Aside from that, it is also weatherproof and scratch-resistant. You can also check out this article thatdiscusses if hydrocal expands. It is the perfect choice for making a solid and hollow casting of figurines, general sculptures, and commercial casts. It discusses the materials and process of plaster casting. Tough geometry! 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. Ultracal is just plaster of paris (calcium sulfate Hemihydrate) with portland cement and crystalline silica added. If the plaster has not thoroughly cured, it will feel cold to the touch. This is the result of using a flashlight. I buy it 500 pounds at a time for my business. I did try adding a little color to one batch and was not as happy with the wayit took washes after that. Hydrocal molds can be heated at a maximum temperature of 120 F. It will do just fine IMO. I am happy with the detail.. and this is the best shot I can show you. Its stronger. Thank you for reading! Bear in mind that the more you mix, the faster the plaster will set up. Be careful about spilling the plaster dust, as it is a pain to get it up without it blowing . To avoid splashing the mixture, use the stirring stick as a guide when pouring the hydrocal into the molds. Use a mixing container that can fit the amount of mixture that you will make. Another reason why it is ideal to use hydrocal and ultracal is that they do not crack. We have shared the step-by-step methods on how to mix glue with the plaster. Nasher Sculpture Center shared the video below on YouTube. Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/. it seems to be just some very fine sand. Sorry for the poor picture quality but the reddish color of Pa. Stone is not really well represented by my poor photography. Used for waste molds or temporary patterns where surface hardness and strength are not important. Thank you for reading! I think the lightweight hydrocal "takes" the stain in and looks more realistic. Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Hydrocal cures to a very hard stone like surface, where Plaster of Paris stays very soft and almost chalky. Hydrocal can take about 24 hours or more to cure depending on how thick it is made. You can use various object to obtain many different rock faces.. to obtain.. a curve.. a gradual incline or what ever. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? After it becomes partially dehydrated, it turns into calcium sulfate hemihydrate. The reason for this is that the chemicals in the water can create unwanted reactions when it is mixed with the plaster. One of these days I will try using that same mold with Hydrocal for comparison. Both work well. 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. How do you prepare plaster of Paris? It can take up to 23 to 35 minutes or more for a hydrocal to cure and have a thick surface. Thanks for your reply. I've also used Bragdon Foam with a Bragdon mold. You can also check out this article thatdiscusses if plaster of Paris is flammable. 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. If you are working with other types of plaster, they need to be supervised to achieve the best results. Waterproofing plaster of Paris is important especially if you will use it outdoors. Well mix your plaster exactly like this. They soak up moisture, float, and even grow mold in some enviroments. Next he uses a 50:50 mix of patching plaster and hydrocal (or Plaster of Paris) brush-applied to cheesecloth. But in short using the hyrdrocal/dental plaster. The plaster wasn't as strong as Hydrocal, so I laid down two layers of plaster/towel to compensate. Thanks, Rich We hope that this article has helped you learn more about hydrocal and help you get ready for your next sculpting or molding project. Hydrocal is harder and holds detail better. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic. Thats it.. btw.. As said, try to locate bulk bagged Hydrocal locate a building supplier that specializes in drywall/ plaster products. Now for my last pic.. just a side note.. but someone out there might want to know. A great utility gypsum cement offering higher strengths than typical plaster products. manage your account online and more! It discusses what ultracal is. Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, I will use that in the future. Hydrocal doesn't take paint easily. a 10 pound box of this hydrocal was I think 10 bucks..so 1 dollar a pound. This just take 10 seconds to clean. Generally speaking though, I use Sculptamold 50/50 with water when I'm doing rock castings. They are generally used for sculpture, patterns, commercial casts, and figurines. Let us learn more about this below. I usually 'paint' the basic Hydrocal 'hard shell' with Plaster of Paris, then use my rock stains. Plaster of Paris is just that, a plaster. I find Plaster of Paris too soft, and subject to scratches and breakage. Not the best photo.. but study this sheet.. What is it and can it be used as an ordinary plaster? Then I apply small cloth strips over the 'high' area's of the mold. When exposed to a temperature that is higher than this, hydrocal will start to calcinate. 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. There are ways to overcome this most common is spraying the hydrocal with a mist of wet water before staining. Hardens like a rock quickly. Your previous content has been restored. They are easy to use and durable. I use a 2 to 1 ratio in my plaster of paris mixture. The patching plastic allows a greater set-up time for the hydrocal and permits better control of forming the scenery profile. Combining both ingredients cuts the setting time shorter. 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. The p o p is certainly cheaper and the mixing instructions are on the container it comes in. Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. Is Hydrocal stronger than plaster of Paris? The next step that you need to do is to measure the ingredients. The ratio is vital because it will affect the physical properties of the final cast piece. You can check out the article for useful tips and ideas that you can refer to when working with plaster of Paris. It has a similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, and ultracal. Your link has been automatically embedded. Now all I do is, just paint a 1/4 thickness of plaster.. lay in a cloth strip and done. What is hydrocal? The difference between hydrocal and ultracal is that ultracal is harder and denser. Moreover, warm water is used to speed up the setting time. It consists of a fine white powder that hardens when moistened and dried. After I was done.. Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? Our supplier has the plaster in 99# bags. Just my 2 cents worth, I spent the rest on trains. Product Details. I usePofP now only for rock castings. Like plaster, hydrocal is easy to use so it is a great option for making crafts and DIY projects. While they have their similarities, their composition can affect the final result of your project. Most drywall muds are designed to shrink up more than platers or hydrocal type products. Moreover, you cannot use plaster of Paris to make miniature pieces. Decorating is poetry. It is water-soluble so it is easier to clean. You can check your local hardware supply for hydrocal. I have many different moldsfrom homemade to WS and others and I have never had any problems using the p.o.p. 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. Avoid mixing vigorously because it can cause air bubbles to form. I use 'Dental Plaster' its cheaper.. and I believe the same as Hydrocal. 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. To help you get started, we will discuss two of the common plasters used which are hydrocal and plaster of Paris. For rocks and structures for a slot layout though regular plaster is probably OK. Save. M. Many of the castings on our layout are his. This material is suitable for many color pigments. 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 prime neither when painting. It is made for thin sections and is also more durable so there is minimal breakage during mold removal. When it comes to demolding the cast, you need to wait a couple of hours before you demold. 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. If you are wondering how hydrocal is used to create casts, you can check out the video below for the process. Sets fast in 20-30 minutes without shrinking. manage your account online and more! Densite is the name. Plaster of Paris (Hilton?) Step 3: Sift the hydrocal into the water slowly making sure that it is even. so you must keep water and hydrocal at a stable temperature before using. You should use some kind of tiles regardless of the type of plaster, ceramic or glass tiles. I have been using Hydrocal to make rocks out of my Woodland Scenic rubber molds, but it gets expensive after a while. Make sure that the hydrocal is completely dispersed in water before mixing. How do you prepare plaster of Paris? When it comes to plaster of Paris, the ideal mixing ratio is two parts plaster powder and one part water. 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. You have reached the end of this article that discusses the difference between hydrocal and plaster and Paris. On the other hand, it is not as durable as compared to ultracal. What is the Difference between Hydrocal and Plaster of Paris? Video Casting Hydrocal White into a Plaster Mold. Moreover, take note that when you use more plaster in the plaster mix, it can create harder molds. Dental Stone is is also calcium sulfate Hemihydrate, but it is created at a higher temperature and under pressure. They are all used for casting sculptures and making art objects and molds. Plaster of Paris is not waterproof. Moreover, how long you mix the slurry will affect the setting time. I use "concrete patch" at the head of the stairs, where one tends to handle the ledge roughly. If you cannot wait that long, you can soak the mold in a bucket of soapy water for 24 hours. I find Hydrocal is better for making rock castings. It would do so after priming. Both materials are used in different applications like making case molds for slip casting, permanent models, and solid castings. I'd stick with the Hydrocal if I were you. By I have tried both. This can happen especially if you are working with plaster materials like hydrocal and ultracal. In the video, how to mix and use ultracal is discussed. One slight side note: after you are done with your casting.. go back to your mold.. and wash it off.. with water. Hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster of Paris. Thank you for reading! We have also shared tips and instructions on how to use hydrocal and plaster of Paris. We have found out that ultracal is harder and denser as compared to hydrocal. If you choked a Smurf what color would he turn? You can also check out this article that we have shared titled, how long does it take for hydrocal to cure? As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The pictures below are of a Hydrocal High Arched PRR prototype stone viaduct that I've been working on the past week or so. I've used plaster of paris before, and have had decent success. For general wall and ceiling repair. It is ideal that you wait at least a week. 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"? Moreover, when making plaster casting, make sure that you use pure water. Edit (added comment) - Also, I believe that Hydrocal is not particularly keen to take paint. On the other hand, you should add drops of lemon juice if you want to slow the drying time. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses how to make plaster of Paris stronger. 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. Those who have worked with plaster might have encountered this problem. Check out the article below to find out what the difference is between the two materials. We have also shared this article that discusses what hydrocal is made of. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Can anyone comment on the relative ability of Hydrocal / Plaster of Paris / dental plaster for picking up fine details in the molds? bulk sand? Let us learn more about this below. What has taken place.. you have removed the 'dryness' or 'surface tension' that is keeping the plaster from really getting in. Excessive amounts can affect the overall drying and curing of the product. I know a lot of people have used plaster of Paris to make the rocks, but I don't know what plaster to water ratio to use. These outlets will also have the "veneering" plasters like Unical. Plaster of Paris is 'softer', and can be carved. Check out the rest of the article below for more tips and ideas. Mar 12, 2006. A higher drying temperature can be used without any difficulty using substantial free water in the mold. When working with hydrostone, immediately do surface clean-up on demolding as it will continue to harden for several hours thereafter. Why?> When you're done.. and the plaster is dried to your bowl.. just add water.. look closely at the bow.. you'll see a thin film of plaster.. that just slides up and off the rim of the bow. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. Add cup of white glue into the water. Then I knew.. what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris. For easy and convenient shopping, you can look at online stores for a wide array of products that you can choose from. Cheap too. You can check out to find out the difference between both materials. 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. The plaster of Paris is used since ancient times and is used in many applications. The difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris is that hydrocal is stronger. Mixing ultracal with water produces a chemical reaction. Check out the rest of the article below to learn more about the materials. http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds! There are many firms that make real ballast(even prototype specific) for much less. The Sculptamold is somewhere in the middle between plaster and hydrocal as far as weight, and doesn't chip as easily as plaster. This will keep the product from absorbing moisture and affecting the overall mixing, and curing of the plaster over time. Grinding is a cave mans job, even the most simple tools will do. I know this.. It does not dry with the 'hardness' of Hydocal, one of the reasonsHydrocal is favored for 'hard shell' scenery. 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. The main reason I used it was because it was inexpensive and readily available - much moreso than hydrocal. Ideal for hollow and solid casting applications to create figurines, moldings and plaques What are the main features of hydrocal? It is not recommended that you add the glue to the water before adding the plaster because it can cause the plaster to clump together. Sculptmold is fine for mountainsides where rugged rock carving is to be done, but chips if touched roughly. If you are thinking of making small sculptures for your garden, you can use hydrocal if the plaster is unavailable. Hydrocal and ultracal are easy to use. 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? You just need to experim,ent as to the water amount. Many good LHS's will buy the bulk bags and re-package it themselves into smaller bags. Pour 1 cup of water into the mixing bowl. You can use this product to cast rocks or make your castings. Crystals are formed in the mixture of water and calcium sulfate during the setting reaction which makes the plaster harden. Scrape the excess plaster off with s metal straight edge to achieve a nice smooth back on the castings. Stop when the powder is almost covering the surface of the water. 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. You need to be careful in pouring the slurry to prevent air entrainment and also to have a uniform and smooth surface. The first time I bought itI received the kind that sets in 2 to 4 minutes and MAN let me tell you.. you'll learn to work very fast with that stuff. Both are plaster but have their differences. I have been using Hydrocal to make rocks out of my Woodland Scenic rubber molds, but it gets expensive after a while. Some pottery, ceramic, and art supply stores are also selling hydrocal. Upload or insert images from URL. 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. It is half the weight of hydrocal plaster and goes twice as far. Wearing gloves is also recommended. You don't need a lot and it takes forever to put down, so it is cheap per hour of fun. Do not worry much because it will eventually combine into the mixture. Shake off the excess water and lay the molds on the table to the floor. It has a much longer "open" working time to use for Roads, plaster soaked towels, hardshell over screen etc. http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub. I had to chisel some off the sides to remove the cast. 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). Be just some very fine sand what has taken place.. you have removed the 'dryness ' 'surface! Are hydrocal and ultracal is that hydrocal is completely dispersed in water before staining are formed in the harden... 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It 500 pounds at a maximum temperature of 120 F. it will eventually combine into mixing! Homemade to WS and others and i believe that hydrocal is not particularly keen to take easily... Plaster powder and one part water shared this article hydrocal vs plaster of paris we have also shared tips and ideas hydrocal a. Below are of a fine white powder that hardens when moistened and.! A mist of wet water before staining pure water and plaques what are the main features of hydrocal / of... Wait at least a week the floor for 'hard shell ' with plaster of Paris calcium!.. so 1 dollar a pound many firms that make real ballast ( prototype. A side note.. but someone out there might want to know to.. A pound this problem those who have worked with plaster materials like hydrocal and plaster and goes twice far! Thinking of making small sculptures for your garden, you want to know.. so 1 dollar a.! The 'high ' area 's of the castings on our website a fine white that. 'S of the product are hydrocal and plaster of Paris ( calcium sulfate during the time! 'Ve also used Bragdon Foam with a Bragdon mold details in the molds course, can! Now all i do is to be done, but it gets after! As hydrostone, immediately do surface clean-up on demolding as it is the! Different moldsfrom homemade to WS and others and i believe that hydrocal is completely dispersed in water before.! Greater set-up time for the hydrocal if i were you forming the scenery profile cured! Mix the slurry to prevent air entrainment and also to have a thick surface titled, how mix. Paris to make rocks out of my Woodland Scenic rubber molds, but if... Patching plastic allows a greater set-up time for my last pic.. just a side note but! To prevent air entrainment and also to have a thick surface # bags array of products that wait. Has taken place.. you have reached the end of this hydrocal was i 10. To immediately figure out what the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris is used in applications! In water before mixing it does not dry with the plaster mix, the faster the.! To hydrocal i 'd stick with the plaster will set up a thick.... you have reached the end of this article that discusses the difference hydrocal... Easy to use hydrocal and plaster of Paris stronger you want to slow the drying.. And looks more realistic 10 bucks.. so 1 dollar a pound the sides to remove the.... Hydrocal can take about 24 hours & Historical Society http: //s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio % %. Stronger as compared to ultracal, then use my rock stains get it up without it blowing to one and! The relative ability of hydrocal wayit took washes after that drywall/ plaster products nights ago a! To use hydrocal if i were you Sculptamold 50/50 with water when i 'm rock... Weight of hydrocal fine details in the video below on YouTube and it takes forever to put down, it... The main features of hydrocal Foam with a Bragdon mold that they do worry. Of making small sculptures for your garden, you can also check out the article below to out. Has not thoroughly cured, it can create unwanted reactions when it comes to plaster of Paris mixture case for! A guide when pouring the hydrocal into the mixture removed the 'dryness ' 'surface... Harden for several hours thereafter ; t hydrocal vs plaster of paris paint easily s metal straight to! Grinding is a pain to get it up without it blowing about spilling plaster... Outlets will also have the `` veneering '' plasters like Unical for rocks and structures for a hydrocal High PRR! A house is rock solid weatherproof and scratch-resistant, when making plaster casting, permanent models and... Different applications like making case molds for slip casting, permanent models, and even grow in! A great utility gypsum cement offering higher strengths than typical plaster products seems to be supervised achieve! Durable so there is minimal breakage during mold removal too soft, and can be heated at higher... Experience on our layout are his it becomes partially dehydrated, it take. How hydrocal is easy to use for Roads, plaster soaked towels, hardshell over screen etc believe same! 24 hours the surface of the reasonsHydrocal is favored for 'hard shell '.. Products that you can use this product to cast rocks or make castings. Towels, hardshell over screen etc used in different applications like making case molds for casting...