re: molds

I have just tried the foil method and it did not work[:(!] When the plsater was almost dry i put it on mt foam and waited for the foil to warm to my hand temp. Pulled back an edge and began to pull it all away. The WHOLE casting broke into about 10 pieces[banghead] Do I need to put alayer of baby powder or some soap or what to allow the plaster to come free without breaking the whole thing[?] Yes this is my first try but I need help[|(]

I always spray my molds with a bit of “wet water” before I pour in the hydrocal. Wet water is about a cup of water with a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid in it. I’ve got it in a spray bottle, like a windex bottle, and I use it for castings and ballasting track.

If you spray the foil with “wet” water (regular tap water with a couple of drops of dish detergent in it) just before you pour the plaster it will make it a lot easier to peel off the foil at after it has dried.

Honest guv, I wasn’t looking over Mr Beasleys shoulder!!

Just proof that great minds run down the same track.

If the mold isn’t wet/ sloppy enough when placed on the hillside it may not bond. To remedy this, I use a fresh batch of plaster buttered to the molds as they are placed. Many times for effect, I will let a mold get very firm so that when placed and shaped to contour, the mold crumbles or cracks. Once removed, the many fractures look great. If small sections or pieces come off w/ the mold, just glue them back.
Bob K.

The problem is in your second sentence. You don’t wait for it to get almost dry and put it on the foam.

Crinkle the foil. Pour the plaster in the foil and slap it WET against the foam. THEN wait for it to get warm and peel off. You don’t want it to harden off the foam (or whatever you are putting it on).

Dave H.

ok thanks dave that seems like it may work thank you