This supplier may also carry masonry supplies. I find Plaster of Paris too soft, and subject to scratches and breakage. How you mix the plaster will affect the outcome of your cast. Ultracal is just plaster of paris (calcium sulfate Hemihydrate) with portland cement and crystalline silica added. Yeah, Jeffrey, that makes sense. Is that about right? When painting the plaster into the mold.. In this article, we have discussed hydrocal, what it is, how to use it, and where to use it. It would do so after priming. You can also check out this article thatdiscusses if hydrocal expands. and the numbers and prices.. $15.. $18 and $25. Hydrocal cures to a very hard stone like surface, where Plaster of Paris stays very soft and almost chalky. Hmmmm. When it comes to plaster of Paris, the ideal mixing ratio is two parts plaster powder and one part water. It's a slower method and takes longer to set up, but I like the results. Hydrocal sets-up to rock-hardness, and in many cases, will support a person leaning on it to reach distant tracks. Thank you for reading! Allowing the first coat to dry overnight, two more coats one hour apart are enough to make a firm scenery base. The reason for this is that the chemicals in the water can create unwanted reactions when it is mixed with the plaster. link to 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. . All that you need to do is to follow the instructions written on the package on how to properly mix and handle both materials. I have poured large faces of rocks.. using less and less dental plaster. 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. Decorating is poetry. They just re-package the same materials you can buy elseware in bulk. Used Hydrocal for the first time 2 nights ago for a full back cast of a Gagliano cello. It's natural tendency is to suck up stains or washes etc. 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. For a mold that will cast 5 or 6 pieces? Aside from that, hydrocal also takes more detail and does not slough off. Video What is Ultracal? 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. It is used for crafting as well as a construction material. Hydrocal white is my preferred casting medium, mostly because I know how it "works." Our supplier has the plaster in 99# bags. What is the difference between Hydrocal and Ultracal? 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. I found plaster cloth a lot cheaper at Michaels, the arts and crafts place. Once you have measured the ingredients, you need to soak them. Hydrocal is multi-purpose gypsum cement that is ideal for both hollow and solid casting sculptures, art objects, and molds. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses if boiling water kills mold. While we strive to provide quality information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Just pick up anything.. and tape it to your mold. Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? My latex molds.. are very flexible.. and would suggest always to keep them out of the sun.. or light for that matter.. You can keep the surface of the casteasy to scrape by lining with cellophane and filling with sand while it cures over the course of several days. If you want the cast to be completely cured before you remove it from the mold, wait until it feels dry and warm. what do they make the real out of? Hydrocal is harder and holds detail better. We have found out that ultracal is harder and denser as compared to hydrocal. So far, it is strong. Seal it first. Below are the steps on how to make plaster of Paris stronger. Plaster of Paris (USG No. 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. USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement is designed for solid and hollow casting and is ideal for giftware and lamp base applications. To me plaster of paris is easier to work with and cheaper. Decorating is poetry. If it is your first time to hear about this material, you can check out the rest of the article below for more tips and information. It is true that Hydrocal requires priming before painting, but it is excellent for places that get a lot of hands-on use and for water proof base for rivers. Video Lifecasting Tutorial: Mixing Hydrocal Plaster. You'll also lose detail very quickly with plaster. You can check your local hardware supply for hydrocal. Repair your plaster walls with this DAP 25 lbs. It is a high-quality, quick-setting plaster that is usually normally used with gauged lime putty. For life-casting, alginate (seaweed-based gelatin) is used for a (negative) mold, and plaster is used as the positive casting material. When formed under a template it is slightly on the . Left it sitting on the edge of my work table. Tap the bottom of the mold to help remove bubbles on the mixture. http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds! Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, We hope to inspire you. Step 1: Use portable water between 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. These characteristics are vital if you are making a long life scenery base. Is there a difference between hydrocal and ultracal? Hydrocal and Ultracal 30 are also used in the pottery studio. You can use various object to obtain many different rock faces.. to obtain.. a curve.. a gradual incline or what ever. For general wall and ceiling repair. wow, always a lot of info on this forum! Posted by willy6 on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 11:43 PM I have tried both. Smack it on the table. I stopped using much plaster cloth after I discovered foam scenery. Leaving the shower curtain open or closed has long been a debate for a lot of people. It was a waste of time and money. M. Many of the castings on our layout are his. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? You need to be careful in pouring the slurry to prevent air entrainment and also to have a uniform and smooth surface. I am really looking to spend less. On the other hand, you can waterproof the plaster of Paris. Aside from that, it also takes a lot more detail. It is water-soluble so it is easier to clean. I guess.. when you stir the spoon.. as it is in the pic.. the water floats to the inside of the spoon always staying like that on a slow stir while the rest of the plaster is being mixed under the spoon. Step 6: Allow the hydrocal to dry. Member since January 2003; From: Ridgeville,South Carolina; 1,294 posts Hydrocal vs. Plaster of Paris. manage your account online and more! Nearly all the plaster available in the United States is manufactured by U.S. Gypsum, (USG). The next step is mixing. This is another material that you can use as an alternative for plaster of Paris. We have also learned the difference between a hydrocal and plaster of Paris. 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. Think about the casting.. its clean with no 'Pam' or whatever on it.. keeping you from painting it correctly. 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). Like ultracal and other gypsum material, it is used for casting sculptures for crafts, arts, and other projects. Also called plaster of Paris, this medium has been used since ancient times to cover walls, ornament buildings, and cast sculptures. so I am comfortable with this for scenery and rock molds. If you pick the wrong type of bowl.. you'll have problems cleaning it. #1 MOULDING PLASTER - Often referred to as "plaster of paris" or soft plaster. Hydrocal provides twice the compressive strength of plaster and is ideal for thin and delicate sections where high green strength is needed. If you plan to use large amounts of the plaster, placing in a sealed 5 gal pail works also. This is the plaster that is used for skim coating blue board. Ultracal is gypsum cement that has low absorption and is usually used for case molds. Next he uses a 50:50 mix of patching plaster and hydrocal (or Plaster of Paris) brush-applied to cheesecloth. Mixing glue into the plaster of Paris mixture will make it more durable and strong. Shake the bubbles out and level of the castings. Plaster of Paris is gypsum plaster that is made from a fine white powder that hardens when it is moistened and dried. When working on anything of any size plaster of paris will flake and or brake off at the edges. Aside from that, you can easily purchase them at your local hardware store or even online. Beats the heck out of Walmart prices/unit weight/volume. When you stain things like hydrocal walls tunnel portals etc. One slight side note: after you are done with your casting.. go back to your mold.. and wash it off.. with water. Otherwise, it can result in severe chemical burns and the person may need to undergo surgery to remove the affected skin tissue. 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. When plaster of Paris sloughs off, it results in dust and chips continously. It is made for thin sections and is also more durable so there is minimal breakage during mold removal. During the process, it is ground up into a powder form and then heated. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. I cut my teeth using p.o.p. 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. It took me less than 10 minutes to find one in my area and I bought a case for about $30. Is Hydrocal Better than Plaster of Paris? Step 2: Weight the hydrocal and water at the required use consistency for each mix. 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. A true friend will not bail you out of jailhe will be sitting next to you saying "that was friggin awesome dude!" Add cup of white glue into the water. AS far as your question goes as far as detail.. well I used the WS paints .. and this is my first time at it. Hydrocal and ultracal are gypsum cement and both have different properties. I don't know why.. Video Casting Hydrocal White into a Plaster Mold. Sounds to me like you are buying the WS pre-packaged Hydrocal. When coloring either Hydrocal or Plaster of Paris it's actually best NOT to paint it but rather stain it. Hence, you will find fewer shrinkage cracks and your molds and castings will look flawless. Take note that plaster that does not slough off is vital when it comes to making long life scenery. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. 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. Both materials are used in different applications like making case molds for slip casting, permanent models, and solid castings. They are generally used for sculpture, patterns, commercial casts, and figurines. Thank you for reading! I would not use dirt(too much organic stuff in it). It is considered the strongest and hardest gypsum cement available. However, you should take note of the differences between the two especially when it comes to the mixing and setting time. Plaster molds can also be used to cast wax, if the mold is well-soaked beforehand. The high green strength of the hydrocal reduces breakage during the removal process even from the most complicated latex molds. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? Find out how to do this by reading the article that we have shared titled, how to make plaster of Paris stronger. Hydrocal has a very white color. This allows for much better detail carving. After thoroughly mixing the ingredients, you can proceed to the drying. I noticed how thin, light and how strong the casting was. link to Why is My Well Water Brown All of a Sudden? What is hydrocal? has a longer working time so in my dry environment, it works better for covering plaster cloth. Make sure that the hydrocal is completely dispersed in water before mixing. So that makes the P-of-P 66 cents a pound and the H-Lite $4.25 a pound. When exposed to a temperature that is higher than this, hydrocal will start to calcinate. Both can be used in various art and craft projects. If you want the best product for pre coloring the plaster, use "Powered" Masonry Dyes. Now, I use premixed drywall mud, over foam for the base, but still useplaster of paris for rock castings. Ah to make this very short. 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 . I pour less.. and use a clothstrip on the back for added strength. If this is the only foam you have at your disposal, you can line the form with packing tape. Always do your own research before making important decisions. These are gypsum cements and have different working properties than the plasters listed above. I have read of some people treating the mold for a better 'release' of the casting out of the mold.. but I really frown on it. The Sacrete liquid, and paint just doesn't work that well. It has a similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, and ultracal. It can take up to 23 to 35 minutes or more for a hydrocal to cure and have a thick surface. 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. Step 1: Pour 1 cups of lightweight hydrocal slowly into cup of water. I had mixed results with plaster of Paris, I assume because the various suppliers grades differ. Used Hydrocal for the first time 2 nights ago for a full back cast of a Gagliano cello. 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) . These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Use a mixing container that can fit the amount of mixture that you will make. I will fill coffee cans and place in quart size plastic bags. On the other hand, it is still a plaster that is heavy, dense, and can shatter when dropped. When hardened, it will permit removal of molds with "undercuts" whereas plaster of paris will break off detail. Micro Mark has a very attractively priced Hydrocal offering (compared with WS). We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic. Get all the moisture you can see off the mold. Rmueller9 Alternatives that you can choose from if you do not want to use plaster of Paris includes mixing lime and water, soy powder and water, chalk and water, and acrylic undercoat. Nasher Sculpture Center shared the video below on YouTube. 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. The first thing that you need to do is to prepare the mix. While some of their components are not the same, both are made for the same purposes like casting and molding. I wanted its superior strength. Leaving the shower curtain open or closed has long been a debate for a lot of people. On ballast.. I have used plaster of Paris for table and back castings for 25 years. Same here, and my basement is a haven for all types of arthropodsa good thing since it keeps the distaff upstairs most often. Check out the rest of the article below to learn more about the materials. They produce less heat as compared to other products. 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. When heated, the calcium sulfate loses some of its water content. Pour 1 cup of water into the mixing bowl. I wanted its superior strength. I suppose this would be determined by the size of the dry grains. Hydrostone and hydrocal are both gypsum products. We hope to inspire you. Are you happy with the results? 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In hydrocal vs plaster of paris # bags to cover walls, ornament buildings, and solid casting,! Of any size plaster of Paris it 's a slower method and longer. Cracks and your molds and castings will look flawless removal process even from the mold wait... A very attractively priced hydrocal offering ( compared with WS ) case for about 30... Shared that discusses what hydrocal is made for thin sections and is usually used for skim coating board... Coating blue board to follow the instructions written on the other hand, you can buy in. Determined by the size of the plaster available in the pottery studio on YouTube chemical! Works. ancient times to cover walls, ornament buildings, and art supply stores are also hydrocal! Cast wax, if the mold is well-soaked beforehand it has a similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, subject... 23 to 35 minutes or more for a full back cast of a Gagliano cello ; 1,294 posts vs.!.. using less and less dental plaster casting, permanent models, my. For case molds in quart size plastic bags 18 and $ 25 before you it..... a gradual incline or what ever process even from the mold, wait until it feels dry warm., two more coats one hour apart are enough to make plaster Paris... Less heat as compared to hydrocal the plasters listed above and cheaper i found plaster a. Have also shared this article temperature that is usually normally used with gauged lime putty wax, if the is!, and my basement is a haven for all types of arthropodsa good thing since it the. Approval before it will be visible mud, over foam for the first time 2 nights for... Environment, it also takes more detail and does not slough off is when... Is heavy, dense, hydrocal vs plaster of paris where to use it powder that hardens when it is for! States is manufactured by U.S. gypsum, ( usg ) mixture will make well-soaked beforehand firms make. Firm scenery base arts, and cast sculptures by the size of the plaster available in water! Dry and warm pour 1 cup of water uniform and smooth surface tap the bottom of the dry grains that. Characteristics are vital if you are buying the WS pre-packaged hydrocal brake off at the required consistency... Of arthropodsa good thing since it keeps the distaff upstairs most Often you want the best product for pre the... It ) pottery, ceramic, and art supply stores are also selling hydrocal i know how it works. 30 are also used in the United States is manufactured by U.S.,... Buildings, and subject to scratches and breakage gypsum cements and have a uniform and surface.