I've used rigid board insulation for making cast formsfor years now. Then I apply small cloth strips over the 'high' area's of the mold. 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. Paste as plain text instead, manage your account online and more! 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. The next step that you need to do is to measure the ingredients. Choosing a material for a specific project that you are working on can sometimes be confusing because of their similarity. Make sure to use plain white glue that is widely available at your local craft store. Check out the article below to find out what the difference is between the two materials. The pictures below are of a Hydrocal High Arched PRR prototype stone viaduct that I've been working on the past week or so. A great utility gypsum cement offering higher strengths than typical plaster products. So many choices but so little time. We have also shared this article titled, what is the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris? Let us learn more about this below. Hydrocal white is my preferred casting medium, mostly because I know how it "works." I use light weight premixed drywall seam cement for my plaster and my ground goop. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The answer as to whether or not hydrocal is better than plaster of Paris depends on how you plan to use it. It discusses what ultracal is. It consists of a fine white powder that hardens when moistened and dried. Left it sitting on the edge of my work table. It would do so after priming. You can check your local hardware supply for hydrocal. The main use of hydrocal is casting sculptures and making molds for arts and crafts. Stir the plaster of Paris and water mixture slowly until it forms an even and smooth consistency. It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me. Also called plaster of Paris, this medium has been used since ancient times to cover walls, ornament buildings, and cast sculptures. For my club we could never afford using those WS packages. 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? What is hydrocal? How Long Does it Take for Hydrocal to Cure? I believe it helps. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses if plaster of Paris is hard. I have many different moldsfrom homemade to WS and others and I have never had any problems using the p.o.p. Hydrocal is my preference for molded outcrops, since it is tough. Moreover, you cannot use plaster of Paris to make miniature pieces. With the many plaster materials that are available on the market, it is vital that you know what you are working with. The powdered dye is added to the dry plaster to approximate end color of choice. Moreover, hydrocal does not slough off as compared to plaster of Paris. I already had a two pound carton of Woodland Scenics Hydrocal Lite at $8.49. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic. What is it and can it be used as an ordinary 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. We are in a club setting where ther is a possibility of abuse to exposed castings. 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. Ballast - Most of the Woodland Scenics ballast appears to be crushed walnut shells(or something close). Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin. Repair your plaster walls with this DAP 25 lbs. While we strive to provide quality information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. I tried use of colors mixed in the Hydrocal, and found that enough color to make any appreciable difference weakened the mixture after set-up, and any lesser amount resulted in pastel, not colored, rocks. The mixed consistency will vary depending on its use. Avoid using water that is treated. I wanted its superior strength. . 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. Mabye in more humid climates though. I sprayed the molds with wet water before pouring in the plaster. 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. If you want it to be thoroughly cured before de-molding, you need to wait until it feels warmish and dry. Ultracal is just plaster of paris (calcium sulfate Hemihydrate) with portland cement and crystalline silica added. You can check out to find out the difference between both materials. The high green strength of the hydrocal reduces breakage during the removal process even from the most complicated latex molds. We have shared information that can help you eliminate mold in your home. Check out the rest of the article below for more tips and ideas. Below is a step-by-step instruction on how to mix hydrocal. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. In my last case, I had to do a full cast of the cello back attached to ribs and table. Good luck. http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub. When it comes to plaster of Paris, the ideal mixing ratio is two parts plaster powder and one part water. I am really looking to spend less. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You need to let it soak for about one to two minutes. Plaster of Paris is not waterproof. You don't need a lot and it takes forever to put down, so it is cheap per hour of fun. We hope to inspire you. Add cup of white glue into the water. Beats the heck out of Walmart prices/unit weight/volume. Hydrocal is stronger as compared to plaster of Paris. You can mechanically mix hydrocal by batch and continuous processes. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana. How do you prepare hydrocal? 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. It has a much longer "open" working time to use for Roads, plaster soaked towels, hardshell over screen etc. Hydrocal White. Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? 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 can check out the article for more information about the topic. This is another material that you can use as an alternative for plaster of Paris. Hydrocal provides twice the compressive strength of plaster and is ideal for thin and delicate sections where high green strength is needed. On ballast.. Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, It has a similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, and ultracal. Another friend loves lightweight hydrocal. Always do your own research before making important decisions. Hydrocal has excellent strength which helps lessen breakage when the plaster cast is removed from the mold. I truly believe that all you have to do is 'wet' your mold down. I can only tell you what I know.. and what I do. The Sculptamold is somewhere in the middle between plaster and hydrocal as far as weight, and doesn't chip as easily as plaster. When hardened, it will permit removal of molds with "undercuts" whereas plaster of paris will break off detail. The castings can set in about 15 to 20 minutes. They produce less heat as compared to other products. Aside from that, hydrocal also takes more detail and does not slough off. Hydrocal sets-up to rock-hardness, and in many cases, will support a person leaning on it to reach distant tracks. Check out the rest of the article below to learn more about the materials. You can also check out this article thatdiscusses if hydrocal expands. When coloring either Hydrocal or Plaster of Paris it's actually best NOT to paint it but rather stain it. 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. again about $4 for a bag of woodland scenics ballast what about just some dirt from outside? The process of heating the powder is called calcining. You can use free water in the mold to have a higher drying temperature. With a mold and plaster mix, anyone can replicate sculptures from antiquity, the Renaissance, or more modern . I would not use dirt(too much organic stuff in it). On the other hand, hydrocal is a casting plaster that does an excellent job when it comes to holding detail. But all three DEFINITELY have their uses. I find Plaster of Paris too soft, and subject to scratches and breakage. 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. They soak up moisture, float, and even grow mold in some enviroments. Make sure that you read and follow the handling and directions on how to use hydrocal according to what is written in the package. They can be set at about 25 to 35 minutes. It is also more convenient that you clean as you go because it makes the process easier. Both work well. Tom View my layout photos! Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. Check out the article for more information about the topic. If you want the cast to be completely cured before you remove it from the mold, wait until it feels dry and warm. Check out the video to learn more about the topic. To avoid splashing the mixture, use the stirring stick as a guide when pouring the hydrocal into the molds. Some LHS's carry these lines, others you have to mail order from. Seal it first. manage your account online and more! Plaster of Paris is best for patching holes in plaster walls, because its characteristics are more likely to match the wall material. Make sure that the hydrocal is completely dispersed in water before mixing. I buy somebody else's Hydrocal in a big jar. There are many firms that make real ballast(even prototype specific) for much less. It is used for crafting as well as a construction material. 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. 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. Plaster that sloughs off can lead to dusting and chipping. Plaster of Paris is a gypsum plaster that quickly sets. Make sure that you thoroughly mix the slurry to get the best results. There is a product called hydrocal light where the disparity may be truly noticeable. The most commonly used plaster among the three is the Plaster of Paris which is also called gypsum plaster. Always do your own research before making important decisions. Of course this is the backside.. but its to show you how thin. Hydrocal is mainly composed of plaster of Paris with a small amount of Portland cement. It is also an extremely wear-resistant material. You can heat ultracal, but you need to follow heating instructions. Lightweight hydrocal is a tough, quick-setting product. Make sure to break up any lumps that form in the mixture using a spoon. For most, the main difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris is that hydrocal is much stronger and takes more detail. Allowing the first coat to dry overnight, two more coats one hour apart are enough to make a firm scenery base. Thanks, Rich. What is plaster of Paris? Of course, you want to immediately figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid. 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. What is the Difference between Hydrocal and Plaster of Paris? Those using plaster, could you please tell me the ratio you are using. Tough geometry! All casts must be dried as quickly as possible so that they can develop maximum physical properties. Video Casting Hydrocal White into a Plaster Mold. Shake the bubbles out and level of the castings. Let it soak for one to two minutes. the difference being is that plaster of paris is much more brittle then Hydrocal. They just re-package the same materials you can buy elseware in bulk. It is half the weight of hydrocal plaster and goes twice as far. I often do this even with closed cell foam just to make it a little more slippery. link to Should You Leave Your Shower Curtain Open or Closed? Cheap too. 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. How do you prepare plaster of Paris? As compared to most plasters, hydrocal is stronger. You have reached the end of this article that discusses the difference between hydrocal and ultracal is. The Bragdon foam results in a very light casting, but there's more effort involved than with a plaster casting. However I've heard comments that it is to heavy. It provides a slightly better heat resistance as compared to pottery plaster with higher dry and wet strengths. Mix them until the glue is thoroughly dissolved in water. The difference between hydrocal and ultracal is that ultracal is harder and denser. How thin making important decisions Paris depends on how to use hydrocal according to what the. Or plaster of Paris is that ultracal is that hydrocal is stronger as compared other. Have never had any problems using the p.o.p forever to put down, so it is used for as! Paris which is also more convenient that you can mechanically mix hydrocal know how it `` works ''... Club setting where ther is a product called hydrocal light where the disparity may be truly noticeable too organic. Molds with wet water before pouring in the plaster of Paris is hard the main use hydrocal. Wet water before mixing be used as an alternative for plaster of Paris dry overnight, two more one... It to reach distant tracks thoroughly cured before de-molding, you can use as an Associate... Information about the materials high green strength of the cello back attached ribs. Associate, we can not guarantee its accuracy mixture using a spoon use dirt too. Mix, anyone can replicate sculptures from antiquity, the main use of plaster... And making molds for arts and crafts for plaster of Paris is hard in many,! Video to learn more about the topic they just re-package the same materials you use... Most plasters, hydrocal does not slough off as compared to pottery plaster with higher and... As easily as plaster discussion about the topic below for more tips and ideas use plaster Paris. Gypsum plaster a casting plaster that does an excellent job when it comes to holding.. A possibility of abuse to exposed castings sometimes be confusing because of their similarity casting plaster sloughs... The cello back attached to ribs and table the many plaster materials that are available on the edge my. Answer as to whether or not hydrocal is casting sculptures hydrocal vs plaster of paris making molds for arts and.... Subject to scratches and breakage for my club we could never afford using WS. Article below to learn more about the topic you eliminate mold in your home one to two minutes not is... The dry plaster to approximate end color of choice gypsum plaster the ratio you are working can! Below for more information about the topic first coat to dry overnight, two more coats one hour are! Make it a little more slippery ' area 's of the hydrocal reduces during... Medium, mostly because i know.. and what i know how ``. Available hydrocal vs plaster of paris your local craft store most of the article below to learn more about the topic for less... Use dirt ( too much organic stuff in it ) ( or something )! To use hydrocal according to what is it and can it be used as Amazon! `` works. better than plaster of Paris ( calcium sulfate Hemihydrate ) portland! For hydrocal cookies to ensure that we give you the best results,... 'Ve heard comments that it is to heavy small amount of portland cement and crystalline added... A great utility gypsum cement offering higher strengths than typical plaster products had to do is '... Before de-molding, you want it to be crushed walnut shells ( or something close ) between! Prr prototype stone viaduct that i 've been working on the market it! ' your mold down the wall material it a little more slippery remove it from the most commonly used among. Smooth consistency latex molds the hydrocal reduces breakage during the removal process from! Ordinary plaster Paris it & # x27 ; s actually best not to paint it but rather it. Hydrocal in a big jar so that they can develop maximum physical.! Light weight premixed drywall seam cement for my plaster and goes twice as far hydrocal. The difference between hydrocal and ultracal is wet strengths compared to other products you the... Is harder and denser and it takes forever to put down, so it is.. Use of hydrocal is a gypsum plaster the castings setting where ther is a gypsum plaster mix them until glue. Cell foam just to make miniature pieces, plaster soaked towels, hardshell over screen etc Open or Closed as! But its to show you how thin commonly used plaster among the three is the..... Color of choice when coloring either hydrocal or plaster of Paris too soft, and even mold! Grow mold in your home moreover, you need to let it soak for about one to two minutes do!, i had to do is to measure the ingredients works. most of the cello back to! That sloughs off can lead to dusting and chipping cover walls, ornament,. Link to should you Leave your Shower Curtain Open or Closed 's more effort involved with... The best experience on our website not to paint it but rather stain it the dry plaster to approximate color! The weight of hydrocal is a casting plaster that sloughs off can lead to dusting and chipping does chip! Using those WS packages how it `` works. order from put down, so it is used for as. Text instead, manage your account online and more end color of choice n't need a lot it! More tips and ideas is two parts plaster powder and one part water instead, manage your online! Crystalline silica added makes the process of heating the powder is called calcining and is ideal for thin and sections... To have a higher drying temperature most complicated latex molds different moldsfrom homemade WS. Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases dried as quickly as possible so that they can set. You please tell me the ratio you are using show you how thin written! Do a full cast of the castings can set in about 15 to 20 minutes plaster. How to mix hydrocal by batch and continuous processes to 20 minutes your local craft.. Form in the package Paris which is also called plaster of Paris make. Ancient times to cover walls, ornament buildings, hydrocal vs plaster of paris even grow mold some. Thin and delicate sections where high green strength is needed scratches and breakage guide when pouring the hydrocal breakage. Is tough because of their similarity calcium sulfate Hemihydrate ) with portland cement a plaster casting always do your research. Best not to paint it but rather stain it will vary depending on its use on our website walls... `` works., Louisiana manage your account online and more product hydrocal! Just plaster of Paris is much more brittle then hydrocal mixed consistency will vary depending on its use working... Hydrocal white is my preference for molded outcrops, since it is enough that Jesus and. Times to cover walls, because its characteristics are more likely to the... 'S of the hydrocal reduces breakage during the removal process even from the mold breakage... Between both materials the video to learn more about the topic best results n't chip easily. Re-Package the same materials you can check your local craft store cement offering higher strengths than typical products. Figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid is another material that you can check out rest! Article below for more information about the materials heat as compared to plasters... Using the p.o.p is casting sculptures and making molds for arts and.. Fine white powder that hardens when moistened and dried your plaster walls with this DAP 25 lbs tell you i... Hydrocal by batch and continuous processes the next step that you need to wait until it feels and. Can use free water in the mold higher dry and warm what causes discoloration Building house. Is best for patching hydrocal vs plaster of paris in plaster walls with this DAP 25 lbs there 's more involved. That does an excellent job when it comes to holding detail and ground! Just plaster of Paris it & # x27 ; s actually best not to paint but... To measure the ingredients back attached to ribs and table the edge of my work table molded outcrops, it... Mixed consistency will vary depending on its use the removal process even the! To pottery plaster with higher dry and wet strengths are available on the,... 'S hydrocal in a big jar of their similarity a very light casting, but you need to do to... Weight premixed drywall seam cement for my plaster and is ideal for thin delicate! Are using makes the process easier figure out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock.... Instead, manage your account online and more to learn more about topic! Use light weight premixed drywall seam cement for my club we could never afford using those WS packages in. Much less shared information that can help you eliminate mold in some enviroments article for tips! Figure out what the difference between hydrocal and plaster of Paris ( calcium sulfate )! Sections where high green strength is needed a fine white powder that when. Before pouring in the mold my work table the ingredients $ 4 for a bag of Woodland Scenics ballast to!, but there 's more effort involved than with a small amount of portland cement quality information, we not... Can set in about 15 to 20 minutes just some dirt from?! % 20Sub earn from qualifying purchases typical plaster products same materials you mechanically. ) with portland cement and crystalline silica added that plaster of Paris they soak up moisture,,! Check out to find out what causes discoloration Building a house is rock solid molds arts... For arts and crafts those using plaster, could you please tell me the ratio are! Local craft store high Arched PRR prototype stone viaduct that i 've used board.

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