Sculptamold drying time?

Howdy gang! I have discovered another material that I have been using for 25 years on the virtual railroad inside my head but until yesterday had never actually used on a real layout: Sculptamold. WOW! Cool stuff. Applying plaster cloth over a cardboard web resulted in a nice hard shell but left a few areas where you could still see some significant sags between the web. I was counting on this and planned on using Sculptamold to yield a smooth finished surface. Mission accomplished. That stuff is magic. Once this dries, I will apply a layer of dirt colored paint and my scenery base will be done.

Question: how long does it actually take Sculptamold to dry? I have found some differing opinions on clay modeling and art websites but not much when it is used for model railroading. I have applied a layer about 1/8" thick and want to be sure it is COMPLETELY dry before I apply the paint so I don't lock in any moisture. To be safe, I am planning on not painting any Sculptamold until it has dried for a full week. Is this playing it safe or is it overkill on my part?

Thanks!
Jamie

 

It actually doesn't need to be 100% dry to paint it.

You're good to go any time.

 

I have used sculptamold for years. the drying time really depends on how you mixed it. Usually I mix it the consistency of oatmeal, it needs to sit overnight. However, I have mixed it at times to the consitency of a paste,this is done if I want to have a smooth surface. If this is done, it can take a couple of days to dry. The best way to tell is to touch it with your finger, and if it feels damp or wet, DO NOT TOUCH IT! Hope this helps.

 

Depending on where you live, humility and the like, 12 to 18 hours. It dries on the surface first, but the underside can take twice that long. I have used it for nearly twenty yaers and love it. don't get in a hurry. The great thing is you can come back a year later, wet it and re-work it. I have almost all my layout scenery covered in Sculptamold, It is light weight and takes paint and all kinds of covering wonderfully. I have used it to cast rock molds and other scenery additions with great success. If you need to replace it or re-do a section, just remove it with a scraper and start over, even years later. to me, the light weight factor is a winner..

 

I think you meant "humidity"

 

It will be at least a few days before I get the entire section of scenery I am working on covered with the Sculptamold, so it sounds like as long as I give a full day or so after I finish the last application, everything should be nice and dry. The biggest concern I have about painting over Sculptamold that is not completely dry is that the latex paint will not cure correctly. Thanks for all the info--will post some pics on here of the Sculptamold work. Jamie

 

I just molded some rocks with sculptamold and it took about a week for them to fully dry.

It depends on how much water was added, I would give it at least a week to dry. The instructions on the bag even state that it takes days to cure.

 

What is everyone's experience on the best place to purchase this?

 

You can mix paint with Sculptamold and have a little bit of built-in "chip protection."

 

I got two 3 lb. bags at Hobbytown USA for about $7.50 each. I could not find the stuff anywhere else and I checked lots of places (Michaels, Hobby Lobby, other arts & craft stores, etc.). I think Sculptamold was in short supply recently but is now readily available (online at least). Jamie

 

I used to buy it at Aaron Brothers and Michaels, but they no longer seem to stock it. Got my most recent batch from JOANNE.COM by mail, very convenient.
Regards, Otto

 

I would say at least 48 hours.

Jacques