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Hydrocal versus Densite

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  • Member since
    March 2019
  • 213 posts
Hydrocal versus Densite
Posted by reasearchhound on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 2:39 PM

I am working on redoing a section of my layout scenery and I have used hydrocal in the past. But in reading some online info about different plasters, one called Densite (a dental plaster) was mentioned. I was wondering about the working time differences between hydrocal and the Densite as well as how the Densite take stain or paint compared to hydrocal?

The Densite is attractive due to it's apparent hardness and lower cost but just want to be sure that I will not be getting into a situation where actually using it will prove to be more of a challenge than what I am used to.

  • Member since
    April 2013
  • 917 posts
Posted by Southgate on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 3:46 PM

This has been discussed a lot here. Most guys, myself included find that any casting plaster is good for our model RR, theres no need for super hard-- expensive plasters. Dan

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • 1,519 posts
Posted by trainnut1250 on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 6:11 PM

I use dental plaster all time as well as hydrocal- works great. No issues with staining. In general I find the hydrocal is a creamer texture and the dental plaster feels a little more crystaline. I have used both of them extensively for rock castings and find very little difference between them in terms of use and results.

Guy

see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Bakersfield, CA 93308
  • 6,526 posts
Posted by RR_Mel on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 6:37 PM

I’ve been using dental plaster for over 30 years and love it.  I bought a 50 pound box for around $30 around 20 years ago and it’s still like new.  It works just like hydrocal and tough as nails.

Mel



 
My Model Railroad   
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
 
Bakersfield, California
 
Just turned 84, aging is definitely not for wimps.

  • Member since
    March 2019
  • 213 posts
Posted by reasearchhound on Thursday, October 21, 2021 5:45 PM
Thanks for the replies guys. Figured once it was in place it would pretty much look the same as any other plaster. Just wanted to be sure it would take paint and stain like hydrocal does.

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