Hi! Suggested by a neighbor, never used: What do you think about Hydrocal? Best retail outlet ideas? (Hobby shops may be too $ for larger quantity) Area to cover is about 40 square feet. As always, many thanks.
This is really just part of the age-old plaster vs. foam debate.
You will find hundreds of people who use hydrocal, either as part of gauze strips, or paper towels, or over thin wire mesh.
Extruded insulating foam is another method used by hundreds.
A quick search of the forums will show you about a dozen threads on the pros and cons of both. I started using newspaper covered by plaster gauze with a thin layer of hydrocal over it. For recent additions, I’ve used stacked insulating foam covered by Sculptamold (a mixture of plaster, ground newspaper, and glue).
Ultimately, I prefer the foam and Sculptamold method, because I find it less messy, and the slower setting time and less finicky water to product ratio make it easier for me to get the effects I desire (you can make a pretty mean rock face just by carving partially set Sculptamold). But that’s just me, Your mileage may differ.
You can find hydrocal at ceramics supply stores.
$20-30 for 50# (maybe a lifetime supply.)
You might find a dealer near you from this link. Several in Orlando, I think.
http://www.gypsumsolutions.com/distributor/BrandDistributors.asp?brand=16
I like it. Especially for the base. Then Sculptamold. Hydrocal also is good for making rocks from rubber molds. The break them up for gobs of random sizes and shapes.
Hydrocal can also be purchased from building supplies (ones that specialize in Drywall, blueboard, plaster and accessories). There you will find Hydrocal in 99lb bags. Search for commercial DW/ plaster.
Once obtaining bulk Hydrocal, I would recommend rebagging and sealed storage. I find that placing the plaster in large baggies or ziplocks (amounts sized for average mixes) and store in a sealable 5 gallon pail. This makes working w/ Hydrocal far less messy and will keep the unwanted moisture from from being absorbed.
Thanks for the replies.
I just used Hydrocal for the first time on a diorama, and while it worked, I was not impressed with the “ease-of-use”. However, I think I simply need more practice. And i should have checked the forums here first for helpful hints!
I got a 50lb bag from Rona up here in Ontario.
FWIW, you can also buy hydrocal from modeling and hobby stores. Woodland Scenics sells a 2 lb carton (like a milk carton) for about $11 or a 10 pound bag for $30.
Hobby stores (AC Moore, Michaels) also sell 5 and 10 pound bags for about $10 /. $25, although you can usually find a coupon for a pretty hefty discount.