Add cup of white glue into the water. I tried some WS lite weight hydrocal, but it was no better than PofP and cost WAY more. It shows how to cast shydrocal white into a plaster mold with the use of a fiberglass mat. When it comes to plaster of Paris, the ideal mixing ratio is two parts plaster powder and one part water. Hydrocal vs. Plaster of Paris 50312 views. While we strive to provide quality information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. The only place on my layout where I liked the results gained by using drywall mud was on a sloped embankment. Step 6: Allow the hydrocal to dry. Plaster of Paris (USG No. The answer as to whether or not hydrocal is better than plaster of Paris depends on how you plan to use it. This keeps a hard calcified layer from forming on the top. While we strive to provide quality information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. again about $4 for a bag of woodland scenics ballast what about just some dirt from outside? What is hydrocal? Nearly all the plaster available in the United States is manufactured by U.S. Gypsum, (USG). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Hydrocal is multi-purpose gypsum cement that is ideal for both hollow and solid casting sculptures, art objects, and molds. Make sure that you read and follow the handling and directions on how to use hydrocal according to what is written in the package. I just buy the regular plaster of paris from wal-mart for about $3 for a 4 pound box. 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 also shared this article that discusses if perfect cast is the same as plaster of Paris. Plaster of Paris is an ideal material to use for craft and sculpture projects. Step 3: Sift the hydrocal into the water slowly making sure that it is even. There are three types of plaster which are the plaster of Paris, lime plaster, and cement plaster. | Guide for Beginners. Side note: I can even break this casting a bit.. remove certain areas.. it breaks nicely.. and the plaster cloth on the backholds everything together..so I can go back.. add plaster to the areas.. to seal them up.. and I guess its a mild re-glueing with plaster. Even though your plaster mix has been mixed correctly with no bubbles.. you can and will still get an impartial filling of the cracks and detail. There are ways to overcome this most common is spraying the hydrocal with a mist of wet water before staining. I think the lightweight hydrocal "takes" the stain in and looks more realistic. Check out the article for more information about the topic. Make sure to use plain white glue that is widely available at your local craft store. WHITE HYDROCAL - Used for making plaster objects, a neutral gypsum cement having a normal set of 25 minutes. The next step is mixing. Hydrostone and hydrocal are both gypsum products. Densite is the name. Hydrocal and plaster of Paris are both made for crafting and other applications, but they clearly have their differences. I often do this even with closed cell foam just to make it a little more slippery. In the video, how to mix and use ultracal is discussed. Wear a face mask to protect yourself from inhaling the powder while you are mixing. Brick In The Yard Mold Supply shared the video below on YouTube. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal. After it becomes partially dehydrated, it turns into calcium sulfate hemihydrate. As compared to most plasters, hydrocal is stronger. Otherwise, it can result in severe chemical burns and the person may need to undergo surgery to remove the affected skin tissue. We had the "pleasuer" of having Jeff Adam of Motrac Models as a club member. 'Surface Tension' yes.. that is what is keeping the plaster really getting into and adhering to the mold. I have some really nice molds which give great results with Hydrocal. If the plaster has not thoroughly cured, it will feel cold to the touch. It is soft, even when cured and is not very strong. You can also check out this article thatdiscusses if plaster of Paris is flammable. Oftentimes, you purchase a material thinking that it is what you need, only to find out later on that it is a different one. Check out the article to find out more about the differences between both materials. I buy somebody else's Hydrocal in a big jar. I wanted its superior strength. I would still use real ballast. When coloring either Hydrocal or Plaster of Paris it's actually best NOT to paint it but rather stain it. The difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris is that hydrocal is stronger. Ultracal is best used for splash-casting molds. The plaster wasn't as strong as Hydrocal, so I laid down two layers of plaster/towel to compensate. For rocks and structures for a slot layout though regular plaster is probably OK. Save. Other places that I used drywall mud, it was eventually replaced by other materials. You need to be careful in pouring the slurry to prevent air entrainment and also to have a uniform and smooth surface. It is the perfect choice for making a solid and hollow casting of figurines, general sculptures, and commercial casts. it seems to be just some very fine sand. 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. When hardened, it will permit removal of molds with "undercuts" whereas plaster of paris will break off detail. Hydrocal has many uses. Hydrocal has excellent strength which helps lessen breakage when the plaster cast is removed from the mold. Beats the heck out of Walmart prices/unit weight/volume. I pour less.. and use a clothstrip on the back for added strength. I use 'Dental Plaster' its cheaper.. and I believe the same as Hydrocal. When hardened, it will permit removal of molds with "undercuts" whereas plaster of paris will break off detail. It was a waste of time and money. I have used plaster of paris in both WS and homemade molds and have had good results. Check out the article below to find out what the difference is between the two materials. Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. It's natural tendency is to suck up stains or washes etc. Follow the instructions on the label on how to mix the hydrocal. Pour 2 cups of plaster of Paris into the mixture. We have shared an in-depth discussion. What is hydrocal? 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. I use "concrete patch" at the head of the stairs, where one tends to handle the ledge roughly. 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. I've also used other home-center type plasters (any type that you mix with water) and I really can't say if any of the others were much better or worse than plaster of paris. While we strive to provide quality information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. If you want the best product for pre coloring the plaster, use "Powered" Masonry Dyes. We hope to inspire you. 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. Tough geometry! Is there a difference between hydrocal and ultracal? When coloring either Hydrocal or Plaster of Paris it's actually best NOT to paint it but rather stain it. . We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic. Make sure that the slurry is carefully poured into the deepest area. I will fill coffee cans and place in quart size plastic bags. Smack it on the table. I mixed up a batch of the Plaster of Paris and I hadn't thought of the scouring of the surface to be redone, but I would expect that to be the method. I cut my teeth using p.o.p. Cycling. Step 2: Weight the hydrocal and water at the required use consistency for each mix. Besides.. you might have a 'residue' of 'Pam' or God whatever keeping the paint from really adhering to the casting. It demonstrates mixing tips for white hydrocal. Hydrocal doesn't take paint easily. If you are working with other types of plaster, they need to be supervised to achieve the best results. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? As a result, the ultracal hardens and slowly becomes hot and highly alkaline. Plaster of Paris is 'softer', and can be carved. Hence, you will find fewer shrinkage cracks and your molds and castings will look flawless. 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. I. Upload or insert images from URL. Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, It is easy to mix plaster of Paris, but there are vital steps that you need to consider so that you can have a solid and durable sculpture. Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/. When it comes to mixing plaster and water, there are a few steps that should be done. It is water-soluble so it is easier to clean. Hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster of Paris. Combining both ingredients cuts the setting time shorter. Now I don't claim to be an expect.. but only one that wishes to share what I know and what I've done perhaps it might spark other ideas that lead to better ideas. This is a basic mixing method that you can use regardless you are making plaster for mold or casting with plaster. This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. I did try adding a little color to one batch and was not as happy with the wayit took washes after that. To me plaster of paris is easier to work with and cheaper. I use 2 parts plaster of paris to 1 part water. Being old is when you didn't loose it, it's that you just can't remember where you put it. You can post now and register later. Shake the bubbles out and level of the castings. If you use plaster for the head cast, expect to rebuild the ears. a rock and gravel company maybe? Sets fast in 20-30 minutes without shrinking. 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. NEVER clean plaster tools in the sink, it will ruin the drain. You can check out the article for useful tips and ideas that you can refer to when working with plaster of Paris. The main use of hydrocal is casting sculptures and making molds for arts and crafts. Just my 2 cents worth, I spent the rest on trains. It would do so after priming. This product although not reat for casting works wonders for all otrher plastering jobs on the layout. the difference being is that plaster of paris is much more brittle then Hydrocal. The p o p is certainly cheaper and the mixing instructions are on the container it comes in. Patching Compound -- Made with calcium sulphate, limestone and crystalline quartz, patching compound sets in about 20 minutes and makes durable repairs on wood . Use acrylic washes to color castings, repeating until satisfied. You need to slowly and evenly sift hydrocal into the water. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, In the video, the process of casting in plaster from a waste mold is discussed. The next step that you need to do is to measure the ingredients. Hydrocal molds can be heated at a maximum temperature of 120 F. 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. Copyright 1996 - 2022 Maestronet Sorry for the poor picture quality but the reddish color of Pa. Stone is not really well represented by my poor photography. You seldom need plaster of Paris to patch drywall. Ultracal is a good choice if your work needs accuracy and a good amount of surface hardness. 1. They Bear in mind that when you pour a large amount of slurry directly on the mold, it results in slight densification of the cast. What is hydrocal? "CLANK" was the sound, a high pitch clank. Moreover, when making plaster casting, make sure that you use pure water. While hydrocal is easier to work with when it comes to posting casting projects, ultracal is more durable. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. 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? It is ideal that you wait at least a week. Some LHS's carry these lines, others you have to mail order from. You can buy the rolls of 'plaster wrap' much cheaper in bulk from a medical supply house as other have mentioned. so you must keep water and hydrocal at a stable temperature before using. USG Hydrocal Brand White Gypsum Cement is a good multi-purpose product for people looking to upgrade from a standard plaster product to one that has a higher degree of hardness and impact resistance. Is Hydrocal Better than Plaster of Paris? 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