QA

How Do You Use Hydrocal

How do you use Hydrocal plaster?

Pour 1-1/4 level cups of Lightweight Hydrocal slowly into 1/2 cup water (2.5:1 ratio). Let stand for 2 minutes, then stir for 1 minute. Mix thoroughly. For large batches, measure 100 parts Lightweight Hydrocal to 65 parts water by weight.

What is Hydrocal?

Hydrocal White is a multi-purpose gypsum cement ideal for both solid and hollow casting of lamp bases and figurines. Designed for thin sections, its high green strength minimizes breakage during removal from the most intricate molds.

Is Ultracal 30 water resistant?

Ideal for splash-casting molds and models for phenolic, polyester and epoxy resins, USG Ultracal 30 Gypsum Cement is water soluble – there is no need for organic solvents for cleanup.

What can I mix with plaster to make it stronger?

How can I make plaster of Paris stronger?

  • Step 2: Mix Water and Glue. Place 1 1/4-cup water in a plastic mixing bowl. Add 1/4-cup white glue to the water.
  • Step 3: Add the Plaster. Slowly pour 2 cups of plaster of Paris into the water.
  • Step 4: Rest and Mix. Let the plaster rest for about five minutes before mixing.

What is the hardest type of plaster?

PURITAN POTTERY PLASTER – Unique, specially designed for use with mechanical clay forming machinery. Absolutely the hardest, most wear-resistant plaster made for molds, and a favorite for jiggering molds. STATUARY HYDROCAL – A basic HYDROCAL cement with a lower use consistency of about 40 lbs. of water per 100 lbs.

Can you strengthen plaster of Paris?

Plaster of Paris is great for sculptures. When mixed with water it can be manipulated in many ways, from sculptures to modeling, but a basic plaster of Paris mixture is hard but fragile when dry. Strengthening it with glue creates a strong plaster that withstands the test of time.

How do you mix USG Hydrocal?

Sift or strew plaster into water slowly and evenly. Do not drop large amounts of plaster directly into water. Allow to soak for 2 to 4 minutes, then mix as required—generally 2 to 5 minutes—to obtain a creaming of the plaster slurry. Hand mixing is generally acceptable for small batches up to 5 lb.

Does Hydrocal expand?

USG White Hydrocal® Gypsum Cement : Offering twice the compressive strength of plaster, it is especially suitable in thin, delicate sections where high green strength is required. Offers long workability; setting expansion twice that of molding plaster and pottery plaster.

Is Ultracal waterproof?

Accepts paint, is waterproof, weatherproof and scratch resistant.

What is the difference between Hydrocal and hydrostone?

Hydrocal – Ideal for casting lifecast faces, heads, and torsos from alginate molds. Hydrostone – Great for casting statuary and lifecasts such as hands.

What Ultracal 30?

Harder and stronger than HYDROCAL A-11 and HYDROCAL B-11 cements, UltraCal 30 cement has the lowest expansion of any rapid-setting gypsum cement available. Has a gradual set and long period of plasticity. Ideal for splash-casting molds and models for phenolic, polyester and epoxy resins.

How do you mix Ultracal 30?

MIX RATIO: The manufacture recommended mix-ratio of Ultra Cal 30 is: 38 parts water to 100 parts Ultra Cal 30 by weight. The average setup time is 25-35 minutes when manually mixed. Please note that parts can be in grams, ounces or pounds etc. Do not mix with your hands, A paint paddle or jiffy mixer is recommended.

What is Ultracal plaster?

USG Ultracal® Brand 30 Gypsum Cement is designed for the patternmaking industry as the ultimate gypsum cement tooling medium. Ideal for splash-casting molds and models for phenolic, polyester and epoxy resins, USG Ultracal 30 Gypsum Cement is water soluble – there is no need for organic solvents for cleanup.

Is Hydrocal the same as plaster of Paris?

Hydrocal is much stronger than plaster of paris. It also takes lots more detail, and most of all does not ‘slough off’ like plaster of paris. That is important for a long life scenery base. The sloughing of plaster results in lots of dust and chips on a continuous basis.

How long does Ultracal 30 take to set?

ULTRACAL 30 Set Time is 25-35 minutes. De-Mold Time 60-80 minutes. Mix Ratio: 38 parts water to 100 parts plaster.

Is gypsum a cement?

Gypsum is called the retarding agent of cement which is mainly used for regulating the setting time of cement and is an indispensable component. Without gypsum, cement clinker can condense immediately by mixing with water and release heat.

How long does Hydrocal plaster take to dry?

25-35 min

Technical Properties English Metric
Dry 90.0 lb/ft3 1.44 g/cm3
Set Time (Machine Mix)* 25-35 min. 25-35 min.

How long does Hydrocal take to cure?

Sift or strew HYDROCAL Brand White Gypsum Cement into water slowly and evenly. Do not drop handfuls of HYDROCAL Brand White Gypsum Cement directly into the water. Allow soaking for 1-2 minutes.How Long Does Hydrocal Take To Cure?

Technical Properties English Metric
Set Time (Machine Mix)* 25-35 min. 25-35 min.

When can I remove plaster from mold?

No less than 24 hours. To get a fully cured part you may want to wait up to 72 hours. De-molding too soon can cause surface damage or if a larger part can break.

What is the difference between Hydrocal and Ultracal?

Ultracal 30 is more dense and harder than Hydrocal and is advertised by USG as a tool making plaster. Hydrocal is a casting plaster that hold detail well. Hydrocal is easier to work with post casting for corrections. Ultracal is more durable.

Can you carve Hydrocal?

Hydrocal can be carved or added to if needed. Setting time is approximately 30 minutes. Casts can be made from most all molding materials. The mixing consistency is 45 parts of water to 100 parts of plaster.

What is Hydrocal made of?

Hydrocal is mainly composed of plaster of Paris and a small amount of Portland cement. It has a similar formula as hydrostone, duracal, and ultracal. They are all used for casting sculptures and well as making art objects and molds.

How strong is Hydrocal?

The USG specs say something like hydrocal will hold 5,000 pounds per sq inch compressive strength, sounds impressive doesn’t it? but one little ‘”tap” on a hard surface and corners, sharp edges or fine details break off pretty easy.

How long does hydrostone take to dry?

25-35 min. *Other set times may also be available.

Is Gypsum harmful to humans?

Hazards of Using Gypsum If handled improperly, gypsum can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and the upper respiratory system. Symptoms of irritation can include nosebleeds, rhinorrhea (discharge of thin mucous), coughing and sneezing. If ingested, gypsum can clog the gastrointestinal tract.