Casting with Polystone (1 Viewer)

[Mardasson]

Hello,

Has anybody already used polystone to cast some building/scenic items ?
Where to find it ? What kind of mould to use ?.....
Any information is welcome.
Thanks,
Michel

 

[PJDeluhery]

In the states you can find polystone and rubber molds to cast rocks and groundwork features at any good train store or hobby shop that carries model trains. While you are there, pick up a good book on creating train layouts - that will give you some excellent ideas and tips on groundwork for your toy soldiers.

You just spray a little vegetable oil in the rubber mold, mix the polystone, and pour it in. It dries in 24-48 hours. Then paint it up. You can carve it if you want to get fancy or create something for which you do not have a mold.

You'll need a basic set of earth-color acrylic paints to complete the look of your pieces. White, black and some browns and greens will get you going.

Good luck.

 

[plasmapulse]

With polystone you mean the 2-part urethane or polyester resins?

I use it for restoration and modelling purposes. You can get everything you need at www.formx.nl which is the EU supplier of Smooth-On products, who sells everything you'll ever need.

The Smooth-On website had plenty of instructions as well. Do a google on them.

 

[theBaron]

Check the Diorama forum, too, I think that's what Mike Miller uses to cast, if I'm not mistaken.

PJ is right, you can get rock molds, at least, at model railroad suppliers. I noticed that the AC Moore stores around here also carry them, as does HobbyLobby. I think they're made by Woodland Scenics. The molds are a silicon rubber compound, and you get a two-part resin (resin and catalyst).

I don't know that polystone is available for the average hobbyist. It's a resin and stone dust combination, and I've never seen the components available in any stores.

Prost!
Brad

 

[theBaron]

Ha! Sorry, Michel, I forgot, you're in Belgium, you don't have AC Moore, sorry

 

[mikemiller1955]

I use hydrostone...

it's a gypsum cement...very cheap...VERY STRONG...

it won't chip...

you will find it in any country...

it's used for dental molds everywhere...any dentist will have it...

for the public to buy...it may be a little tricky...

I talked my way into them selling it to me...

http://www.plaster.com/HYDROSTONE.html

it's a powder mixed with water...

 

[Mardasson]

In the states you can find polystone and rubber molds to cast rocks and groundwork features at any good train store or hobby shop that carries model trains. While you are there, pick up a good book on creating train layouts - that will give you some excellent ideas and tips on groundwork for your toy soldiers.

You just spray a little vegetable oil in the rubber mold, mix the polystone, and pour it in. It dries in 24-48 hours. Then paint it up. You can carve it if you want to get fancy or create something for which you do not have a mold.

You'll need a basic set of earth-color acrylic paints to complete the look of your pieces. White, black and some browns and greens will get you going.

Good luck.

Thanks for the info !
And sorry for not having replied eralier, I've been away from the forum for some time and didn't noticed your advise.

Michel

 

[Mardasson]

With polystone you mean the 2-part urethane or polyester resins?

I use it for restoration and modelling purposes. You can get everything you need at www.formx.nl which is the EU supplier of Smooth-On products, who sells everything you'll ever need.

The Smooth-On website had plenty of instructions as well. Do a google on them.

Many thanks for the link !
Polyurethane resin (or foam) is exactly what I was looking for.
I'll have a look and come back with result.
Michel

 

[Mardasson]

Check the Diorama forum, too, I think that's what Mike Miller uses to cast, if I'm not mistaken.

PJ is right, you can get rock molds, at least, at model railroad suppliers. I noticed that the AC Moore stores around here also carry them, as does HobbyLobby. I think they're made by Woodland Scenics. The molds are a silicon rubber compound, and you get a two-part resin (resin and catalyst).

I don't know that polystone is available for the average hobbyist. It's a resin and stone dust combination, and I've never seen the components available in any stores.

Prost!
Brad

Brad,
Thanks for mentionning Mike's post.
They are indeed what make me want to start building some backdrops.
His advise have been invaluable !
I made some backgrounds making silicone mouilds and using some dental plaster (similar to hydrostone used by Mike, but a bit more expensive).
My request about polystone (polyurethane resin or foam) is just because these plaster building are quite heavy and I wanted to find something lighter.

Thanks to you and Mike


Michel