The Compleat Sculptor
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Casting Product Index - Accessories Index
See also Gypsum Accelerator & Retarder

  USG Superfine Casting Plaster

Superfine Casting Plaster

 
  • Industry standard for figurines, plaques and lamp bases.
  • Hard working surface with reduced paint absorption.
Technical Properties English Metric
Use Consistency (parts of water by weight per 100 parts plaster ) 65 65
1 Hr. Compressive Strength 1,200 psi 8.27 MN/m2
Dry Compressive Strength 2,400 psi 16.55 MN/m2
Maximum Setting Expansion 0.210% 0.210%
Density
Wet 100.0 lb/ft3 1.60 g/cm3
Dry 72.5 lb/ft3 1.16 g/cm3
Set Time* 27-37 min. 27-37 min.
*Other set times may also be available. Call your sales representative for more information.
 
General Directions and Guidelines
  Preparing the Mix Use potable water at temperatures between 70° and 100°F (21° and 38°C). Since variations in slurry (the plaster and water mixture) temperature produce variations in setting time, it is important to keep both the plaster and water in a stable temperature environment prior to use. The higher the temperature of the water, the shorter the set time. See the graph below.
 

Weigh both the plaster and water for each mix. The water-to-plaster ratio is critical because it governs both the strength and the absorptive capacity of the mold.
 
  Soaking Sift or strew the plaster into water slowly and evenly. Do not drop handfuls of plaster directly into the water. Allow soaking for 1-2 minutes. The plaster should be fully dispersed in the water prior to mixing. Small batches require less soaking than large batches. See bulletin IG503 for specific soaking instructions.
 
  Mixing

Mixing the plaster slurry is one of the most important steps in producing plaster molds with maximum strength, absorption, hardness, and other important properties.

Mechanically mixed plasters develop uniform molds with optimal strengths. Plasters can be mechanically mixed through both batch and continuous processes. Proper blade and bucket dimensions are important for obtaining the best batch mix.

Longer mixing times result in higher mold strength and shorter setting times. The relationship between mixing time and both compressive strength and setting time is shown below.
   
 
  Drying All pottery molds should be dried as quickly as is safely possible after manufacture so that maximum physical properties can develop. Dry to a constant weight.
    The best drying rooms or ovens provide (1) uniform and rapid circulation (minimum of 15-30 fps) of air with no "dead spots" having little or no air movement, (2) equal temperatures throughout the entire area, and (3) provisions for exhausting a portion of the air while replacing it with fresh air. High humidity surrounding the drying room or oven inhibits the efficiency of the drying because the air pulled into the room is incapable of picking up much moisture from the molds.
    The maximum temperature at which plaster molds are safe from calcination is 120°F (49°C). With substantial free water in the mold, higher drying temperatures can be used without difficulty. As drying progresses, the temperature must be reduced to prevent calcination. The safe drying zone is in the shaded area of graph (below, right). Before removing molds from the dryer, the temperature should approach that of the area around the dryer to prevent thermal shock.
   
 
  Storage Keep in a dry, stable environment indoors. Do not stack more than 2 pallets high. Keep from drafts. Rotate stock.
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