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Hi all,
the other day I was looking for some joint compound in a hardware store, couldn't find. When I asked for help the store keeper showed some white cement. As far as I am aware white cement is used for decoration on structures.......Not sure if it can be used on PM in place of joint compound.
Anyone can clarify on this please.
Thanks
Payal
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I found this -
"White cement is a specialised product requiring a high degree of quality control at all stages of production. lts use is found in the manufacture of terrazo tiles, precast facade finishes and for other decorative purposes. White cement is not a conventional cement and is normally used for its appearance and low maintenance requirement. It has, however, all the strength and properties of'ordinary Portland cement and is frequently used for construction purposes. "
I would think it would be a bit too strong for normal papier mache work. What you need is something like groundchalk, calcium carbonate.
DavidO
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Cement and paper have been mixed together to form a building material called 'papercrete', but it is not suitable for most things involving paper.
Joint compound is also called drywall compound, and is used to fill the cracks between sheets of drywall (also called sheetrock and plasterboard).
Another material that might be suitable for papier mache is spackling compound, a dry mix of gypsum plaster and glue to which you add water, used for filling cracks and holes. There are three basic kinds, regular, lightweight and lightbodied -- use the regular.
One brand name in the U.S. is Spackle. Also DAP Spackling Paste, but there should be many brands.
Ask for a product used to fill nail holes and cracks in walls.
Sue
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Thanks Sue and David,
I am trying to find ground chalk here but the problem here in Singapore is that many store helpers are nor familiar with the English terms......might have to use some more explanatory body language heeeee. I came across something called putty (ready mix joint compound with something else also ,don't remember what)I think it should be fine ..........Any information on this?
Payal
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Putty is not likely to be suitable, unless it is a totally different formulation from the one I am used to. Putty as we know it (UK) has a considerable amount of linseed oil.
DavidO
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Hi, I have just bought some "drywall compound " in Australia and a similiar product here is MultiPurpose Joint Cement, made by Bostic. It is used to join plaster board to walls, as already stated.
Chalk is also known as whiting here in Aus, and is cheap as dirt if bought from a ceramic supply outlet or pottery supply outlet.
I hope this may be of some help.
Lesley.
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I purchase my whiting at a Sherwin Williams paint store. I get a 50 lb bucket for $25 US so not too bad. You can buy it in little 1lb tubs for $3-4US. I don't know if you have any S W stores where you are, but any better paint store should carry it.
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The other names for chalk are whiting and calcium carbonate (which is its chemical name). If you only need a small amount and have access to those children's chalk sticks, just grind some up to a fine powder and use that.
Another source for chalk/whiting/calcium carbonate is a place that sells clay and materials for pottery. Around here, it's about $1/pound/.45kg.
Payal, is there a name of that product in English? Does it have an ingredient list? If the name is in English, you might be able to determine the ingredients by googling '[product name] MSDS'. An MSDS is a Material Safety and Handling Sheet, and most are available online unless they are so non-toxic they are suitable for small children. It may require some searching.
Sue
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Hi Sue,
Putty is an English word ,the product I saw(wall putty) did not have an ingredient list but it said 'ready to use joint compound.It was in paste form.The person at the store said it is not available in powder form. I am still on look for it but grinding chalk and using it seem to be a great idea.
Thanks.
Payal
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