Hydrocal doesn't take paint easily. These are gypsum cements and have different working properties than the plasters listed above. 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"? But in answer to your question.. When you stain things like hydrocal walls tunnel portals etc. Another reason why it is ideal to use hydrocal and ultracal is that they do not crack. 1 Casting Plaster. As compared to ultracal, hydrocal is softer so you can be able to work on it longer. This material is specifically designed for thin sections. 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. One advantage of premixed drywall mud is that is takes a day to set up and you can work it the next day. Nasher Sculpture Center shared the video below on YouTube. After I was done.. Easy to make, easy to patch, and don't weigh a ton. How do you prepare hydrocal? 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. 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. You can do this by using a gauze bandage, glass fiber, and other suitable materials. Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin. I'm in agreement with Walace also. To remedy this, you can seal the plaster of Paris. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. Pick a smooth bowl. UltraCal-30 is a good product, but I prefer wooden molds. All that you need to do is to follow the instructions written on the package on how to properly mix and handle both materials. Take a Ride on the Reading with the: If you want the best product for pre coloring the plaster, use "Powered" Masonry Dyes. Then I knew.. The process of heating the powder is called calcining. Plaster of Paris is an ideal material to use for craft and sculpture projects. You can mechanically mix hydrocal by batch and continuous processes. Mabye in more humid climates though. Plaster statues are made from a mix of heat-treated gypsum powder and water that hardens when it dries. Hydrocal vs Light weight Hydrocal vs Plaster of Paris and Ballast. Hydrocal sets-up to rock-hardness, and in many cases, will support a person leaning on it to reach distant tracks. If you choked a Smurf what color would he turn? When plaster of Paris sloughs off, it results in dust and chips continously. Good luck. Fast-setting alpha gypsum cement designed for strong, resilient glass-reinforced product fabrication. Plaster of paris and cement are about the same price, you just have to buy twice as much for twice the price- even this is usually cheaper than going straight for the quality products. I buy it 500 pounds at a time for my business. 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 hadn't thought of the scouring of the surface to be redone, but I would expect that to be the method. So many choices but so little time. Of course this is the backside.. but its to show you how thin. On the other hand, hydrocal is a casting plaster that does an excellent job when it comes to holding detail. Bugs love plaster of paris. On the other hand, hydrocal is a casting plaster that does an excellent job when it comes to holding detail. It is a high-quality, quick-setting plaster that is usually normally used with gauged lime putty. Way stronger. You can also check out this article thatdiscusses if hydrocal expands. The plaster wasn't as strong as Hydrocal, so I laid down two layers of plaster/towel to compensate. 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 have some really nice molds which give great results with Hydrocal. However, be careful when working with colors because some colors can affect the setting time of the plaster. Scrape the excess plaster off with s metal straight edge to achieve a nice smooth back on the castings. Plaster of Paris (Hilton?) Use a mixing container that can fit the amount of mixture that you will make. Another material is a product that is called modrock which is coated with plaster and should be moistened before use. With the base foam (carved for hills and valleys) and the Gypsolite, I only use plaster cloth to bridge over open areas or to merge in the foam with rock castings. Trains. Hydrocal is waterproof. I have been using Hydrocal to make rocks out of my Woodland Scenic rubber molds, but it gets expensive after a while. It is 30 to 50 percent harder as compared to other casting plaster. Hydrocal sets-up to rock-hardness, and in many cases, will support a person leaning on it to reach distant tracks. Cheap too. When working on anything of any size plaster of paris will flake and or brake off at the edges. Other places that I used drywall mud, it was eventually replaced by other materials. Paste as plain text instead, You need to let it soak for about one to two minutes. When it comes to demolding the cast, you need to wait a couple of hours before you demold. You need to achieve a nice thick soupy consistency. Ideal for hollow and solid casting applications to create figurines, moldings and plaques Adding glue to the mixture can make the plaster of Paris stronger. This is to make sure that the slurry evenly flows across the surface of the mold. A real pain to touch up those "bright" white chips. M. Many of the castings on our layout are his. Each step is important to make sure that the hydrocal will work properly. 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. 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. Take note that plaster that does not slough off is vital when it comes to making long life scenery. I pour less.. and use a clothstrip on the back for added strength. Lightweight hydrocal is a tough, quick-setting product. I had to chisel some off the sides to remove the cast. This can happen especially if you are working with plaster materials like hydrocal and ultracal. link to Why is My Well Water Brown All of a Sudden? For casting of any molds Hydrocal can't be beat. Always do your own research before making important decisions. Lightweight hydrocal is specifically made for terrain model builders. How Long Does it Take for Hydrocal to Cure? Thanks, Rich. Hydrocal can take about 24 hours or more to cure depending on how thick it is made. If you think you have it right, your standards are too low. Like plaster, hydrocal is easy to use so it is a great option for making crafts and DIY projects. How do you prepare plaster of Paris? For the retailer and customer it is easy to spin the big Woodland Scenics rack at the LHS and look no further. Ultracal is just plaster of paris (calcium sulfate Hemihydrate) with portland cement and crystalline silica added. White Plaster of Paris Dry Mix that features an easy-to-mix, fast-setting formula that can be sanded and painted for customized use. As said, try to locate bulk bagged Hydrocal locate a building supplier that specializes in drywall/ plaster products. We have shared tips and ideas that you can refer to. Break down hardened plaster on your working space and clean the area using soap and water. 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. Powered by Invision Community. Tough geometry! Let it soak for one to two minutes. The plaster of Paris is used since ancient times and is used in many applications. This is an important step in producing hydrocal that with maximum hardness and strength. Member since January 2003; From: Ridgeville,South Carolina; 1,294 posts Hydrocal vs. Plaster of Paris. I prime neither when painting. It is used for crafting as well as a construction material. Another advantage is that is can be cleaned up in the sink. There are many firms that make real ballast(even prototype specific) for much less. I find Plaster of Paris too soft, and subject to scratches and breakage. -Crandell Reply HHPATH56 Member since March 2007 947 posts The color of the mixture should be milky white with a creamy consistency. These outlets will also have the "veneering" plasters like Unical. I picked up my Dental Plaster off of ebay. This gave very nice results, too. Stir the plaster of Paris and water mixture slowly until it forms an even and smooth consistency. Check out the rest of the article below to learn more about the materials. Some pottery, ceramic, and art supply stores are also selling hydrocal. Both require extremely strong bench work even overly engineered to the point where it can support more then your own weight, reason being is the least little amount of flexing in the bench work and you now have a pile of white dust that you can clean up off your layout with a shop vac or a dust pan. Used Hydrocal for the first time 2 nights ago for a full back cast of a Gagliano cello. You can use this product to cast rocks or make your castings. But all three DEFINITELY have their uses. Check out the video to learn more about the topic. Thanks for your reply. Hydrocal White is versatile gypsum cement that is an excellent choice for making solid and hollow castings. Hydrocal is stronger than plaster of Paris. They can be set at about 25 to 35 minutes. This will keep the product from absorbing moisture and affecting the overall mixing, and curing of the plaster over time. Moreover, it is not recommended for outdoor use. #1 MOULDING PLASTER - Often referred to as "plaster of paris" or soft plaster. Beats the heck out of Walmart prices/unit weight/volume. 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. Moreover, dust particles from ultracal can cause skin, nose, eye, or throat irritation. When painting the plaster into the mold.. What is it and can it be used as an ordinary plaster? TimModeling the NYCis there any other? It will do just fine IMO. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana. This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. Is Hydrocal Better than Plaster of Paris? Yeah, Jeffrey, that makes sense. Moreover, how long you mix the slurry will affect the setting time. The ratio of the two ingredients is important because it affects the physical properties of the cast piece. In some instances, the glue will float on top of the water. Let the plaster cure overnight. The mixed consistency will vary depending on its use. I truly believe that all you have to do is 'wet' your mold down. It discusses what ultracal is. 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. In the video, how to mix and use ultracal is discussed. what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris. When exposed to a temperature that is higher than this, hydrocal will start to calcinate. This just take 10 seconds to clean. I can only tell you what I know.. and what I do. Video Casting Hydrocal White into a Plaster Mold. What is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? As far as hydrocal, I have a friend that hasbeen building scenery for 40 years and he swears by the regular plaster of paris. Mix the glue to the water and plaster mixture. Plaster of Paris is a gypsum plaster that quickly sets. Continue adding the powder while frequently tapping the sides of the container. Bear in mind that mixing the plaster slurry is a vital step that should be properly done to create casts that have maximum strength and durability. I've painted over the shellac with acrylics and enamel paint. Hydrocal molds can be heated at a maximum temperature of 120 F. Hydrocal is a bit expensive, but worth the cost, for water-proof, or rugged hands-on scenery. Wearing gloves is also recommended. Is Hydrocal stronger than plaster of Paris? Cuts easily, pulls away from the castwell, and you can get a very nice, tight, outline of the instrument every time. 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. The answer as to whether or not hydrocal is better than plaster of Paris depends on how you plan to use it. 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. Your local builders' supply store/hardware probably carries 20 lb bags of DAP plaster of paris in a red and white lined paper bag. Hydrocal is a multi-purpose material that can be used for sculpture making as well as arts and crafts. There are ways to overcome this most common is spraying the hydrocal with a mist of wet water before staining. 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) . If you want it to be thoroughly cured before de-molding, you need to wait until it feels warmish and dry. Plaster molds can also be used to cast wax, if the mold is well-soaked beforehand. What is plaster of Paris? You can also check out this article thatdiscusses if plaster of Paris is flammable. For life-casting, alginate (seaweed-based gelatin) is used for a (negative) mold, and plaster is used as the positive casting material. This material is specially designed for making thin sections. Order Ascending; Order Descending; willy6. You can make plaster of Paris stringer. My latex molds.. are very flexible.. and would suggest always to keep them out of the sun.. or light for that matter.. what do they make the real out of? To help you get started, we will discuss two of the common plasters used which are hydrocal and plaster of Paris. 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. Hydrocal has a very white color. Hydrocal vs. Plaster of Paris 50312 views. 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. Aside from that, they are also durable and lightweight. When it comes to mixing plaster and water, there are a few steps that should be done. I have bought the real and the woodlandI mixed them and liked the effect. Mix the plaster into the water before adding the glue. I had mixed results with plaster of Paris, I assume because the various suppliers grades differ. Usually this is a lot cheaper than buying it in the Woodland Scenics format. We hope that this article has helped you learn more about hydrocal and help you get ready for your next sculpting or molding project. This supplier may also carry masonry supplies. Plaster of Paris is best for patching holes in plaster walls, because its characteristics are more likely to match the wall material. Cooking. Step 4: Mix the hydrocal. It is easy to do especially when you are working with small batches. Wear a face mask to protect yourself from inhaling the powder while you are mixing. I use 'Dental Plaster' its cheaper.. and I believe the same as Hydrocal. We hope to inspire you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. I. you get far greater detail then you would by painting. Let us learn more about these steps below. The reason for this is that the chemicals in the water can create unwanted reactions when it is mixed with the plaster. We have also shared this article thatdiscusses what happens if plaster of Paris gets wet. On the other hand, you can waterproof the plaster of Paris. I wanted its superior strength. They are flexible and can be used for various arts and craft projects. For my club we could never afford using those WS packages. Moreover, they are easy to prepare and can be set after just a few minutes. Hydrocal doesn't take paint easily. bulk sand? It might add up over many castings applied to a significant layout, but I'd bet it doesn't add up to more than maybe five or six pounds once it is dry and in place on most layouts. 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. Mix them until the glue is thoroughly dissolved in water. 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. 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Scenic rubber molds, but i prefer wooden molds first time 2 nights ago for a back! Layers of plaster/towel to compensate the back for added strength art supply stores are also durable and lightweight will the. Face mask to protect yourself from inhaling hydrocal vs plaster of paris powder while frequently tapping the sides of the plaster Paris! The sink to holding detail as & quot ; or soft plaster Often referred to as quot! Does an excellent job when it comes to making long life scenery first... That quickly sets well water Brown all of a Gagliano cello hydrocal sets-up to rock-hardness, and in cases. Countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana be thoroughly cured before,...