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Dave Parvin
Joined:
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16-Mar-2005
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Started On : 15-Aug-2009 at 11:48:20 AM, #Views : 6098
Topic Subject : Re: PVA glue and Hydrostone |
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I am often reminded that there are so many ways to accomplish one goals and all work though certainly certain methods are superior. My good friend Mike Sisbarrow who represents Silicone Inc. in the Denver area says, "If I have been doing something a certain way for a long time, I'm probably doing it wrong. Someone has almost certainly figured out a better way." Using PVA glue with gypsum products is something i had never considered. Though I have my doubts that I will switch from Forton MG.
I have been using Forton MG for about 20 years; in fact, when I first used it, it was called Jesmonite. I almost never use plaster, hydrocal, or hydrostone for finished products, I use Forton MG, resins, or raku fire. While there are advantages to each. Forton MG is by far my preferred material for most applications. Some of the advantages are low cost, can be cleaned up after with water, is odor free, can be poured in to a mold or painted on in layer, and the setting time can be controlled with aluminum sulfate. But the four most important advantages are: First, if is remarkably strong, a torso cast or a mother mold need only be 1/8 to 3/16 inches thick. Secondly, it can be repaired or changed even after it has fully cured because new Forton MG bonds to old. Third, it is so versatile. Mixed plain and it is stark white and can be painted is desired. Anything water soluble such as dyes can be added. Crushed or powdered marble, sand stone, etc can make a pretty effective cast stone. But my number one method is to add metal powders such as copper, bronze, brass, steel, etc. for a really effective cold cast metals. the last is its durability especially outdoors. I have attached two photos of a 16X5 foot bas relief of the hand of God and Adam that I did about eight years ago. It takes the heat of the sun for half a day and its surface temp must get to well over a hundred degrees F. In the winter, it may get as cold as -20. It looks pretty much the same as it did the day we installed it.
There are at least four copycat Forton MG materials the I have tried and they all work but have some disadvantages including higher costs.
Dave
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