reddkryten
Apprentice
Registered: 09-2003
Posts: 226
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Slowing Plaster Setting Time
This is kind of a dull question, but it's really annoying.
I was making a mold earlier, when I started I was being very precise, everything was perfect.
Then the plaster started setting, I gave up on precision and just started throwing the plaster at the sculpt.
So is there anything I can do to slow the setting time. I know cold water should slow it down but it didn't, the water was ice cold. It's winter here. It was so cold I lost feeling in my hands and the plaster only took a few minutes to set.
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by Deadly Lemur, 4/4/2006, 9:08 pm
--- If I gotta get out that door, and you're standing in my way, one way or the other, you're gettin' outta my way.- Mr.Pink.
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1/20/2006, 12:23 pm
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daytonbatz
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Registered: 02-2004
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Re: How can I slow down the setting time of plaster.
what type of plaster r u using bro?
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1/20/2006, 1:43 pm
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reddkryten
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Registered: 09-2003
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Re: How can I slow down the setting time of plaster.
Something called carlite finish.
--- If I gotta get out that door, and you're standing in my way, one way or the other, you're gettin' outta my way.- Mr.Pink.
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1/20/2006, 2:01 pm
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efarrell4
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Registered: 02-2004
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Re: How can I slow down the setting time of plaster.
My best suggestion would be to mix smaller batches and work quickly. The thing about most plasters, ultracal and hydrocal is that they are chemically cured. A reaction occurs when you mix in the water and you just can't stop it.
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1/20/2006, 8:50 pm
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stampedemag
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Re: How can I slow down the setting time of plaster.
Isn't it with Ultracal mixing in warm water speeds it up and cold slows it down? (or visa versa) I remember reading something like that years ago.
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1/20/2006, 10:58 pm
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efarrell4
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Re: How can I slow down the setting time of plaster.
That might help a little Rick but ultimately it's the chemical reaction that causes it to cure (harden) so though you could slow it down slightly by using cold water in the end once the thickening starts it's pretty much a matter of moments before what you have left in the mixing pail is unuseable. I usually lix a gallon, maybe a gallon and 1/2 at most at a time. I figure that's about all i can use before the hardening starts.
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I do NOT accept PM's, EVER!! If you need to contact me use my email [email protected] , it hasn't changed since 1996. ALL PM's will be ignored!
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1/21/2006, 11:11 am
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DAVIDYR1
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Re: How can I slow down the setting time of plaster.
Ed is right.
Ultracal or similar stones have a usual working time and set time. Using colder water will give you some extra time but it is in fact a chemical reaction that gets it to kick regardless of the water temperature.
Until you get comfortable with larger batches of material it's wise to use smaller amounts. The more you do the faster you will get and ultimately used to lager batches of mixed material.
David
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1/21/2006, 11:43 am
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Brin Londo
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Registered: 02-2004
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Re: How can I slow down the setting time of plaster.
Get yourself some of the smaller plastic mixing buckets at Lowes or Home Depot. 1 gallon size will be fine.
And remember not to let your Ultra Cal start setting up before you apply your next layer, or you won't get good bond between layers.
Good luck.
--- You don't choose the Bat, the Bat chooses you.
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1/21/2006, 3:00 pm
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Proximo
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Registered: 12-2004
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Re: How can I slow down the setting time of plaster.
Im not sure what the Brand i use is called, Its a simple stone plaster.
At the first layers of something big i always mix it whit ice cold water, it gives me about 5-10 minutes of time to brush the first layers on, Then when it starts to set up i just use my hands.
Not sure how to make it set slower, But what ive heard Cold water is the only way.
Last edited by Proximo, 1/21/2006, 3:29 pm
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1/21/2006, 3:21 pm
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artsee1
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Re: How can I slow down the setting time of plaster.
Ed nailed it.
Paul
--- "There is no spoon"
artsee1.com Home of the Original One Piece Muscle Suit.
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1/21/2006, 8:15 pm
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