Terrain making plasters and substitutes
Bob Whelan
Cellulose Filler that costs Cdn $20.00 for 10 Kg. (about 22 pounds in U.S.
for U.S.$13.00). Is this a good product? The manufacturer recommends it
for modelling among other uses. I have been unable to find things like
Hydrocal here. Plaster of Paris is available at 10kg. for Cdn.$12.00.
Homax Paint 'n Tex (at Cdn $5. for 24 oz. or Bondex Roll A Tex at Cdn $5.
for 454 g. (2.2 lb.) is there.
I am planning to put a texture over polyurethane foamboard. The price of
Woodlands Scenics plaster cloth seems high. I have thought of using
fibreglass cloth with some type of plaster...(don't know if that would work
but cheaper). Any experienced assistance? I am a newbie but have read a
lot.
Bill McMillan
If you are planning on buying in quantity and want to use plaster cloth, try
a medical supply house. You can probably reduce the cost by quite a bit
over Woodland Scenics.
Bill McMillan
"Bob Whelan" <rwh...@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:iDlW8.29339$8H1.1...@news1.calgary.shaw.ca...
Trainman
I use plaster of paris for just about everything.
Don
--
don.de...@prodigy.net
http://www.geocities.com/don_dellmann
moderator: WisMode...@yahoogroups.com
moderator: MRP...@yahoogroups.com
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Mark Z.
Hi Bob,
I am not offering experience but I am offering options. Here are some
other products for your "scenery/terrain" consideration. If any other
NG members have experience with these products, please post it. The
problem with most of these products (except plaster cloth) is that
there are very few sources/outlets where they can be purchased. They
seem to be carried by only one or two MAJOR suppliers in any major
metropolitan area. (Phone numbers at end of posting)
PLASTER CLOTH OPTIONS for WOODLAND SCENICS PLASTER CLOTH
Rigid Wrap (brand name), cheaper than WS plaster cloth. Many sources
on web. Just do search for the words "Rigid Wrap."
Dip 'n Drape - Available at many art supply stores. Mfgd. by Zims Inc,
of Salt Lake City, UT. Cut into 24" (or so) squares for easier
usability. Phone: 801 268-2505
ALTERNATIVES for HYDROCAL
Alternatives for and considered better than Hydrocal by some modelers:
1. U.S. Gypsum Special White, a ceiling plaster, made by U.S. Gypsum,
can be purchased at masonry houses. Takes stains and paints
beautifully, can be carved when soft, and has a good set-up time
(about 30 minutes). Ratio of water to plaster does not seem critical.
2. Ultracal 30, also made by U.S. Gypsum. Does not set up fast,
easier to work with than hydrocal. Use kraft paper covered on both
sides with Ultracal for hardshell. (Hydrocal is fine for rock castings
though).
3. Gold Bond Brand of Gypsolite made by National Gypsum Co. (NOT U.S.
Gypsum), - recommended by Dave Frary., well-known modeler - The
comparable product from U.S. Gypsum is Srtuctolite plaster.
USG (US Gypsum) "Red Top" Wood Fiber Plaster
It is a natural drying plaster with no chemical agents added like
Hydrocal. The slow, natural setting time makes it ideal as a scenery
medium. Add about 1 qt. of latex paint to each ten pounds of plaster
along with a squirt of liquid detergent and sufficient water to make a
mix with consistency of pancake batter. The paint has 3 advantages:
1. It keeps the plaster flexible enough not to crack, even on a
portable layout.
2. Excellent adhesion factor on plywood (Hydrocal doesn't hold on
plywood well)
3. The color comes through even if you chip it.
As in water soluble scenery, you can sprinkle ground cover over the
wet mixture without using glue.
Perma-Scene & Sculptamold
Some people use the above separately as a final coat but they may work
better together. The mixture looks better than Sculptamold alone and
when it's dry it doesn't crumble, shrink or crack like Perma Scene
alone might. Put two units (a tuna can) of each in a dry mixing bowl.
Mix together then add enough water to create an oatmeal like mix.
Next add 1 teaspoon of Lysol cleaner and mix again. The Lysol helps
the water gel into all parts of the material and prevents the mold
that is sometimes caused by high heat and humidity during the three to
four day drying cycle. Apply mix to scenery base with a putty knife
and wait until it is completely dry before painting.
MFGRS:
Check for source near you:
U.S. Gypsum Corporation, East Chicago, IN, 800 621-9532 or 219
378-8131
National Gypsum Co., Charlotte NC, 800 252-1065
******
Pick your poison…………
Mark
Douglas Dressler
Go to a white sale and buy those "sheet blankets", they are highly absorbent
woven cotton that can be cut into easily handled strips for dipping into plaster.