All about mold making plaster

This video is all about the three main types of plaster used to make latex masks. Ultracal 30, Hydrocal, and US #1 pottery plaster. Knowing the difference can mean success or failure for your mask making project.
This is a collection of plaster info and my personal experiences with each type of stone. More materials videos are coming.

[@mattmarich2199]

Alan, Dick Smith wanted 5 minutes deell time with ultracal 30, before mixing, detail coat only. Each additional coat was 3 minute dwell time. In hot climate, misting between coats keeps adhesion at best. For foam prosthetic molds, he added a concrete bonder. Basically white glue. This added in sealing mold better to receive zinc mold release. Maybe cover sometime sissle fiber, and other options for reinforcement. Great info!!

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Thank you Matt, Im going to pin this comment!

[@Hugojosecor]

Mr. Allen must be the largest consumer of plaster in Texas, USA. Very Cool!

[@StiltbeastStudios]

I think you may be right...

[@fillmorehillmore8239]

Used all of these as well as hydrostone. I prefer the hydrocal due to it being pure white and its high green strength. Best of all worlds for my specific tasks.

[@603VIL]

Allen, great video! I mean this when I say that you're teaching is top notch and premium. You're the best teacher I've ever had. I may not get a degree or certificate from this, but the lessons learned are worth so much more. Hopefully some day I'll get to shake your hand in a Monster Camp! Thank you as always! Bravo sir 🎃👍

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Wow, thanks! - hope you get to camp one day, it is really special.

[@greazy_gsus8134]

Best channel to have stumbled onto. Thank you for all you do! Time to go make even MORE stuff!

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Thanks! Go Make Stuff!

[@barbaraselletti6520]

Great video, Allen! You gave me a better understanding of these materials.

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertwhite5804]

Another fine KZbin Wednesday. Thank You for teaching me something new Allen.

[@StiltbeastStudios]

My pleasure!

[@kreepitprettyfx]

This is wonderful!

[@monniebrentart8842]

Thank you so much for explaining how the hydro cal works..also love your show....

[@Viridisdaemonis]

Great info! Much appreciated! I have a question about making a cast of a Polyurethane mask with Ultracal. Will it stick or come off easily? And if so, is it good to capture details? Sculpted a mask in Chavant.. then made a silicone mold. So did cast in Polyurethane. It worked well. But now my plan is to make a more rigid mold for the production of paper mache masks. Hope for an answer. Thanks a lot in advance. Have a great day.. and keep up the good work!🤟🏻

[@davissantiago5177]

Great tutorial, my question is after molding is set and ready to be used,is it heat resistance above 350F degrees. I planning on doing molds which I'm going to use hydrocal, and I use thermoplastic to make the mold.

[@CobwebsandCandlesticks]

Thank you for dropping that knowledge bomb good sir! Lots of good info!

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Thanks buddy

[@kellyjean4981]

Thank you! I appreciate you sharing such detailed information

[@deoblo85]

ultra cal s my go to after i seen you do it in layers !! Thanks HFL!!

[@StiltbeastStudios]

You bet buddy!

[@spikeyspoems]

Very useful info! Any chance you'll make a similar video about the different materials that can be poured into the mold, for either masks or props?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

mostly its just latex poured into plaster molds- what ere you wanting more info on?

[@BambiPal42]

@@StiltbeastStudios What about a mold for silicone based prosthetics?

[@berlinadavis7928]

What do you get the latex and what kind do you use

[@603VIL]

I'm trying to KZbin my way through learning how to make a mold for what would be a latex prosthetic bite wound. How would you go about this process? Would you apply your mask making process to this or would you make a mold differently? And, if differently, how would you do it? Any links to videos would be greatly appreciated. Thank you 🙏

[@jenniferreynolds4233]

Thanks for the video. Cab you explain about Koalin?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

that is a clay that has gotten a little too expensive for mask making because people are eating it as a dietary supplement. As far as clay goes, I’d stick with white stoneware, white modeling clay or WED clay. Those are my favorite water based lady’s for sculpting.

[@DonaldDrennan]

I am making molds for slip casting ceramics, but my question is about the plaster. My plaster molds have been coming out chalky and crumbly, and plaster dust residue comes off on my slip castings. I've noticed commercial molds seem to be harder and more durable. They never leave any plaster on my castings. What is the difference? Are they using an additive to make their plaster stronger? or am I just doing something wrong? Also, is it a bad idea to dry the plaster mold in the oven so it can be used sooner?

[@kimazz1]

Thanks!

[@davidshives1030]

Hi there... I'm making 3D terrains 18x18 inches by 1.5 inches. Love Ultracal 30 in my molds, but the weight is crazy for shipping. Can I add perlite to the mold to make it lighter?

[@lesterduglas]

Good video

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Thanks

[@samanthanicholson9015]

I'm looking to make slab molds for clay and making cement molds for wax contianers what kind of plaster do you recommend? Would you let me know a ratio you used to make your turtle? I love that and will be making something soon.

[@BokHog]

I was looking for this information. Thank you.

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Im trying to fill gaps in available knowledge with info that I have, not enough info out there.

[@kristopherlizotte654]

Wicked awesome video ! Very informative.

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Glad you liked it!

[@nicholasbintner4677]

Thanks Alan

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Very welcome

[@berlinadavis7928]

I have been watching lots of videos on making molds I'm still kinda confused I have several questions Where do I get these products Which ones do I need to get ... just starting out and learning never done any Do you have to always use water based clay for the sculpture ... for example if I have a item made out of wood am I able to use that (wood) I need help 😞

[@Art.0606]

Where do you buy your Plaster? I’m also located in Texas and am having issues finding some.

[@StiltbeastStudios]

right now there is a national shortage- but Trinity ceramic is the best in DFW

[@Cisco36691]

This is good to know thanks .

[@StiltbeastStudios]

You bet

[@loku77]

Where do you get hydrocal? How much plaster and water do you need to mold half of a full head mask?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

get hydrocal from a ceramics supply store- far better to buy it local than to pay for shipping. molding a half mask takes about 15-30lbs of plaster depending on size.

[@slouchengames]

This is why I liking reading comments I was wondering this same thing. But I was also wondering how much latex on average per mask. Thanks for the great vids. I’ve already leqrn d so much in a short time

[@lofadem]

Hi what would you recommend crown molding, I’m working on a 50 year old building that has some old molding crown ,that is falling off and they want me to repair it .

[@beauhaley3488]

Hi I have a old plastic mold I'd like to put some plastering then make many latex molds of the plaster casting Which one is best

[@beauhaley3488]

Thank you

[@StiltbeastStudios]

If you have no undercuts in the mold then you can use ultracal no problem.

[@mercer29-4]

Great video! How hot does ultracal 30 get when mixed and curing on the sculpt?! I’m new to this and making a full headed mask! My clay is prolly a medium by plastiline i believe! Any help Is greatly appreciated just don’t want it to melt but want the detail.

[@stevevaughn2040]

You know Ed and Jordu? I love those guys. Saw Jordu at Monsterpalooza a few years ago. He is my idol, Ed and Marsha are rock stars.

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Yup, I love all those people! I will see them in august at Monster day in Greely!

[@stevevaughn2040]

@@StiltbeastStudios very cool.

[@ISG_ImpeccableScentsGalore]

Hi Allen first I love this video and you’re a wonderful teacher. I currently use cemental to make my candle vessels but it’s not easy to color so I’m looking for an alternative to it. My first question is, is ultracal 30 heat safe like Cemental and Jesmonite? My second question is If I use Ultracal to make a candle vessel what do you recommend that I seal my vessels with?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

its heat safe and I would use johnsons paste wax.

[@ISG_ImpeccableScentsGalore]

@@StiltbeastStudios thank you so much Allen

[@ISG_ImpeccableScentsGalore]

@@StiltbeastStudios I made a couple of vessels with it and I love it, I’m waiting on the seal to arrive so I can add wax and make candles 😊 thank you again for the advice.

[@erins.5420]

Can these plasters be used as casting plaster?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

yes, the ultracal 30 is formulated for that.

[@sharonmyde718]

Hello. I found this video very informative. I have question which of the plasta's is lighter in weight after it is completely cured?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

pottery plaster is the lightest

[@design321]

Does hydrocal or ultracal30 allow you to manipulate the plaster while setting up (like plaster of paris does)? I am presently casting in hydrostone which dries very strong and hard, but it stays watery for about half an hour, but when it sets up there is practically no working time. Literally it sets in under a minute. I want to hollow out the center a little and bring that extra plaster up the sides of the mold, but there is no time to do it with finesse, so it sets with ridges that cannot be smoothed out with a spatula.

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Ultracal 30 is the one you want then, it has a much longer working time and you can mix it a bit thicker to start with.

[@alphabravo1727]

Great video! Would the hydrocal be good for exterior planters?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

No, Id go with concrete actually for out door use

[@mabkhara.guamusang9980]

Is there any plaster that I can use for interior mold making? i want that glossy finish like ceramic.

[@dannyramos5924]

Use lime and marble dust

[@NukaDud]

Hi Allen! I just did my first mold ever and used Ultracal 30. For the beauty coat, is it normal for my Ultracal to go from the thickness to actually do my beauty coat to absolute solid within a minute?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

that sounds really fast, what was the whole cure time of that batch?

[@NukaDud]

@@StiltbeastStudios I think I was on my detail coat for about 7-10 minutes then I noticed it was getting thicker so I had to hurry and get the undercuts then boom, solid haha! I probably had about a minute with the more mud like consistency before it solidified. Did the same thing on the second batch too. The mold is functional but it could've been better

[@jimpinney]

I have some latex molds that are smallish and use plaster of paris so the kids can paint them, however they often the break, would the usg #1 be better for this?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

yes, it is stronger than plaster of paris by quite a bit.

[@jimpinney]

@@StiltbeastStudios so am I right to assume that other than being stronger there are no real differences as far as sanding, painting, sealing the statues and such. Just want to be sure no problems before I change over, don't need upset kiddo's. Thanks for the help

[@mrlionel1965]

Awesome vid. I don’t see hydro cal around our area. What are your thoughts on Sheetrock cement?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

its not strong enough, look at ceramic supply stores near you. It can be ordered online but shipping is expensive. using anything else is frustrating. Where are you located?

[@mrlionel1965]

I am in eastern Wisconsin, about 35 miles south of Green Bay.

[@slouchengames]

I had to drive almost two hours to get my hydro cal but it was still cheaper and faster then shipping

[@cliffdariff74]

Hello how do you wax hydrocal plaster?

[@603VIL]

How big of a bag (in pounds) do i need to make one mold?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

depends on the size of the sculpt really- but figure 50lbs for a full head and 25 for a half mask

[@sixstringslayaguitarman419]

Hi Allen, thanks for this video. I had a question. About how many pulls can you get out of a Ultracal 30 mold and the Pottery plaster #1 mold? I heard you can get more pulls from the Pottery plaster? Do they both retain the detail of your mask comparatively? I'm trying to decide between the two. Thank you.

[@StiltbeastStudios]

they both capture the same detail- the ultracal will hold it longer as the pottery plaster will erode faster, I would choose ultracal if you can get it.

[@kymbo72]

i can't find Ultracal 30 here, but I have heard i can make it myself by mixing 90% plaster of paris + 10% cement. would you say that is true?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

no, my experiments in that field have largely failed. Where are you located?

[@kymbo72]

@@StiltbeastStudios Australia. I mean i can get it, but only if i get it delivered and shipping makes it too expensive. I am actually just trying to make my own "stones" to paint mandalas etc on, so it would be nowhere near as intricate as using it to make a mask i imagine?

[@INQUIRINGMINEZ]

@@kymbo72 I think I heard herculite no 2 is like the eastern equivalent

[@mugtabaaladhmawee8417]

@@kymbo72 hey how did that go with making your own ultra cal ?

[@kymbo72]

@@mugtabaaladhmawee8417 didnt end up trying it

[@loriscott8669]

can l use hydrocal as a mother mould am making a silicone skin first its the first time doing this

[@StiltbeastStudios]

yes you can, it works fine.

[@loku77]

I needed this

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Hope it helped!

[@samanthanicholson9015]

What can strengthen plaster of Paris?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

fiberglass strand will help, but its a pretty weak plaster.

[@samanthanicholson9015]

@@StiltbeastStudios ok then, thanks I'll look for something else.

[@samanthanicholson9015]

I'll be looking for hydrocal

[@renees766]

1:22 so hilarious, I literally lol!!

[@StiltbeastStudios]

lol, I do a lot just to amuse myself lol.

[@INQUIRINGMINEZ]

Hey just doing some research thank God for your video but I wanted to know is there anyway I can use the ultracal 30 for home decor items like vase, trinket trays and such and ofc seal them?

[@alteredstateskustom]

Great info! I had to watch it twice..... I think I still forgot half of what you said?

[@StiltbeastStudios]

lol.

[@lazovkalazovovska5119]

SLATKARISTIKA = NOVO BMW

[@rockas78]

Give a try to more quality plasters,dental ones and you wont regret it.Moldano is one of the best,and lasts longer

[@StiltbeastStudios]

they just dont wick latex as well, Dikeen green is good to mix 50/50, but it hurts absorbtion if its too heavy in the mix in my experience.

[@parrsnipps4495]

Thanks!

[@StiltbeastStudios]

Happy to help!