Talc

Joe Ruelle · Post by **Joe Ruelle** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 12:10 am

Where can I get talc for strengthening the mold?Is the talc added only to the silica powder (200 mesh) and plaster slip coat? Or is talc also added to the silica sand (80 mesh) and plaster outer mixture. I do use chicken wire to reinforce the mold and this helps reduce the size of cracks.

Also, can cat litter be used as grog?

Thanks, Joe from Wisconsin

Judi Charlson · Post by **Judi Charlson** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 5:18 pm

I only use talc for the first layer or to make up part of the sculpture if I am encasing it in glass. It does not strengthen. It makes the mixture softer and smoother, I think.
I get talc from STANDRED CERAMIC in Pittsburgh. Any ceramic supply store.
Judi

charlie · Post by **charlie** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 5:27 pm

how much do you need? some baby powders are 100% talc. some aren't, so you have to read the label.

Joe Ruelle · Post by **Joe Ruelle** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 6:42 pm

I need quite a bit if I follow the advice found in the archives which said add 1/3 of the silica/plaster mixture, that is if it is needed in the outer layer. If I am able to us it only in the slip cover that would not be that much and talc baby powder would do the trick.

Thanks, Joe from Wisconsin

watershed · Post by **watershed** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 10:16 am

The siftable cat litters are moslty Bentonite. Which means it will strenghten the mold, but other than that I cannot comment.

Greg