I think it is time for us to talk about
hypertufa! Thats why you came here isn't it?
I think it is time to talk about
hypertufa!
A Short Primer on
Hypertufa
By Seer Rhykan
III
I think it is time to talk about hypertufa! You have probably seen
those big planters and troughs in pictures of old English gardens.
They are most likely made of Tufa stone. You can learn all you need
to know about this and get an interesting geology lesson at the
same time if you click this - http://www.tufa.bc.ca/index.htm
A source I always recommend for instructions and outstanding
ideas is http://www.rlstore.com/
Hypertufa is fake Tufa stone. You can read the article about
mixes to find out how to make it. It is fun to play with. You
can shape it, file it, form it, and add to it the next day as long
as you do not let it dry out. (just cover with a piece of plastic)
It can withstand the coldest winters and loves the rain. The longer
you have it the more character it gains. If you want to make
something big, this is the stuff to use. It is not waterproof so it
is not recommended for ponds. You can try to seal it but would be
better off to use concrete. It would be cheaper and far less
aggravation.
You can use it for fountains that do not have to hold
water. What I mean is that the water will not be sitting in,
just passing through. It is relatively light compared to
concrete so makes great trough style planters. If you have
ever wanted to make a "Giant Head" statue it is great for this
because you can take your time molding and add to it as you see
your statue taking shape. If you do not like what you
see, it is easy to knock off a bit and change it. When you are done
it will, unless it is 3 or 4 feet high, it will be possible to move
it without a forklift or crane.
Like the natural Tufa, it supports the growth of Moss and
Lichen. This gives it an aged look in one growing
season. Once you get started with this you will be hooked. It
is great for use in molds; you mix as usual and press it into the
mold. In a couple of days, when it is cured, you can take it
out and you will have a light, textured looking casting.
These are nice when lightly stained, or given the moss growth
formula. Mix up a batch and try it!
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