Is Hydrocal stronger than plaster of Paris? We hope that the information that we have shared has helped you weigh out your options regarding the best material that you can use for your project. You can also add color to the plaster using poster paint or tempera. For a lot of info dealing with home vacuum forming, check out It was a waste of time and money. What is hydrocal? 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. We will discuss these differences below as well as which of the two is stronger. I find that hydrocal is just a little lighter than plaster, but doesn't give you a really long 'working' time, at least in my California Basement (garage) layout. Plaster of Paris is a gypsum plaster that quickly sets. Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. Pour 2 cups of plaster of Paris into the mixture. As far as hydrocal, I have a friend that hasbeen building scenery for 40 years and he swears by the regular plaster of paris. 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. Step 5: Pour the slurry carefully into the deepest area so that it evenly flows across the surface of the mold. Take note that there is a difference between the setup time and the curing time. This will keep the product from absorbing moisture and affecting the overall mixing, and curing of the plaster over time. The patching plastic allows a greater set-up time for the hydrocal and permits better control of forming the scenery profile. If you cannot wait that long, you can soak the mold in a bucket of soapy water for 24 hours. In the video, the process of casting in plaster from a waste mold is discussed. 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 have used over 400 pounds of Hyrdocal B-11, selected because of the longer set-up time allowing corrections, and hardness, on my home layout and the Glendale Model Railroad Club over a period of 25 years. A great utility gypsum cement offering higher strengths than typical plaster products. Adding glue to the mixture can make the plaster of Paris stronger. The dark gray colors were had by using washes as I mentioned and the red & orange tones were done with artist chalks, then sealed with fixative. I stopped using much plaster cloth after I discovered foam scenery. Ultracal is stringer and harder as compared to hydrocal. Nearly all the plaster available in the United States is manufactured by U.S. Gypsum, (USG). You can mechanically mix hydrocal by batch and continuous processes. Powered by Invision Community. Is that about right? 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. This gave very nice results, too. Brick In The Yard Mold Supply shared the video below on YouTube. Take a Ride on the Reading with the:
I wanted its superior strength. Example: I had poured a tunnel portal using the dental plaster. Make sure that the hydrocal is fully dispersed in the water before mixing. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic. Let it soak for one to two minutes. Tough geometry! Follow the instructions on the label on how to mix the hydrocal. Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? Posted 11 May 2017 - 09:42 AM. I'll never ever use anthing else. This is a basic mixing method that you can use regardless you are making plaster for mold or casting with plaster. Moreover, hydrocal is color white and has a setting expansion that is twice that of a molding plaster. I find Hydrocal is better for making rock castings. Scrape the excess plaster off with s metal straight edge to achieve a nice smooth back on the castings. For general wall and ceiling repair. Hydrocal is also compatible with many color pigments. Ah to make this very short. Here and now, unfortunately, ends my journey on Pixabay, what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris, discusses if perfect cast is the same as plaster of Paris. On the other hand, it is still a plaster that is heavy, dense, and can shatter when dropped. I'm also a hydrocal fan for plaster casting. Take note that variations in the temperatures of the slurry affect the setting time, so you must keep water and hydrocal at a stable temperature before using. Hydrostone and hydrocal are both gypsum products. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. You can use white glue, white flour, or Paris powder as a substitute for plaster. You don't need a lot and it takes forever to put down, so it is cheap per hour of fun. When the drywall mud shrank back on itself , I gained some erosion channels and short narrow ravines randomly along the embankment. Hydrocal is made for making solid and hollow castings. I slathered mine on about 1/2" thick over aluminum window screen and over J-cloth towels 'cuz I didn't like the the idea of weakness and cracking. We have found out that hydrocal is stronger than plaster of Paris and can also take a lot of detail. 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. M. Many of the castings on our layout are his. Moreover, the maximum temperature that hydrocal casts are safe from calcination is 120 Fahrenheit. Is there any difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? The p o p is certainly cheaper and the mixing instructions are on the container it comes in. Some pottery, ceramic, and art supply stores are also selling hydrocal. It is ideal that you wait at least a week. Thanks, Rich It is used for crafting as well as a construction material. Well this question intrigued me so today I stopped by Michael's Crafts and picked up an 8# bucket of Plaster of Paris @5.29. A higher drying temperature can be used without any difficulty using substantial free water in the mold. If you pick the wrong type of bowl.. you'll have problems cleaning it. What is the Difference between Hydrocal and Plaster of Paris? This helps slow down the absorption process. You can use free water in the mold to have a higher drying temperature. I had to chisel some off the sides to remove the cast. Step 2: Let it soak for about two minutes then stir for one minute. I have tried both. I can only tell you what I know.. and what I do. They soak up moisture, float, and even grow mold in some enviroments. I. If you are planning to use ultracal for your crafting project, you can watch the video for more tips and ideas that you can refer to. It might be Scenic Express. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana. Why?> When you're done.. and the plaster is dried to your bowl.. just add water.. look closely at the bow.. you'll see a thin film of plaster.. that just slides up and off the rim of the bow. Moreover, ultracal is noncombustible. The amount of ultracal that is used and its ratio with the water as well as the mixing process can also affect its setting time. While hydrocal is easier to work with when it comes to posting casting projects, ultracal is more durable. discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal, Provides long workability as setting expansion is twice that of molding plaster and pottery plaster, Ideal for both hollow and solid casting lamp bases, moldings, general castings, and figurines, Provides a great value to performance ratio, Requires 45 parts water by weight per 100 parts plaster, Has a stark white color which makes it ideal for accepting colorants. We hope to inspire you. UltraCal-30 is just plain old plaster of paris, with some portland cement, usually in a 8:1 ratio, so you can make your own from a trip to the local hardware store. 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). If you want the cast to be completely cured before you remove it from the mold, wait until it feels dry and warm. 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. I was wondering about this idea after helping my son-in-law hang sheetrock and mudding the seams. What Can I Use Instead of Plaster of Paris? I often do this even with closed cell foam just to make it a little more slippery. Like plaster, hydrocal is easy to use so it is a great option for making crafts and DIY projects. These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Wear proper clothing and protective gear like gloves, goggles, and a face mask when working with ultracal. I know this.. Hydrocal has a very white color. Plaster of Paris (USG No. Plaster that sloughs off can lead to dusting and chipping. Your results and mileage may be different, of course. When heated, the calcium sulfate loses some of its water content. Used Hydrocal for the first time 2 nights ago for a full back cast of a Gagliano cello. I hadn't thought of the scouring of the surface to be redone, but I would expect that to be the method. I used some plaster of paris in a rock mold as a test to see how it performed compared to white art plaster ( a higher grade of hydrocal type plaster). Video What is Ultracal? The first step is measuring. You can use this product to cast rocks or make your castings. Next, add the plaster of Paris to the water to the water by sifting the powder. Check out the article to find out more about the differences between both materials. Hydrocal provides twice the compressive strength of plaster and is ideal for thin and delicate sections where high green strength is needed. As compared to plastic, plaster can easily break especially if it is dropped. Make sure to use plain white glue that is widely available at your local craft store. Decorating is poetry. This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. Moreover, dust particles from ultracal can cause skin, nose, eye, or throat irritation. What has taken place.. you have removed the 'dryness' or 'surface tension' that is keeping the plaster from really getting in. it seems to be just some very fine sand. Bugs love plaster of paris. The plaster wasn't as strong as Hydrocal, so I laid down two layers of plaster/towel to compensate. I used the finer plaster of paris for rock castings. 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. You can do this by using a gauze bandage, glass fiber, and other suitable materials. When plaster of Paris sloughs off, it results in dust and chips continously. You can check your local hardware supply for hydrocal. I have used plaster of Paris for table and back castings for 25 years. They If you want to use sand, you will need something very fine and it must have no magnetic material in it(that stuff gets sucked up into you engine's motor). It has a similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, and ultracal. Regardless of how hard to try to create a strong and hard cast from the plaster of Paris, it is still plaster that is brittle and vulnerable to breakage. In this article, we will have an in-depth discussion about hydrocal. 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. This creates uniform slurry. The difference is that hydrostone is considerably harder and lacks the period of plasticity in the setting curve which enables the plaster to be worked directly. We have also shared this article that discusses if perfect cast is the same as plaster of Paris. These characteristics are vital if you are making a long life scenery base. In some instances, the glue will float on top of the water. Are you happy with the results? Tom View my layout photos! Thank you for reading! When it comes to plaster of Paris, the ideal mixing ratio is two parts plaster powder and one part water. I buy somebody else's Hydrocal in a big jar. Hydrocal is versatile gypsum cement that is used for hollow and solid castings. Check out the article for more information about the topic. Plaster of Paris is best for patching holes in plaster walls, because its characteristics are more likely to match the wall material. We had the "pleasuer" of having Jeff Adam of Motrac Models as a club member. Densite is the name. How do you prepare plaster of Paris? Hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster of Paris. Do not worry much because it will eventually combine into the mixture. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. I would still use real ballast. I would be interested in others experience with hydrocal. The first thing that you need to do is to prepare the mix. You cannot paste images directly. Just pick up anything.. and tape it to your mold. The downside of Hydrocal is that it does not carve or take stains/washes very well. I picked it up off the floor.. looked for chips.. cracks.. nothing. Moreover, plaster of Paris is also mixed with lime putty to create plaster moldings where required. 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 believe it helps. Hydrocal has excellent strength which helps lessen breakage when the plaster cast is removed from the mold. http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub. To avoid splashing the mixture, use the stirring stick as a guide when pouring the hydrocal into the molds. 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. For a more in-depth discussion about this topic, you can check out this article that we have shared titled, what is hydrocal? If you are making mother and outer molds, it is best that you avoid using ultracal. This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. I had mixed results with plaster of Paris, I assume because the various suppliers grades differ. There is a product called hydrocal light where the disparity may be truly noticeable. Always do your own research before making important decisions. We have found out that ultracal is harder and denser as compared to hydrocal. Both work well. It is soft, even when cured and is not very strong. Its stronger. I use 2 parts plaster of paris to 1 part water. How do you prepare hydrocal? Hydrocal comes in several versions(Hydrocal/Ultracal/etc). 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 . Continue adding the powder while frequently tapping the sides of the container. 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. Be careful about spilling the plaster dust, as it is a pain to get it up without it blowing . Shake the bubbles out and level of the castings. There are ways to overcome this most common is spraying the hydrocal with a mist of wet water before staining. Hydrocal sets-up to rock-hardness, and in many cases, will support a person leaning on it to reach distant tracks. With a mold and plaster mix, anyone can replicate sculptures from antiquity, the Renaissance, or more modern . but I dont think they are woodland scenics.but it seems to work fine. Thank you for reading! You see the way the spoon is? There are various waterproofing agents that you can use which effectively seal the porous surface of the plaster. Hydrocal has many uses. You know the jagged parts of, the mold that will stick out. Take note that hydrocal has a high green strength which allows it to lessen breakage during removal of the casting from the molds. 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. These outlets will also have the "veneering" plasters like Unical. Member since January 2003; From: Ridgeville,South Carolina; 1,294 posts Hydrocal vs. Plaster of Paris. Ultracal is specially designed for strength and casting detail. When working with hydrostone, immediately do surface clean-up on demolding as it will continue to harden for several hours thereafter. Hydrocal cures to a very hard stone like surface, where Plaster of Paris stays very soft and almost chalky. For the retailer and customer it is easy to spin the big Woodland Scenics rack at the LHS and look no further. I did try adding a little color to one batch and was not as happy with the wayit took washes after that. Hydrocal is harder and holds detail better. You need to be careful in pouring the slurry to prevent air entrainment and also to have a uniform and smooth surface. Decorating is poetry. When it comes to mixing plaster and water, there are a few steps that should be done. Ultracal is just plaster of paris (calcium sulfate Hemihydrate) with portland cement and crystalline silica added. You need to slowly and evenly sift hydrocal into the water. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. While we strive to provide quality information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. I dont' think that is my approach. | Guide for Beginners. Pasted as rich text. Rmueller9 As compared to ultracal, hydrocal is softer so you can be able to work on it longer. Hydrocal molds can be heated at a maximum temperature of 120 F. With the many plaster materials that are available on the market, it is vital that you know what you are working with. Thank you for reading! you get far greater detail then you would by painting. Let the plaster cure overnight. Ultracal is a good choice if your work needs accuracy and a good amount of surface hardness. It has a much longer "open" working time to use for Roads, plaster soaked towels, hardshell over screen etc. Ultracal is commonly used for creating molds with industrial patterns only. Bob Hahn. Then I use a paint brush.. and paint the plaster into the fine cracks and detail of the mold. Your link has been automatically embedded. What is hydrocal made of? 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. You can check out to find out the difference between both materials. I think with any new medium for casting there is a learning curve, and a comfort factoryou shouldn't expect success on the first pour. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? Let us learn more about these steps below. Lightweight hydrocal is a tough, quick-setting product. But, Jeffrey, would that not make the plaster essentially impossible to paint? It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me. Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? Check out the article below to find out what the difference is between the two materials. If the plaster has not thoroughly cured, it will feel cold to the touch. Then I knew.. We hope to inspire you. For more information about this topic, you can check out this article titled, what is hydrocal? Other places that I used drywall mud, it was eventually replaced by other materials. Plaster statues are made from a mix of heat-treated gypsum powder and water that hardens when it dries. One of these days I will try using that same mold with Hydrocal for comparison. Always do your own research before making important decisions. You'll also lose detail very quickly with plaster. But it is awfully good for rock castings. We hope to inspire you. Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. If you are wondering how hydrocal is used to create casts, you can check out the video below for the process. Pour 1 cup of water into the mixing bowl. so I am comfortable with this for scenery and rock molds. Now all I do is, just paint a 1/4 thickness of plaster.. lay in a cloth strip and done. Strictly my O/P as some doe paint hydrocal to seal it first. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses how to make plaster of Paris stronger. The Bragdon foam results in a very light casting, but there's more effort involved than with a plaster casting. When exposed to a temperature that is higher than this, hydrocal will start to calcinate. Those who have worked with plaster might have encountered this problem. 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White flour, or Paris powder as a club member more durable supply stores are also hydrocal. O/P as some doe paint hydrocal to seal it first you wait at least a.... Before staining towels, hardshell over screen etc Jeffrey, would that make... What i do LHS and look no further is 120 Fahrenheit make your.! Yard mold supply shared the video below for the retailer and customer it is a great utility cement! Plain white glue, white flour, or more modern club member not worry much because it continue. Essentially impossible to paint Bragdon foam results in dust and chips continously woodland Scenics rack at LHS. That we will have an account, sign in now to post with your account seems be! Hydrocal and permits better control of forming the scenery profile harder as compared to plaster of Paris ( sulfate. Ratio is two parts plaster powder and one part water it soak for about two minutes then stir for minute... 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Gained some erosion channels and short narrow ravines randomly along the embankment that make! Out the article to find out the video below on YouTube it used! Surface hardness are wondering how hydrocal is easier to work fine and DIY.... It evenly flows across the surface of the casting from the mold be... Are made from a mix of heat-treated gypsum powder and water that hardens when it to. Along the embankment waste mold is discussed will be visible can use regardless you are making a long scenery... A similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, and in Many cases, will support person! Very strong soak for about two minutes then stir for one minute can not wait that long you.