What if you can't find Hydrocal?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

All the shops in my area carry DAP plaster.

Suggesstions? the U.S. Gypsum web site suggests that Hydrocal plaster
is not made anymore. They only mention Hydrocal cement.

[?]

2

Hydrocal is definately still being made. Do a search on www.froogle.com and you will find many vendors of the woodland scenics lightweight hydrocal. I also know that www.misterart.com sells five pound boxes and 25 pound bags. They are based in southern Texas I believe but have very reasonable shipping rates. Hope this helps.

Jesse

3

If weight is not a problem, you could use plaster of paris and you can buy it at Wal-mart

4

Hydrocal is in the same area as Homesote as far as we are concerned it the world outside the US. Can’t get either. (Well I can’t in the UK unless someone can tell me otherwise.) Plaster of paris is what I use. Maybe it’s beacuase we’re closer to Paris than you are. (That’s France not Texas.) If you take Eurostar. (Yes 186 mph…)

5

If you need a large quantity, go to a home supply store or craft store and look for 20 minute casting plaster. This usually comes in 110 pound bags like cement, so one bag is enough for several normal sized layouts, or a large club layout. We have gone through two bags so far on our club’s layout because we have a lot of mountains, and are still building. We also use casting plaster for casting our own tunnel portals and rock formations. One hundred ten pounds sounds like an awful lot, but when you add water it shrinks in volume by almost half.

6

Hydrocal is a US Gypsum product. Try their website for distributors: http://gypsumsolutions.com/distributor/map.asp I bought a 100 lb bag and immedately divided it into 5lbs stored in zip lock bags to keep it dry during storage.

7

Hydrocal is a US Gypsum product. Try their website for distributors: http://gypsumsolutions.com/distributor/map.asp I bought a 100 lb bag and immedately divided it into 5lbs stored in zip lock bags to keep it dry during storage.

8

Well, USG still makes it and sells it through the internet. http://www.plaster.com/index.html They also have some other interesting plasters and information on using them.

9

If you can’t find it the world as we know it ends, humanity is destroyed, global warming covers half the earth and an ice age ensues. Hydrocal is nice but I have used straight old 50# bags of whatever plaster I can find for years with no ill effects so just find what you can and enjoy life.

10

I like plaster of paris better than hydrocal…it may be a bit more heavier but it is a lot more stronger than hydrocal. I purchase it in 50 lb. bags at Lowe’s or the Home Depot…it’s also cheaper than hydrocal so it’s not so hard on your pocketbook and the 50 lb. bag of plaster of paris goes a long way…Chuck

11

Hey ndbprr…
So that’s what happened last week. The world ended!
Hope you are well.
mwalther
As you posted 2wice… Does that mean you have 200lb?
Cheers!

12

One of us has a problem since I only see one message. I’m 200# not the plaster :-).

13

Well, right after I posted this I went to a friend’s house where he told me where to buy
hydrocal (and it is called “cement” rather than “plaster”). He had some there which he
uses to back up his RTV rubber molds for casting stuff in polyester resin.

So, thanks for the help anyway!

14

In some markets you’ll find 'Durabond", which is a competitor to Hydrocal (they were both developed for the same purpose - smoothing out irregularities and screw holes when installing gyprock/plaster wallboard/gypsum wallboard). Durabond is sold in several ‘numbers’ - Durabond 30, Durabond 50, etc. The higher the number, the stronger the final plaster - but cost also rises.

Jim

15

Hydrocal and Durabond are totally different products, origionally formulated for their own special purpose. Hydrocal was exclusively used as a casting plaster- you have seen or heard of the intricate ceiling, cornice moldings of the older victorian/ mansions. Hydrocal is one of the better plasters for repairs or restoration for these pieces.
Durabond was formulated for the world of gypsum drywall. It doesn’t replace joint compound, however, is a great base for initial tape and blocking of seams and corner beads. Then followed by topping or joint compound which is my preference. Durabond is available in 45min (don’t use unless your real fast hot batches , working time under 10 min ), 60min an 90min respectivly. I prefer the 60 but not always available. Dura bond is also a great product for bonding repairs to mismatched plasters to D/W where joint compound and patching plasters will crack…But enough for home repairs back to trainsBob K.