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"proper Hydrocal White hardness" Topic


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warhawkwind10 May 2015 6:52 a.m. PST

Did I get the wrong Hydrocal? I thought this stuff was going to be nearly rock hard, but when its all dried, I pick it up and get chalk all over my hands. I can even scratch it a bit with my fingernail. Am I not mixing it right? Any and all help appreciated, thanx.

JasonAfrika10 May 2015 8:50 a.m. PST

Sounds like you added too much water…also, don't expect it to be as hard as marble. You could bake it at a low temp to get the water out but it will then become very brittle. That's just how Hydrocal is. Quick, cheap, and easy but not ideal.

Personal logo StoneMtnMinis Supporting Member of TMP10 May 2015 8:55 a.m. PST

You can add white glue to it when you are mixing it and that will add additional strength, but it is not indestructible in any case.

Personal logo Bobgnar Supporting Member of TMP10 May 2015 10:39 a.m. PST

I use this,

link

and ditto to StoneMtMinis for adding some white glue, I also add some paint, black to get gray material so when it is scratched, there is no white to show through.

JezEger10 May 2015 11:19 a.m. PST

link
Good resource for various plaster reviews. It does sound like your mix was off, or maybe just a bad batch.

warhawkwind10 May 2015 12:20 p.m. PST

I'm mixing it at 3 parts Hydrocal White to 1 part water. I dont have a scale. I mix it for several minutes until it starts to stiffen just a bit. Thanx all, and that link is super JezEger, thank you.

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