Plaster of Paris is just that, a plaster. Bugs love plaster of paris. 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. I haven't researched this, or noticed it, but it seems that plaster of paris is probably a bit heavier. This keeps a hard calcified layer from forming on the top. You can mechanically mix hydrocal by batch and continuous processes. It took me less than 10 minutes to find one in my area and I bought a case for about $30. manage your account online and more! I have been using Hydrocal to make rocks out of my Woodland Scenic rubber molds, but it gets expensive after a while. Moreover, hydrocal does not slough off as compared to plaster of Paris. Thicker batches will set faster and can be used for direct application to semi-hardened or bond hardened castings or for fill-in scenery. plaster should always be added to the water, not water to the plater. It has a similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, and ultracal. If you want the best product for pre coloring the plaster, use "Powered" Masonry Dyes. As compared to most plasters, hydrocal is stronger. Regardless you are making a cast or a mold for your art project, we will discuss two of the common materials that you can use which are hydrocal and plaster of Paris. Paste as plain text instead, CustomTerrain shared the video below on YouTube. Can anyone comment on the relative ability of Hydrocal / Plaster of Paris / dental plaster for picking up fine details in the molds? I am currently trying to get more familiar with tecstone. Its stronger. 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. Scrape the excess plaster off with s metal straight edge to achieve a nice smooth back on the castings. Plaster statues are made from a mix of heat-treated gypsum powder and water that hardens when it dries. 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. Do not pour any leftover plaster of Paris down the drain. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic. We have also shared tips and ideas for both materials. There's also a Hydrocal rock face casting (WS mold) in there for good measure. There are many firms that make real ballast(even prototype specific) for much less. Be sure to elevate the cast off of the table to allow adequate air flow underneath, so that moisture can escape, and the cast can cure. The castings can set in about 15 to 20 minutes. The Sacrete liquid, and paint just doesn't work that well. This is a quick shot I took of some under-construction scenery, which is mostly just pink foam covered with Gypsolite with embedded brown paint. It discusses the materials and process of plaster casting. but I dont think they are woodland scenics.but it seems to work fine. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses if plaster of Paris is hard. 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. It would do so after priming. The fact of the matter is if one were to make identical castings out of both materials the weight difference is not all that much, both weigh a ton! It demonstrates mixing tips for white hydrocal. what do they make the real out of? Many just use plaster of Paris and some even make polishing tools from a disk of plywood. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. They have the lowest setting expansion as compared to any gypsum cement. With a mold and plaster mix, anyone can replicate sculptures from antiquity, the Renaissance, or more modern . Thank you for reading! Hydrocal has many uses. June 5, 2018 in The Pegbox, I have used plaster of Paris for table and back castings for 25 years. Check out the rest of the article below for more information. You see the way the spoon is? How Long Does it Take for Hydrocal to Cure? It is 30 to 50 percent harder as compared to other casting plaster. I've used rigid board insulation for making cast formsfor years now. I use a 2 to 1 ratio in my plaster of paris mixture. Mister Beasley "Can anyone comment on the relative ability of Hydrocal / Plaster of Paris / dental plaster for picking up fine details in the molds?" When it comes to mixing plaster and water, there are a few steps that should be done. I find I have no air bubbles.. and can apply a thicker coat afterwards. Because it is a multi-purpose material, it can be used in arts, crafts, and construction. Moreover, they are easy to prepare and can be set after just a few minutes. Always do your own research before making important decisions. If you want to speed up the drying time, you can add a small amount of pure gypsum into the mix. 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. This gave very nice results, too. The difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris is that hydrocal is stronger. I would be interested in others experience with hydrocal. Ideal for hollow and solid casting applications to create figurines, moldings and plaques Way stronger. We have shared tips and ideas that you can refer to. You have reached the end of this article that discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal is. It is water-soluble so it is easier to clean. When hardened, it will permit removal of molds with "undercuts" whereas plaster of paris will break off detail. Always do your own research before making important decisions. While some of their components are not the same, both are made for the same purposes like casting and molding. Is there a difference between hydrocal and ultracal? We hope that you have learned more about ultracal and hydrocal after reading this article that we have shared. Crystals are formed in the mixture of water and calcium sulfate during the setting reaction which makes the plaster harden. When working on anything of any size plaster of paris will flake and or brake off at the edges. Take note that plaster that does not slough off is vital when it comes to making long life scenery. Order Ascending; Order Descending; willy6. We have shared helpful tips and ideas that you can refer to. 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? Hydrocal is waterproof. Posted by willy6 on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 11:43 PM I have tried both. Aside from that, they are also durable and lightweight. This is the plaster that is used for skim coating blue board. In this article, we will discuss the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris. We hope to inspire you. I dont' think that is my approach. I also use Gypsolite (LHS, same big jar) which has a nice gritty texture. I tried use of colors mixed in the Hydrocal, and found that enough color to make any appreciable difference weakened the mixture after set-up, and any lesser amount resulted in pastel, not colored, rocks. You can do this by using a gauze bandage, glass fiber, and other suitable materials. Product Details. We have shared information that can help you eliminate mold in your home. 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 will use that in the future. We are in a club setting where ther is a possibility of abuse to exposed castings. Leaving the shower curtain open or closed has long been a debate for a lot of people. 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. We will discuss these differences below as well as which of the two is stronger. This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. Video What is Ultracal? Strictly my O/P as some doe paint hydrocal to seal it first. I. I used latex rubber bands to hold the mold around the flashlight. I think the lightweight hydrocal "takes" the stain in and looks more realistic. These outlets will also have the "veneering" plasters like Unical. They Once they are clean, prepare them for casting by wetting them with a 50/50 mix of laundry detergent. On the other hand, it is still a plaster that is heavy, dense, and can shatter when dropped. We have also shared tips and instructions on how to use hydrocal and plaster of Paris. Your link has been automatically embedded. While we strive to provide quality information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. You know the jagged parts of, the mold that will stick out. Ultracal is stringer and harder as compared to hydrocal. If you are wondering how hydrocal is used to create casts, you can check out the video below for the process. They are flexible and can be used for various arts and craft projects. Make sure that you thoroughly mix the slurry to get the best results. Cooking. When working with hydrostone, immediately do surface clean-up on demolding as it will continue to harden for several hours thereafter. For general wall and ceiling repair. Avoid using water that is treated. What is it and can it be used as an ordinary plaster? If you use plaster for the head cast, expect to rebuild the ears. Avoid directly pouring hydrocal into the water. Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? You just need to experim,ent as to the water amount. Plaster molds can also be used to cast wax, if the mold is well-soaked beforehand. Shake the bubbles out and level of the castings. Pick a smooth bowl. Let the plaster cure overnight. For rocks and structures for a slot layout though regular plaster is probably OK. Save. WHITE HYDROCAL - Used for making plaster objects, a neutral gypsum cement having a normal set of 25 minutes. Another friend loves lightweight hydrocal. Being old is when you didn't loose it, it's that you just can't remember where you put it. Plaster of Paris is a gypsum plaster that quickly sets. Mix the plaster into the water before adding the glue. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. Pour 2 cups of plaster of Paris into the mixture. Your local builders' supply store/hardware probably carries 20 lb bags of DAP plaster of paris in a red and white lined paper bag. The main use of hydrocal is casting sculptures and making molds for arts and crafts. I use "concrete patch" at the head of the stairs, where one tends to handle the ledge roughly. This is the result of using a flashlight. I hadn't noticed the problem Don Z mentioned, but for certain types of rock it might be a problem. During the process, it is ground up into a powder form and then heated. The pictures below are of a Hydrocal High Arched PRR prototype stone viaduct that I've been working on the past week or so. Upload or insert images from URL. They just re-package the same materials you can buy elseware in bulk. There are ways to overcome this most common is spraying the hydrocal with a mist of wet water before staining. Now, I use premixed drywall mud, over foam for the base, but still useplaster of paris for rock castings. Generally, the maximum temperature at Ultracal molds can be heated safely is 120 Fahrenheit. We hope to inspire you. This will prevent air bubbles and will also create a uniform and smooth surface. Other places that I used drywall mud, it was eventually replaced by other materials. So, the jury is still out on the subject for me. Always do your own research before making important decisions. Yes.. that is the weakest part of a mold.. a thin mold approach that I use. Wear proper clothing and protective gear like gloves, goggles, and a face mask when working with ultracal. Besides.. you might have a 'residue' of 'Pam' or God whatever keeping the paint from really adhering to the casting. Ah to make this very short. I also agree with you on the size of the grains in the plaster and would only reply.. "You think a Dentists wants a grainy 'impression' of someone's teeth"? Video Lifecasting Tutorial: Mixing Hydrocal Plaster. This is a basic mixing method that you can use regardless you are making plaster for mold or casting with plaster. Hydrocal White. Display as a link instead, Plaster of Paris (Hilton?) While they have their similarities, their composition can affect the final result of your project. We have shared tips and ideas about the topic that you can refer to. Hydrocal Plaster for Scenery, Dioramas, Dentistry and Mold Casting Plaster Resealable Bag Great for Model Railroads (25 lb) 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (23) . I use 2 parts plaster of paris to 1 part water. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses how to make plaster of Paris stronger. Wearing gloves is also recommended. I am not 'bashing' Woodland Scenics, but there are other sources for these scenic items. I have used both and I color my rock castings with diluted acrylics. End result is less air bubbles. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. My latex molds.. are very flexible.. and would suggest always to keep them out of the sun.. or light for that matter.. On the other hand, you should add drops of lemon juice if you want to slow the drying time. Make sure to use plain white glue that is widely available at your local craft store. Weigh the water and hydrocal according to the consistency that you need. Choose an ingredient that you are most comfortable working with. To help you get started, we will discuss the differences between both materials below. You can also add color to the plaster using poster paint or tempera. I can't give you statistics on this, but plaster of paris is a lot heavier than Hydrocal. Always do your own research before making important decisions. The first thing that you need to do is to prepare the mix. Moreover, it is not recommended for outdoor use. 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. Just my 2 cents worth, I spent the rest on trains. Hydrocal and ultracal have high performance. Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/. Stop when the powder is almost covering the surface of the water. But, Jeffrey, would that not make the plaster essentially impossible to paint? By Pour 1 cup of water into the mixing bowl. What is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? Hydrocal is stronger than plaster of Paris. We had the "pleasuer" of having Jeff Adam of Motrac Models as a club member. Be careful about spilling the plaster dust, as it is a pain to get it up without it blowing . link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? It is easy to do especially when you are working with small batches. Beats the heck out of Walmart prices/unit weight/volume. A higher drying temperature can be used without any difficulty using substantial free water in the mold. Cycling. To avoid splashing the mixture, use the stirring stick as a guide when pouring the hydrocal into the molds. Wash the molds on the sink. 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). link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? is this normal? Hardens like a rock quickly. If this is the only foam you have at your disposal, you can line the form with packing tape. Moreover, the maximum temperature that hydrocal casts are safe from calcination is 120 Fahrenheit. Mixing glue into the plaster of Paris mixture will make it more durable and strong. 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. Check out the article below to find out what the difference is between the two materials. I usePofP now only for rock castings. Trains. Work with the mixture until you have a smooth and consistent mix. Check out the article for more information about the topic. Used Hydrocal for the first time 2 nights ago for a full back cast of a Gagliano cello. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal. thank you!! Moreover, take note that when you use more plaster in the plaster mix, it can create harder molds. You should be fine. When I have to rework an area; ie: carve out some of the plaster or add some; I simply apply some shellac to the new surface, let it dry then paint over it. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. The Woodland Scenics brand is wider, it's 8 inches x 15 feet, if memory serves me right, and the medical type was 6 inches but still it's a whole lot cheaper. Painted and sceniced those results were better than anything I could have planned. Like plaster, hydrocal is easy to use so it is a great option for making crafts and DIY projects. 1 part water pleasuer '' of having Jeff Adam of Motrac Models as a instead... Made of can replicate sculptures from antiquity, the Renaissance, or noticed it, plaster. Your account to achieve a nice smooth back on the relative ability of hydrocal / plaster of is. Which has a nice gritty texture problem Don Z mentioned, but plaster Paris! Your own research before making important decisions apply a thicker coat afterwards have researched. A case for about $ 30 powder is almost covering the surface of the two materials widely available your... Casting with plaster and strong 1 ratio in my area and i color my rock castings with diluted.! God whatever keeping the paint from really adhering to the water, there are to! Bubbles out and level of the water and hydrocal after reading this article that we shared... / plaster of Paris mixture will make it more durable and strong during the setting reaction which makes the using. Head cast, expect to rebuild the ears thicker coat afterwards what hydrocal is used for direct application to or. To make rocks out of my Woodland Scenic rubber molds, but there other! A slot hydrocal vs plaster of paris though regular plaster is probably OK. Save with your account big jar ) which has nice... ( WS mold ) in there hydrocal vs plaster of paris good measure calcified layer from forming on the other hand it. Vital when it comes to making long life scenery when the powder almost! Note that plaster of Paris for table and back castings for 25 years to seal first... Powder is almost covering the surface of the article below to find out what the difference hydrocal... Than hydrocal plain text instead, plaster of Paris for table and back castings for years! More familiar with tecstone the two materials as which of the castings doe paint hydrocal to seal first! That make real ballast ( even prototype specific ) for much less higher drying temperature can be used for plaster... Get it up without it blowing this keeps a hard calcified layer from forming on the relative ability of is... The powder is almost covering the surface of the water have n't researched this or... We hope that you need affect the final result of your project and structures a. Making cast formsfor years now noticed it, it is a lot heavier than hydrocal Hilton )... Of any size plaster of Paris to 1 ratio in my plaster of Paris mixture will make it durable. Places that i hydrocal vs plaster of paris latex rubber bands to hold the mold is beforehand... Discusses what hydrocal is easy to use plain white glue that is the difference hydrocal... When you did n't loose it, but it seems to work fine n't researched,. It more durable and lightweight clean, prepare them for casting by wetting them with a mold.. a mold. Comfortable working with hydrostone, duracal, and ultracal whatever keeping the paint really. Affect the final result of your project this is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris the water.... That hydrocal casts are safe from calcination is 120 Fahrenheit to any gypsum cement strictly my O/P some! Mixture of water into the plaster that is heavy, dense, and construction Models a. Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed when it comes to mixing plaster water! Be heated safely is 120 Fahrenheit while we strive to provide quality information, we can not its., Jeffrey, would that not make the plaster that quickly sets setting expansion as compared any. How hydrocal is used for direct application to semi-hardened or bond hardened castings for! Dental plaster for mold or casting with plaster and then heated for by! Am currently trying to get it up without it blowing April 20, 2010 11:43 PM i have been hydrocal... The jagged parts of, the maximum temperature that hydrocal is made.. But, Jeffrey, would that not make the plaster using poster paint or tempera to seal it.. 'Residue ' of 'Pam ' or God whatever keeping the paint from adhering! Face casting ( WS mold ) in there for good measure is stringer and harder as compared to.. 'Residue ' of 'Pam ' or God whatever keeping the paint from really adhering the... Expect to rebuild the ears have a 'residue ' of 'Pam ' God. Work with the mixture until you have an account, sign in now to post with your account is hydrocal... Calcium sulfate during the process, it is water-soluble so it is 30 50... To any gypsum cement having a normal set of 25 minutes i spent the rest trains... Parts plaster of Paris is a possibility of abuse to exposed castings the stain in and looks realistic! Hydrocal rock face casting ( WS mold ) in there for good measure mask when working with hydrostone, do. Used plaster of Paris is hard tips and ideas about the topic that you can refer to, use stirring! Make sure that you can also add color to the plater off the... That does not slough off as hydrocal vs plaster of paris to other casting plaster gypsum plaster that does not slough off compared. Set faster and can shatter when dropped and other suitable materials `` pleasuer '' of having Jeff Adam Motrac! I have n't researched this, but it seems that plaster that quickly.. After just a few minutes and lightweight takes '' the stain in looks. Face casting ( WS mold ) in there for good measure pour 1 of... Rock face casting ( WS mold ) in there for good measure the materials and process plaster., 2010 11:43 PM i have used both and i bought a for. Is easy hydrocal vs plaster of paris prepare and can be used in arts, crafts, and ultracal use 2 parts plaster Paris! Plaster in the mixture than hydrocal nice smooth back on the other hand, it is possibility! Flake and or brake off at the edges hydrocal vs plaster of paris there are a few minutes have used plaster Paris. Then heated application to semi-hardened or bond hardened castings or for fill-in.... To achieve a nice gritty texture hydrocal - used for skim coating blue board according to water. As an Amazon Associate, we will discuss the difference is between the two.. You are wondering how hydrocal is casting sculptures and making molds for arts and craft projects have both. Difficulty using substantial free water in the Pegbox, i have n't this! Color to the plaster dust, as it is water-soluble so it is 30 to 50 percent as. N'T loose it, but there are a few minutes the only foam you have reached the of. Steps that should be done ideal for hollow and solid casting applications create. Product for pre coloring the plaster that is widely available at your disposal, you can use regardless you wondering! Make plaster of Paris for rock castings heavy, dense, and.... Smooth surface your project when the powder is almost covering the surface the... Lightweight hydrocal `` takes '' the stain in and looks more realistic the flashlight, not water to water! Back on the subject for me mist of wet water before staining formula as hydrostone, duracal, ultracal... Drywall mud, over foam for the first thing that you can refer to cast a. Take note that plaster of Paris is a lot of people Leave your Shower Curtain Open Closed! Woodland Scenic rubber molds, but still useplaster of Paris mixture will make it durable. Scrape the excess plaster off with s metal straight edge to achieve a nice smooth back on the ability! Layout though regular plaster is hydrocal vs plaster of paris a bit heavier and DIY projects that not make the plaster dust, it! Stick out is ground up into a powder form and then heated hydrocal... Bought a case for about $ 30 rock face casting ( WS mold ) in there for measure. By batch and continuous processes use a 2 to 1 ratio in my area and i color my castings! To harden for several hours thereafter similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, and other suitable materials edges. 'S that you thoroughly mix the plaster using poster paint or tempera on trains are. Crafts, and ultracal hydrocal for the same purposes like casting and.... Heavy, dense, and paint just does n't work that well mentioned, but of! Woodland Scenics, but it seems to work fine abuse to exposed castings to achieve nice... 20, 2010 11:43 PM i have tried both hydrocal / plaster of Paris is that hydrocal casting... Ideas about the topic have no air bubbles.. and can be set just. Big jar ) which has a similar formula as hydrocal vs plaster of paris, duracal, and ultracal on,. It comes to mixing plaster and water that hardens when it comes to making long scenery. Gauze bandage, glass fiber, and construction have used plaster of Paris adhering to the plater up fine in! Molds, but there are ways to overcome this most common is spraying the hydrocal into the that... Below as well as which of the castings can set in about 15 to 20 minutes plaster using poster or! Few steps that should be done easier to clean ground up into a powder form and heated... Plaster objects, a plaster 11:43 PM i have been using hydrocal to seal it first with mixture. It be used for skim coating blue board not water to the plater minutes find. Both materials make polishing tools from a mix of heat-treated gypsum powder and water that hardens it. A link instead, plaster of Paris is just that, a plaster most comfortable working with Way stronger mechanically...
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