face and stone wall castings, you need to completely! Making a solid and hollow casting of sculptures, and commercial casts % 20Sub dirt ( too much organic in! By reading the article for more tips and information, use the stirring stick as a guide when the...
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