What happens when hydrostone gets wet? Can hydrostone be used outside? How to seal hydrostone? What is the difference between hydrocal and hydrostone? We will discuss these questions and more below. If you are thinking about using hydrostone for making casts for your outdoor decoration, you need to make sure that it can withstand different outdoor conditions. We have also shared tips and ideas on how to seal hydrostone to make it waterproof below.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Is](\"https:\/\/housecaravan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Is-hydrostone-waterproof-1.jpg\")
What is Hydrostone?<\/h2>\n
Hydrostone is a strong and hard gypsum cement. It is commonly used for tooling and for making high-quality art objects and crafts. Hydrostone is also wear-resistant.<\/strong> For more information, you can check out this article titled, what is a hydrostone<\/a>? We have shared an in-depth discussion as well as tips about the topic that you can refer to.<\/p>\n If hydrostone gets wet, the water that gets inside can cause it to swell and expand. Prolonged and constant exposure to water can lead to cracks and damages.<\/strong> Take note that hydrostone contains CaSO4 so it is not applicable for vivarium use regardless it is epoxy sealed.<\/p>\n Hydrostone is not ideal for outdoor use. It is mainly used for making patterns, commercial casts, figurines, and sculptures.<\/strong> Hydrostone is not ideal for making mother or outer molds. Moreover, it is made for strength and casting detail. It is 40 to 50 percent harder as compared to other casting plasters. You can also check out this article that we have shred that\u00a0discusses how long hydrostone lasts<\/a>. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.<\/p>\n The difference between hydrocal and hydrostone is that hydrocal is an excellent material for casting lifecast faces, heads, and torsos from alginate molds. On the other hand, hydrostone is an ideal material for casting statuary and lifecasts such as hands.<\/strong><\/p>\n How long it takes for hydrostone to completely dry before it can be sealed will have to depend on a few factors like its thickness, and the temperature and humidity of where it is placed to dry.<\/strong> Avoid placing the hydrostone in an oven at the lowest temperature because it can crumble. Moreover, the hydrostone casting should be totally dry before sealing or painting. Otherwise, it can cause crystalization from the salts present in the hydrostone.<\/p>\n There are many sealing agents that can be purchased on the market and is suitable for sealing hydrostone. You can use a quick-drying lacquer<\/a> on the casting. Apply it using a brush or spray gun. <\/strong>Two coats of lacquer should be applied to offer the best resistance to moisture. Moreover, the proper procedure should be followed in the application. Make sure to reduce the lacquer by mixing it with the lacquer thinner. This will make it easier for the casting to absorb the first coating.<\/p>\n Next, apply the second coat of lacquer once the first coat has completely dried. When working with plasters like hydrostone, you need to apply the lacquer immediately after it has been set. Apply a heavy coat of lacquer and allow it to dull down. Wipe off the excess by rubbing the casting. You can also sand the casting and apply more coats of lacquer for a high-quality finish.<\/p>\nWhat Happens When Hydrostone Gets Wet?<\/h2>\n
Can Hydrostone be Used Outside?<\/h2>\n
What is the Difference between Hydrocal and Hydrostone?<\/h2>\n
How Long Does it Take for Hydrostone to be Completely Dry before You Can Seal it?<\/h2>\n
How to Seal Hydrostone?<\/h2>\n