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crashmann · Guru Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 501

I've been using HydroStone for the past two years and it's been working great! Mix it 3 parts plaster to 1 part water by weight.

I've had great results with it picking up surface details, and have only crushed one mold - a huge clone trooper chest piece that was partially hollow, and it split in one area.

Again, 90° corners will eventually chip, but Kilroy should be fine.

I drive to a place in Baltimore 45 minutes away to pick up my HydroStone in 100 pound bags.

Charlie

DarthVader1 · Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 2:43 pm Post subject:

crashmann · Guru Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 501

To hollow out the mold, I inflated 4 balloons and had them at the ready. I mixed and poured the plaster into the mold, then held the balloons in place until the plaster turned to rock (less than 10 minutes)

Here's the clone trooper torso made using a similar technique:
http://tk386.com/clone_torso/

After the plaster cured, I smoothed out the cavity with a spatula and a rasp.

I have been paying $60 for 100 pounds of HydroStone

Your supplier will be able to tell you about the 50 pound bag availability. My place has a big warehouse and actually supplies contractors doing large jobs.

Your mileage may vary Smile

Charlie

DarthVader1 · Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 5:30 pm Post subject:

Thanks Charlie.

Balloons......, huh! I've never thought about that one. I was considering using a round, half-moon shaped plastic bowl for that matter that gave me the idea for the right size and proportion....just equivalent to one balloon (and I have one that I've just confiscated from my wife's cabinet few days ago....and no, she doesn't know it yet! LOL). Razz

I will post progress pics soon (In the SECRET-SECRET topic, under the Costuming Tips section), as soon as I get the HydroStone and start working with it. Thanks again.

PS: And don't mention any names about this project....SHHHHHH....it's supposed to be a "SECRET-SECRET" project. Wink

_________________
Robert
BH/TK/TB/TS 060

cod · Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 6:41 pm Post subject:

chefhawk · Novice Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 56 Location: Redditch uk

Brilliant money saving tips

So clever and so simple and also cheap!

Thanks for the heads up guys.

cheers
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jegner · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 1:04 pm Post subject:

I've used coffee cans and tupperware bowls to save on the plaster. Another thing you can use is Rockite. It's a type of anchoring cement. Sets really fast, and is really strong. Any sort of anchoring cement will do, as it will not shrink when it cures. You can also mix plaster of paris with portland cement in different ratios to get different hardnesses.

Jim

DarthVader1 · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 4:19 pm Post subject:

cod and Jegner: just precisely my idea...to save in material costs. Also THANKS CRASHMANN for the BIG tip. Very Happy

Well, I got the best of anything.....OVER 50 POUNDS of HydroStone left from an already-opened 100 pounds bag (the scale stopped at the 55# mark, but could be 60# or more), with a local ceramics maker/supplier, which I didn't have to pay for shipping cost from someone else! YEEEEYYYYYYYYYYY!!! I even seen examples of comparison between that and another brand of plaster, which is also another plus, and let you know how your molds or casting will look like afterwards....and DEFINITELY is a BIG DIFFERENCE! Shocked

And the best of all: total price...... about $24, plus tax.

I will be posting pics soon on the "SECRET-SECRET" thread under the Costuming section.
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Robert
BH/TK/TB/TS 060