Lightweight Hydrocal versus Sculptamold

Joe FautyOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I have been reading material and viewing YouTube videos in preparation for some scenery work - making rocks, applying base coats over foam or plaster cloth to make a hardshell and gluing rocks to the hardshell etc.

I made a few notes on Lightweight Hydrocal and Sculptamold which I have decided to use. Please review and holler if I got something wrong or if you would like to add something. I know there are a lot more materials out there like Bragdon's Geodesic Foam, fusion fiber, ground goop etc so if some have had experience with other materials please post.

1. Both LW Hydrocal and sculptamold can be used to cover foam or plaster cloth. [I'm not sure about the hydrocal since the mixtures I saw in the videos looked pretty thin to spread on slopes]. it looks like Sculptamold is slightly better. Apparently re-wetting cured hydrocal may cause to crack???????

2. Only use the LW Hydrocal for rock molds. Sculptamold is no good for molding. One video (D Frary) said sculptamold would not hold the detail and may crumble when removing from the rubber mold.

3. Either LW Hydrocal or Sculptamold can be used as a 'glue' for attaching rocks to the hardshell.

4. It appears hydrocal must be added to water so it properly hydrates but water is added to sculptamold?????

Thanks for your comments

Joe

8/15/1612:26 PM

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N&W Class JOGR Forum Member

I never added the hydrocal to the water, I always poured the water in to the hydrocal with no problems. As for a thin mix you can mix the hydrocal to a thicker consistency but be aware it sets up quickly, and yes you can use the hydrocal as a glue to attach the rocks to the shell. The rocks below are all from hydrocal.

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8/16/168:19 AM

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mwbOGR Forum Member

N&W Class J posted:
I never added the hydrocal to the water, I always poured the water in to the hydrocal with no problems.

Done it either way and don't see any difference. Mixed well is mixed well.

As for spreading in slopes, I've "painted" it onto slopes with a lousy brush - it sets pretty quickly so I don't see any problems there. In fact, you can work it a bit on the slope to contour things to suit.

8/16/168:36 AM

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Joe FautyOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Thanks guys

8/16/1611:20 AM

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LaidoffsickOGR Forum Member

Using ice water slows down the set up time for the hydrocal a little, but it still sets up fast.

We used all three, lw hydrocal, sculptamold, and the geodesic foam. All had their purpose, but the foam is more flexible, although a lot more involved in the process.

8/16/1612:03 PM

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