Plaster Guide
If you need a quick reference for what kind of plaster to use for your next project, look no further!
NO. 1 POTTERY PLASTER
- Standard of the ceramics industry for years for sanitary ware and dinnerware casting
- Unexcelled for making break-resistant molds for slip casting all kinds of porcelain as well as non ceramic casting materials such as our Flexible Slip.
- Formulated to provide stronger, longer-lasting ceramic slip cast molds
NO. 1 MOLDING PLASTER
- A.K.A casting plaster or plaster of Paris, this is an extremely versatile material.
- Used by itself, it is still the standard for making mother molds for most flexible mold materials.
- As a sculptural medium, plaster has what is called a “period of plasticity” where it becomes clay like for a short time and can be modeled or sculpted.
- Is easily added to in this state with sisal, burlap or polypropylene fiber to reinforce and you’re on your way.
- Great for general purpose casting and mold making
- Can even be used for body casting; but be careful, it can get HOT!
WHITE HYDROCAL
- If you like plaster, but would like something a little harder, then this is probably the material for you.
- A bright white, medium hard gypsum cement, White Hydrocal can be used for all of those casting situations where plaster might be used.
- Also has plasticity like plaster but will give you more “green” strength so that those fine details won’t have a tendency to break off when demolding your castings.
- This product may also be used for hollow castings of large objects to save weight, and is somewhat carvable.
ULTRACAL 30
- All gypsum cements and plasters expand upon setting, but this one expands the least. So if it’s pattern making you’re into, this is probably the product to use.
- Recommended where extreme accuracy and surface hardness are required.
- Seems to be the material of choice for latex and latex foam casting.
- Produces a hard material when cast, and is somewhat difficult to tool upon removal from the mold, but will yield to any of the commonly used riffler files and the like.
- Ideal for splash-casting molds and models for polyester and epoxy resins.
FGR-95
- A very special product that is extremely versatile.
- Designed for lightweight, strong, resilient, glass-reinforced architectural detail fabrication, from simple cornices to ornate capitals and medallions.
- Superior fire-retardant properties allow for code-compliant installations.
- Originally intended for use as a laminating material with fiberglass for thin wall construction, this can also be cast into a wide variety of mold materials.
- Lends itself very well to accepting a multitude of modifiers and additives. Fine aggregates can be used with it; metal powders can be used with it; the possibilities are endless.
- It is even modified with a retarder to give you ample working time, and when cured, has a ceramic like feel.
DRYSTONE
- A relative newcomer, this amazing material is the hardest, densest gypsum cement and requires only 22 parts water to every 100 parts Drystone.
- Mechanical mixing is an absolute must with this material.
- The name is derived from the fact that it is essentially dry when it is de-molded and requires no oven drying.
- Parts can be decorated and shipped on the same day as the castings are made.
- Provides an environmentally safe alternative to resin-based products with respect to air quality.
- Can be used with the majority of mold materials including silicone, latex and urethane and offers a high density that produces a quality feel and excellent duplication of intricate details.
- Surface may be polished with wax to give a stone-like appearance.
DURACAL
- A specially formulated above-grade concrete patching material.
- Exceptionally durable.
- Ideal for expressway, road, ramp, bridge, parking lot and commercial concrete floor repair, and even sculpture reproduction.
- Will withstand the elements and accept aggregates just like most Portland cements.
- Can be applied “neat” or mixed with equal parts sand and coarse aggregate.
- Not recommended for use in structural applications.
There you have it! Check out the comparison chart below and screenshot or save to use as a future reference.
