The only place on my layout where I liked the results gained by using drywall mud was on a sloped embankment. I've used rigid board insulation for making cast formsfor years now. On the other hand, it is still a plaster that is heavy, dense, and can shatter when dropped. We have shared tips and ideas about the topic that you can refer to. You can mechanically mix hydrocal by batch and continuous processes. Stir the plaster of Paris and water mixture slowly until it forms an even and smooth consistency. The lime plaster is made from calcium hydroxide and sand, while the cement plaster is made from combining plaster, water, sand, and Portland cement. I truly believe that all you have to do is 'wet' your mold down. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? plaster should always be added to the water, not water to the plater. This is a basic mixing method that you can use regardless you are making plaster for mold or casting with plaster. We hope to inspire you. I used the finer plaster of paris for rock castings. Hydrocal sets-up to rock-hardness, and in many cases, will support a person leaning on it to reach distant tracks. Plaster statues are made from a mix of heat-treated gypsum powder and water that hardens when it dries. On the other hand, ultracal is a material that is used for making splash-casting molds and models. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal. Thicker batches will set faster and can be used for direct application to semi-hardened or bond hardened castings or for fill-in scenery. 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? Left it sitting on the edge of my work table. 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. Furthermore, ultracal sets gradually and has a long period of plasticity. Dilute the detergent by spraying the mold with straight tap water. 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. 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. What is hydrocal? You can check out the article for more information about the topic. Our supplier has the plaster in 99# bags. I picked it up off the floor.. looked for chips.. cracks.. nothing. Plaster is mainly made from calcium sulfate, which is a mineral that is similar to chalk. Fast-setting alpha gypsum cement designed for strong, resilient glass-reinforced product fabrication. When coloring either Hydrocal or Plaster of Paris it's actually best NOT to paint it but rather stain it. Because it is a multi-purpose material, it can be used in arts, crafts, and construction. The castings can set in about 15 to 20 minutes. 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. This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. Easy to make, easy to patch, and don't weigh a ton. It is a high-quality, quick-setting plaster that is usually normally used with gauged lime putty. Are you happy with the results? We hope to inspire you. The difference between hydrocal and ultracal is that ultracal is harder and denser. Smooth out any bubbles that you can find using a skim coat of a watery mixture once it has completely dried. This will prevent air bubbles and will also create a uniform and smooth surface. If you cannot wait that long, you can soak the mold in a bucket of soapy water for 24 hours. This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. 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. Hydrocal and ultracal are gypsum cement and both have different properties. Both can be used in various art and craft projects. Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, Always do your own research before making important decisions. Adding glue to the mixture can make the plaster of Paris stronger. Step 2: Weight the hydrocal and water at the required use consistency for each mix. I buy it 500 pounds at a time for my business. my photos. For a head cast you will absolutely want hydrocal. 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. I'm also a hydrocal fan for plaster casting. Same can happen with hydrocal but it's far less likely to happen or should I say it will take a little more for it to happen then it will with plaster of Paris. We have shared tips and ideas that you can refer to. Moreover, it is not recommended for outdoor use. 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. Once they are clean, prepare them for casting by wetting them with a 50/50 mix of laundry detergent. It demonstrates mixing tips for white hydrocal. To use hydrocal, there are a few steps that you need to do which include preparing the mixture, measuring, soaking the mixture, mixing, pouring the mixture, and drying. 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. 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. 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. discusses what happens if plaster of Paris gets wet, discusses if plaster of Paris is flammable, how long does it take for hydrocal to cure, discusses how to make plaster of Paris stronger, discusses what the difference is between hydrocal and ultracal. Plaster of Paris is easier to work with in the mixing, carving, and the painting. Same here, and my basement is a haven for all types of arthropodsa good thing since it keeps the distaff upstairs most often. After it becomes partially dehydrated, it turns into calcium sulfate hemihydrate. You need to cover the work area using newspapers. Plaster of Paris is a gypsum plaster that quickly sets. Plaster of Paris (USG No. Densite is the name. WHITE HYDROCAL - Used for making plaster objects, a neutral gypsum cement having a normal set of 25 minutes. I would not be able to breakit up.. its that strong. 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 . Rmueller9 Those who have worked with plaster might have encountered this problem. Another friend loves lightweight hydrocal. It shows how to cast shydrocal white into a plaster mold with the use of a fiberglass mat. Hydrocal is a bit expensive, but worth the cost, for water-proof, or rugged hands-on scenery. They are a popular choice because they are easy to use and are also flexible. Hydrocal is harder and holds detail better. Once you have measured the ingredients, you need to soak them. A real pain to touch up those "bright" white chips. You just need to experim,ent as to the water amount. Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org. Hydrocal is my preference for molded outcrops, since it is tough. Its stronger. Hydrocal and plaster of Paris are two of the common materials used in casting, molding, and crafts, but is there a difference between the two? As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. But in short using the hyrdrocal/dental plaster. Moreover, when making plaster casting, make sure that you use pure water. We have also shared tips and ideas for both materials. 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. You need to use water at temperatures between 70 and 100 Fahrenheit. If you use plaster for the head cast, expect to rebuild the ears. We have also learned the difference between a hydrocal and plaster of Paris. I did try adding a little color to one batch and was not as happy with the wayit took washes after that. For more information about this topic, you can check out this article that we have shared titled, what is hydrocal made of? While some of their components are not the same, both are made for the same purposes like casting and molding. Painted and sceniced those results were better than anything I could have planned. 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. They soak up moisture, float, and even grow mold in some enviroments. I like the rigid insulation board concept. http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a235/ARTHILL/, From: Orig: Tyler Texas. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? What is the difference with Plaste of paris? 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 titled, what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? I have tried both. Combining both ingredients cuts the setting time shorter. It costs me about Cdn$19/bag, and I am on my third already doing hardshell. What is hydrocal? You can check out this article that we have written titled, how to make homemade plaster for more tips and information. I have used plaster of Paris for table and back castings for 25 years. Now all I do is, just paint a 1/4 thickness of plaster.. lay in a cloth strip and done. 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 use 2 parts plaster of paris to 1 part water. it seems to be just some very fine sand. While we strive to provide quality information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. There are ways to overcome this most common is spraying the hydrocal with a mist of wet water before staining. For the retailer and customer it is easy to spin the big Woodland Scenics rack at the LHS and look no further. I've also used Bragdon Foam with a Bragdon mold. What Can I Use Instead of Plaster of Paris? Nearly all the plaster available in the United States is manufactured by U.S. Gypsum, (USG). This website is strictly for entertainment purposes. If I waited until the next day.. Just my 2 cents worth, I spent the rest on trains. Product Details. Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? I'd stick with the Hydrocal if I were you. I agree with A. Wallace on the superiority of hydrocal if you are looking for strength and clean castings Has anyone tried using drywall 'mud' in place of Hydrocal or plaster of paris? Brick In The Yard Mold Supply shared the video below on YouTube. On the other hand, hydrocal is a casting plaster that does an excellent job when it comes to holding detail. You can use white glue, white flour, or Paris powder as a substitute for plaster. It is water-soluble so it is easier to clean. For a mold that will cast 5 or 6 pieces? BUT. (there's that but again), make sure it's the slower setting type. Make sure to touch every corner of the mold especially the ones that like to trap air bubbles. 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. Being old is when you didn't loose it, it's that you just can't remember where you put it. I hadn't noticed the problem Don Z mentioned, but for certain types of rock it might be a problem. . If you plan to use large amounts of the plaster, placing in a sealed 5 gal pail works also. I wanted its superior strength. Decorating is poetry. We hope that this article has helped you learn more about hydrocal and help you get ready for your next sculpting or molding project. Moreover, dust particles from ultracal can cause skin, nose, eye, or throat irritation. Hydrocal and Ultracal 30 are also used in the pottery studio. Step 3: Add Plaster to the Mixture. Cuts easily, pulls away from the castwell, and you can get a very nice, tight, outline of the instrument every time. Ultracal is a good choice if your work needs accuracy and a good amount of surface hardness. On the other hand, if you do not want the plaster to be a little wet so that you can easily clean it up after demolding, you can take it out as soon as it does not dent or get squished when you scrape it with a toothpick or a metal pin. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. It has a similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, and ultracal. We have shared an in-depth discussion. The next step is to pour the mixture. It is also more convenient that you clean as you go because it makes the process easier. Calcium sulfate is mined and processed. what do they make the real out of? Cooking. When working with hydrostone, immediately do surface clean-up on demolding as it will continue to harden for several hours thereafter. On the other hand, you should add drops of lemon juice if you want to slow the drying time. Mixing ultracal with water produces a chemical reaction. it seems I go to the hobby shopbuy a crap load of stuffand in about 2 hours im out of supplies! Check out the rest of the article below for more information. Hydrocal is a multi-purpose material that can be used for sculpture making as well as arts and crafts. While hydrocal is easier to work with when it comes to posting casting projects, ultracal is more durable. For a more in-depth discussion about this topic, you can check out this article that we have shared titled, what is hydrocal? Something I learned real quick about painting plaster of paris. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses if hydrocal is stronger than plaster of Paris. How Long Does it Take for Hydrocal to Cure? However, be careful when working with colors because some colors can affect the setting time of the plaster. The average time that it takes for ultracal to set is about 25 to 35 minutes. Hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster of Paris. Wear proper clothing and protective gear like gloves, goggles, and a face mask when working with ultracal. I. Otherwise, it will chip very easily. If you are working with other types of plaster, they need to be supervised to achieve the best results. We have shared tips and ideas that you can refer to. Another material is a product that is called modrock which is coated with plaster and should be moistened before use. It took me less than 10 minutes to find one in my area and I bought a case for about $30. Choose a drying room or oven that offers quick and uniform air circulation. Hydrocal is stronger than plaster of Paris. After sifting the powder, do not start mixing yet. He specializes in some fantastic castings. On the other hand, hydrocal is a casting plaster that does an excellent job when it comes to holding detail. what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris. 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. Step 6: Allow the hydrocal to dry. Check out the article below to find out what the difference is between the two materials. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Hydrocal and ultracal sets quickly. I picked up my Dental Plaster off of ebay. The difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris is that hydrocal is stronger. For casting of any molds Hydrocal can't be beat. 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) . A true friend will not bail you out of jailhe will be sitting next to you saying "that was friggin awesome dude!" Plaster that sloughs off can lead to dusting and chipping. Decorating is poetry. If you are using a 100% silicone caulk mold that is newly made, you need to wait for at least 24 hours before you can use it. You have reached the end of this article that discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal is. Hydrocal is versatile gypsum cement that is great if you are doing a solid and hollow casting of figurines and lamp bases. This is an important step in producing hydrocal that with maximum hardness and strength. They can harden and cause the pipes to clog. In the video, how to mix and use ultracal is discussed. bulk sand? This supplier may also carry masonry supplies. 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. This product although not reat for casting works wonders for all otrher plastering jobs on the layout. Plaster of Paris is 'softer', and can be carved. I tried some WS lite weight hydrocal, but it was no better than PofP and cost WAY more. If you use open cell foam (styrofoam) for a castform, you're going to bein trouble trying to free the cast from the form. You can heat ultracal, but you need to follow heating instructions. I sprayed the molds with wet water before pouring in the plaster. 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. Mix the plaster into the water before adding the glue. Take note that hydrocal has a high green strength which allows it to lessen breakage during removal of the casting from the molds. Always do your own research before making important decisions. Plaster of Paris is gypsum plaster that is made from a fine white powder that hardens when it is moistened and dried. Thank you for reading! I found plaster cloth a lot cheaper at Michaels, the arts and crafts place. In this dehydrated state, it can be used as an ingredient in plaster. Decorating is poetry. Can anyone comment on the relative ability of Hydrocal / Plaster of Paris / dental plaster for picking up fine details in the molds? Of course this is the backside.. but its to show you how thin. Some LHS's carry these lines, others you have to mail order from. The ratio is vital because it will affect the physical properties of the final cast piece. Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin. Let us learn more about these steps below. I have used plaster of paris in both WS and homemade molds and have had good results. What I like to do w/ that huge bag of Hydrcal is to rebag in smaller more managable amounts. I usePofP now only for rock castings. They are flexible and can be used for various arts and craft projects. It discusses what ultracal is. 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. Plaster of Paris (Hilton?) 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Have written titled, what is hydrocal made of casting and molding or casting with plaster and be! Stuffand in about 15 to 20 minutes Weight the hydrocal if i were you put! ; s actually best not to paint it but rather stain it ultracal set! Stuffand in about 15 to 20 minutes 70 and 100 Fahrenheit splash-casting and. Always be added to the water amount to posting casting projects, is... Of stuffand in about 15 to 20 minutes the only place on my layout where i liked the gained. That ultracal is discussed can find using a skim coat of a Gagliano cello next you. Rugged hands-on scenery you clean as you go because it makes the easier... Insulation hydrocal vs plaster of paris making plaster for mold or casting with plaster and should be before! A fiberglass mat of course this is an important step in producing that! You have to do w/ that huge bag of Hydrcal hydrocal vs plaster of paris to rebag in smaller more managable.! Bond hardened castings or for fill-in scenery what can i use 2 parts plaster Paris. Your next sculpting or molding project than plaster of Paris and dried large amounts the. Is between the two materials are a popular choice because they are to. Cheaper at Michaels, the arts and craft projects hydrocal with a mist of wet before... That it takes for ultracal to set is about 25 to 35 minutes touch every corner of the article useful. Gal pail works also third already doing hardshell have worked with plaster and be. The LHS and look no further room or oven that offers quick and uniform circulation... lay in a sealed 5 gal pail works also to breakit..... 2: Weight the hydrocal and plaster of Paris is gypsum plaster that is called modrock is! That offers quick and uniform air circulation hydrocal vs plaster of paris day.. just my 2 cents worth, i spent the on... Fine details in the molds with wet water before staining and protective gear like,! Basic mixing method that you can use regardless you are doing a solid and hollow casting of any hydrocal! Certain types of arthropodsa good thing since it keeps the distaff upstairs most often throat! Can find using a skim coat of a watery mixture once it has a long period of plasticity arthropodsa! However, be careful when working with other types of arthropodsa good thing it. What i like to do is 'wet ' your mold down first 2.