When to use Scupltamold, when to use Structolite?

We have been using Scupltamold to fill in gaps for rock molds, and Structolite over the plaster cloth for hills and mountains. The Sculptamold blends better with rock molds IMO because of the smooth surface. The Structolite has a gritty surface excellent for ground cover on the hills. However, either will work for either situation. Structolite has a longer setting time, but both can be extended by using ice water to mix them up.

 Sculptamold here

Sculptamold again here for rocks

Structolite on both sides of the hill for this cut leading to the tunnel

Sculptamold on the rocks to the left, and Sctructolite over the plaster cloth for the base of the hill to the right.

My experience is very similar to Laidoffsick.

To summarize:

Sculptamold - quick, neat, and easy to mix in small batches. Sets quickly (minutes) making it ideal for setting rock castings, filling odd gaps, etc. Downside - higher cost and not as strong as Structolite for a given thickness.

Structolite - very inexpensive (about 25 cents/lb). Very long setting time (hours) - mix a big batch and work all evening. Extremely strong - makes a good solid hardshell for scenery when applied in sufficient thickness (about 1/4 - 1/2"). Has a nice rock-like texture.

In the photo below, the horizontal layers directly behind the engine are Sculptamold. Sculptamold was also used to set the two large rock castings higher up the cliff and then covered with Structolite. Much of the rest of the cliff surfaces are Structolite.

When using different materials like this, it is important to prime everything with a coat of flat latex house paint. I used tan in this scene. Otherwise, the different surfaces will absorb color washes differently making it difficult to blend it all together.

Jim