AVAILABLE IN 5, 25, AND 50LB OPTIONS IN THE DROPDOWN
USG Hydrocal® Brand White Gypsum Cement is a good multi-purpose product for people looking
to upgrade from a standard plaster product to one that has a higher degree of hardness and
impact resistance. USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement is designed for solid and hollow casting
and is ideal for giftware and lamp base applications. USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement is
compatible with numerous color pigments.
MIXING INSTRUCTIONS
Use potable water at temperatures between 70 °F (21 °C) and 100 °F (38 °C). Because variations in
slurry (USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement and water mixture) temperature produce variations
in set time, it is important to keep both the USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement and water in a
stable temperature environment prior to use. The higher the temperature of the slurry, the shorter
the set time. Conversely, the lower the temperature of the slurry, the longer the set time.
Weigh both the USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement and the water prior to use for each mix. The
water-to-USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement ratio is critical because it governs the strength and
the density of the final cast.
Sift or strew USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement into the water slowly and evenly. Do not drop
large amounts of USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement directly into the water as proper soaking
of the USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement may not occur. USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement
should be fully dispersed in the water prior to mixing. Small batches require less soaking time than
large batches. See USG IG503 Plaster Mixing Procedures for specific soaking instructions.
Mixing USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement slurry is one of the most important steps in
producing USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement casts with maximum strength, absorption,
hardness and other important properties.
Mechanically mixed slurries develop uniform casts with optimal strengths. USG Hydrocal White
Gypsum Cement can be mechanically mixed through both batch and continuous processes. Proper
blade and bucket dimensions are important for obtaining the best batch mix (see USG IG503
Plaster Mixing Procedures for details).
Longer mixing times result in higher mold strength and shorter set times.
POURING
To prevent air entrainment and provide a uniform, smooth surface, careful pouring of USG
Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement slurry is necessary. Agitation of the filled mold is a further step
used to prevent air at or near the mold surface. Whenever possible, USG Hydrocal White Gypsum
Cement slurry should be poured carefully in the deepest area so that the slurry flows evenly across
the surface of the case mold.
Pouring a large amount of slurry directly on the face of the case mold may result in slight
densification of the USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement mold at the point where it strikes the
surface of the case. This produces a hard spot, giving uneven absorption.
DRYING
All casts 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
(4.6-9.1 mps)) 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 drying efficiency
because the air pulled into the room is incapable of picking up much moisture from the molds.
The maximum temperature at which USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement molds are safe from
calcination is 120 °F (49 °C). With substantial free water in the mold, a higher drying temperature
can be used without difficulty. As drying progresses, the temperature must be reduced to prevent
calcination. Before removing molds from the dryer, the temperature should approach that of the area
around the dryer to prevent thermal shock. See IG502 Drying Plaster Casts for additional information.
STORAGE AND USE
When properly used, USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement is easy to work with and complies with
the federal Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 1277 and ASTM D4236. Keep
indoors at temperatures between 65 °F - 75 °F (18 °C - 24 °C) and 45% - 55% RH. Do not stack
more than two pallets high. Keep from drafts. Rotate stock. USG Hydrocal White Gypsum Cement
should be used within 6 months of the manufacturing date located on the package. Always follow
handling and use directions and safety warnings on the package.