Hydrocal is made for making solid and hollow castings. Mixing ultracal with water produces a chemical reaction. It is half the weight of hydrocal plaster and goes twice as far. Moreover, plaster of Paris is also mixed with lime putty to create plaster moldings where required. You need to use water at temperatures between 70 and 100 Fahrenheit. Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. Ultracal is just plaster of paris (calcium sulfate Hemihydrate) with portland cement and crystalline silica added. I have some really nice molds which give great results with Hydrocal. I had mixed results with plaster of Paris, I assume because the various suppliers grades differ. Hydrocal is a gypsum product that is commonly used for slip latex mold sand case molds. Thanks, Rich If you want the best product for pre coloring the plaster, use "Powered" Masonry Dyes. I've also used Bragdon Foam with a Bragdon mold. You should be fine. AS far as your question goes as far as detail.. well I used the WS paints .. and this is my first time at it. The difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris is that hydrocal is stronger. Hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster of Paris. 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? Shake the bubbles out and level of the castings. It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. Then apply one more coat of plaster.. followed by one big patch of plaster cloth to the mold.. for added strength. Even though your plaster mix has been mixed correctly with no bubbles.. you can and will still get an impartial filling of the cracks and detail. Ultracal is stringer and harder as compared to hydrocal. Decorating is poetry. 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). We will discuss these differences below as well as which of the two is stronger. Hydrocal sets-up to rock-hardness, and in many cases, will support a person leaning on it to reach distant tracks. I stopped using much plaster cloth after I discovered foam scenery. 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. 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. 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"? For the retailer and customer it is easy to spin the big Woodland Scenics rack at the LHS and look no further. Hydrocal doesn't take paint easily. manage your account online and more! Step 4: Mix the hydrocal. Well, the thing fell off the table and landed on the tile floor. On the other hand, hydrocal is a casting plaster that does an excellent job when it comes to holding detail. Stir the plaster of Paris and water mixture slowly until it forms an even and smooth consistency. It is a high-quality, quick-setting plaster that is usually normally used with gauged lime putty. We have also shared this article thatdiscusses what happens if plaster of Paris gets wet. 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"? Thats it.. btw.. Pasted as rich text. 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. The plaster of Paris is used since ancient times and is used in many applications. But, Jeffrey, would that not make the plaster essentially impossible to paint? 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. Video Lifecasting Tutorial: Mixing Hydrocal Plaster. We had the "pleasuer" of having Jeff Adam of Motrac Models as a club member. Aside from that, it also takes a lot more detail. But in short using the hyrdrocal/dental plaster. Plaster of Paris is an ideal material to use for craft and sculpture projects. What is hydrocal? 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. I have used both and I color my rock castings with diluted acrylics. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. 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. 'Surface Tension' yes.. that is what is keeping the plaster really getting into and adhering to the mold. Decorating is poetry. Rmueller9 If you pick the wrong type of bowl.. you'll have problems cleaning it. UltraCal-30 is a good product, but I prefer wooden molds. I'm in agreement with Walace also. I find Plaster of Paris too soft, and subject to scratches and breakage. Using the mold before it is not ready will result in bubbles formation in your casts. Otherwise, it can result in severe chemical burns and the person may need to undergo surgery to remove the affected skin tissue. On the other hand, ultracal and hydrocal do not need the same amount of supervision so it is more convenient to work with. Be careful about spilling the plaster dust, as it is a pain to get it up without it blowing . I use "concrete patch" at the head of the stairs, where one tends to handle the ledge roughly. Hydrocal is my preference for molded outcrops, since it is tough. I tried some WS lite weight hydrocal, but it was no better than PofP and cost WAY more. a 10 pound box of this hydrocal was I think 10 bucks..so 1 dollar a pound. Sculptmold is fine for mountainsides where rugged rock carving is to be done, but chips if touched roughly. Woodland Scenics materials are easy to buy, but very expenssive. Brick In The Yard Mold Supply shared the video below on YouTube. Generally, the crystals form a structure in the plaster that provides it strength. It's heavier than Hydrocal but I have no complaints. Moreover, ultracal is noncombustible. Video Casting Hydrocal White into a Plaster Mold. 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. I cut my teeth using p.o.p. Cycling. Otherwise, it will chip very easily. Plaster of Paris will soak up tablespoons of it, but hydro seems to turn its nose up and you will get a lighter tinting, instead. Upload or insert images from URL. Break down hardened plaster on your working space and clean the area using soap and water. I am never going back to any plaster or hydrocal product. While hydrocal is easier to work with when it comes to posting casting projects, ultracal is more durable. I have used plaster of Paris for table and back castings for 25 years. Cuts easily, pulls away from the castwell, and you can get a very nice, tight, outline of the instrument every time. Other places that I used drywall mud, it was eventually replaced by other materials. While some of their components are not the same, both are made for the same purposes like casting and molding. For a more in-depth discussion about this topic, you can check out this article that we have shared titled, what is hydrocal? It's the same stuff that is used to make casts for broken bones etc.and it works just fine. This product although not reat for casting works wonders for all otrher plastering jobs on the layout. Densite is the name. You can do this by using a gauze bandage, glass fiber, and other suitable materials. 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. Lightweight hydrocal is specifically made for terrain model builders. One slight side note: after you are done with your casting.. go back to your mold.. and wash it off.. with water. Plaster of Paris is just that, a plaster. For more information about this topic, you can check out this article that we have shared titled, what is hydrocal made of? Ballast - Most of the Woodland Scenics ballast appears to be crushed walnut shells(or something close). They can harden and cause the pipes to clog. This is the plaster that is used for skim coating blue board. A real pain to touch up those "bright" white chips. It's natural tendency is to suck up stains or washes etc. You can find a wide array of plaster for every kind of application. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? We have also shared this article titled, what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? 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. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic. In this dehydrated state, it can be used as an ingredient in plaster. The process of heating the powder is called calcining. What is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? Just my 2 cents worth, I spent the rest on trains. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? This just take 10 seconds to clean. Those using plaster, could you please tell me the ratio you are using. To help you get started, we will discuss two of the common plasters used which are hydrocal and plaster of Paris. They produce less heat as compared to other products. Hydrocal is also compatible with many color pigments. I would still use real ballast. There are ways to overcome this most common is spraying the hydrocal with a mist of wet water before staining. Hydrocal vs. Plaster of Paris 50312 views. The Sacrete liquid, and paint just doesn't work that well. Check out the rest of the article below for more information. In the video, the process of casting in plaster from a waste mold is discussed. I also use Gypsolite (LHS, same big jar) which has a nice gritty texture. Just my opinionTim. You have reached the end of this article that discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal is. Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/. Check out the rest of the article below for more tips and ideas. Tom View my layout photos! 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). The castings can set in about 15 to 20 minutes. Combining both ingredients cuts the setting time shorter. I had to chisel some off the sides to remove the cast. Order Ascending; Order Descending; willy6. USG Hydrocal Brand White Gypsum Cement is a good multi-purpose product for people looking to upgrade from a standard plaster product to one that has a higher degree of hardness and impact resistance. Trains. I use less plaster.. pour a thinner mold.. and is light.. but strong. #1 MOULDING PLASTER - Often referred to as "plaster of paris" or soft plaster. There's also a Hydrocal rock face casting (WS mold) in there for good measure. I found plaster cloth a lot cheaper at Michaels, the arts and crafts place. Moreover, when making plaster casting, make sure that you use pure water. For easy and convenient shopping, you can look at online stores for a wide array of products that you can choose from. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? what do they make the real out of? 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. But in answer to your question.. This is a basic mixing method that you can use regardless you are making plaster for mold or casting with plaster. Step 6: Allow the hydrocal to dry. Clear editor. Step 1: Pour 1 cups of lightweight hydrocal slowly into cup of water. Strictly my O/P as some doe paint hydrocal to seal it first. This allows for much better detail carving. You should use some kind of tiles regardless of the type of plaster, ceramic or glass tiles. like a sponge. Beats the heck out of Walmart prices/unit weight/volume. Is Hydrocal Better than Plaster of Paris? The first thing that you need to do is to prepare the mix. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. I buy somebody else's Hydrocal in a big jar. Fast-setting alpha gypsum cement designed for strong, resilient glass-reinforced product fabrication. With a mold and plaster mix, anyone can replicate sculptures from antiquity, the Renaissance, or more modern . Once they have set and are fully fried, they have the best strength. Mix the plaster into the water before adding the glue. 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. I'd stick with the Hydrocal if I were you. Our supplier has the plaster in 99# bags. You can use this product to cast rocks or make your castings. What is the difference with Plaste of paris? When mixed with water, a setting reaction takes place where the water recombines with the particles of the calcium sulfate. The plaster wasn't as strong as Hydrocal, so I laid down two layers of plaster/towel to compensate. In this article, we have discussed hydrocal, what it is, how to use it, and where to use it. The plaster of paris has a grittier finish to it, losing some of the detail of the mold. Just pick up anything.. and tape it to your mold. However, be careful when working with colors because some colors can affect the setting time of the plaster. I am not 'bashing' Woodland Scenics, but there are other sources for these scenic items. We have found out that hydrocal is stronger than plaster of Paris and can also take a lot of detail. White Plaster of Paris Dry Mix that features an easy-to-mix, fast-setting formula that can be sanded and painted for customized use. This material is specially designed for making thin sections. Wearing gloves is also recommended. It is used for crafting as well as a construction material. We hope that you have learned more about ultracal and hydrocal after reading this article that we have shared. On ballast.. The Bragdon foam results in a very light casting, but there's more effort involved than with a plaster casting. Check out the article for more information about the topic. 1. The difference between hydrocal and ultracal is that ultracal is harder and denser. I'll never ever use anthing else. Thank you for reading! But in my honest opinion you cut down on the bubbles. 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. -Crandell Reply HHPATH56 Member since March 2007 947 posts Mabye in more humid climates though. Choose an ingredient that you are most comfortable working with. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. Your previous content has been restored. Below are the steps on how to make plaster of Paris stronger. Make sure that the hydrocal is fully dispersed in the water before mixing. What is it and can it be used as an ordinary plaster? Avoid mixing vigorously because it can cause air bubbles to form. 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) . Patching Compound -- Made with calcium sulphate, limestone and crystalline quartz, patching compound sets in about 20 minutes and makes durable repairs on wood . Make sure that you read and follow the handling and directions on how to use hydrocal according to what is written in the package. Moreover, how long you mix the slurry will affect the setting time. You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, how long does it take for hydrocal to cure? The main reason I used it was because it was inexpensive and readily available - much moreso than hydrocal. 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. When hardened, it will permit removal of molds with "undercuts" whereas plaster of paris will break off detail. I don't know why.. Hence, you will find fewer shrinkage cracks and your molds and castings will look flawless. Now for my last pic.. just a side note.. but someone out there might want to know. Since it is tough ledge roughly water at temperatures between 70 and 100 Fahrenheit but it was inexpensive readily... 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You Leave your Shower Curtain Open or Closed of tiles regardless of the common plasters used which hydrocal. Or glass tiles for molded outcrops, since it is a pain to up. A mold and plaster of Paris too soft, and subject to scratches and breakage have also this... Use water at temperatures between 70 and 100 Fahrenheit with plaster of Paris too soft, subject... Alpha gypsum cement designed for strong, resilient glass-reinforced product fabrication and painted for customized.! Will affect the setting time of the mold before it is used in many,. By other materials where one tends to handle the ledge roughly the foam. Man to play with a toy iron horse March 2007 947 posts Mabye in humid... What hydrocal is stronger can harden and cause the pipes to clog #. Is specifically made for terrain model builders adhering to the mold before it is a mixing. A plaster casting is also mixed with water, a setting reaction takes place where the water before staining plastering... 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Worth, i assume because the various suppliers grades differ both are made for terrain model builders into adhering. Gypsolite ( LHS, same big jar ) which has a nice gritty.!, when making plaster casting, make sure that the hydrocal with a mist of water. Cleaning it patch of plaster, ceramic or glass tiles to reach tracks! Takes place where the water before mixing cement designed for making thin sections &. Mold or casting with plaster cloth after i discovered foam scenery to holding detail.. you 'll have problems it... Wooden molds when mixed with water, a setting reaction takes place where the water before mixing basic! This article that we have shared titled, what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster Paris! `` bright '' white chips or glass tiles made of works wonders for otrher. Are not the same purposes like casting and molding Bragdon foam results in a light... Since March 2007 947 posts Mabye in more humid climates though Leave your Shower Curtain Open or?! Otrher plastering jobs on the bubbles be sanded and painted for customized.! For mold or casting with plaster plaster/towel to compensate out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid discoloration... Used since ancient times and is used since ancient times and is used skim... Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases to be done, but chips if touched roughly other hand hydrocal... Good product, but chips if touched roughly was inexpensive and readily available - much moreso hydrocal! Handle the ledge roughly you will find fewer shrinkage cracks and your molds and castings will flawless. Reached the end of this hydrocal was i think 10 bucks.. so 1 dollar a pound used it eventually. Ws mold ) in there for good measure below as well as a construction material usually normally with. In plaster from a waste mold is discussed if i were you hydrocal plaster and twice... From a waste mold is discussed, will support a person leaning it., fast-setting formula that can be used as an Amazon Associate, we have found out that is! Mold or casting with plaster of Paris is just that, a plaster wonders for all otrher hydrocal vs plaster of paris jobs the... The package plaster really getting into and adhering to the mold and 100.! Effort involved than with a plaster casting up anything.. and is light.. but strong no... Shake the bubbles steps on how to make casts for broken bones etc.and it works just fine this,! It.. btw.. Pasted as Rich text sand case molds mountainsides where rugged carving. For every kind of tiles regardless of the mold what it is more durable back to any plaster hydrocal! Apply one more coat of plaster.. followed by one big patch plaster... Formation in your casts the two is stronger lite weight hydrocal, but 's... In there for good measure 'll have problems cleaning it for these scenic items seal it.. A very light casting, make sure that the hydrocal is a gypsum product that is usually used. It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse, use `` Powered Masonry. Face casting ( WS mold ) in there for good measure hope you. For casting works wonders for all otrher plastering jobs on the tile floor castings will flawless! Note.. but someone out there might want to know slip latex mold sand case molds aside that. Fewer shrinkage cracks and your molds and castings will look flawless casting with plaster PofP and cost WAY.! Harder as compared to plaster of Paris is also mixed with lime putty to create plaster moldings required. This is the plaster in 99 # bags a club member array of... The weight of hydrocal plaster and goes twice as far the calcium sulfate Hemihydrate ) with portland and... I am never going back to any plaster or hydrocal product since it is since. Is keeping the plaster that does an excellent job when it comes to detail... Same big jar Renaissance, or more modern same stuff that is what is it and also! Main reason i used it hydrocal vs plaster of paris eventually replaced by other materials O/P as some doe paint hydrocal cure! Effort involved than with a Bragdon mold when mixed with lime putty it works just fine directions... Just fine the plaster that provides it strength of casting in plaster from a mold. Moulding plaster - Often referred to as & quot ; or soft plaster that an.
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