I have a wood column I'd like to mesh and mortar into a rock column.

I was able to do the same mortar design another part of the house
applying a top coat of a techitured paster (silica) with tit like
ridges i then sanded down. The effect was a coral rock like look that
fools the eye.


Problem is I need to lay the mortar extra think as the column is not
that thick this time and have it bulge in places 2 to 3 inches thick
from the steal mesh.

I plan to use a mortar with some pvc additive that's suppose to be
extra resistant to cracking. I've tried it before and it's extra hard
and durable but does not look good as the final coat. Hence the need
for the silica plaster for texturing. However, i'm not sure I can
laying 3 inches thick alone.

I've heard of people adding perllite and peat moss to mortar or
concrete so that it can be molded into thick objects. Is this a good
technique? Advisable?

Any other suggestions.

On Sun, 2 Mar 2008 11:25:09 -0800 (PST), jc wrote:

I have a wood column I'd like to mesh and mortar into a rock column.

I was able to do the same mortar design another part of the house
applying a top coat of a techitured paster (silica) with tit like
ridges i then sanded down. The effect was a coral rock like look that
fools the eye.


Problem is I need to lay the mortar extra think as the column is not
that thick this time and have it bulge in places 2 to 3 inches thick
from the steal mesh.

I plan to use a mortar with some pvc additive that's suppose to be
extra resistant to cracking. I've tried it before and it's extra hard
and durable but does not look good as the final coat. Hence the need
for the silica plaster for texturing. However, i'm not sure I can
laying 3 inches thick alone.

I've heard of people adding perllite and peat moss to mortar or
concrete so that it can be molded into thick objects. Is this a good
technique? Advisable?

Any other suggestions.

Gardeners use perlite sp and/or peat moss to make outdoor planters.
The method allows for lighter , easier moved plants, etc. They are
thick and molded and must be cured for some given period.

Think moisture!!

On Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:08:10 -0800, Oren wrote:

On Sun, 2 Mar 2008 11:25:09 -0800 (PST), jc wrote:

I have a wood column I'd like to mesh and mortar into a rock column.

I was able to do the same mortar design another part of the house
applying a top coat of a techitured paster (silica) with tit like
ridges i then sanded down. The effect was a coral rock like look that
fools the eye.


Problem is I need to lay the mortar extra think as the column is not
that thick this time and have it bulge in places 2 to 3 inches thick
from the steal mesh.

I plan to use a mortar with some pvc additive that's suppose to be
extra resistant to cracking. I've tried it before and it's extra hard
and durable but does not look good as the final coat. Hence the need
for the silica plaster for texturing. However, i'm not sure I can
laying 3 inches thick alone.

I've heard of people adding perllite and peat moss to mortar or
concrete so that it can be molded into thick objects. Is this a good
technique? Advisable?

Any other suggestions.

Gardeners use perlite sp and/or peat moss to make outdoor planters.
The method allows for lighter , easier moved plants, etc. They are
thick and molded and must be cured for some given period.


hypertufa

Basic Recipe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertufa

hypertufa


Ah yes. I recall researching way back for another project and I even
making a sample.. kinda cool

But I wonder if it will be durable enough for a high traffic area or
on the chance a basketball or frizbie might strike it. Also will it
allow me to turn the corner on a eight inch column. I wounder how it
will take an acid stain.

Worth an experiment .

Thanks.

jc wrote:
I have a wood column I'd like to mesh and mortar into a rock column.

I was able to do the same mortar design another part of the house
applying a top coat of a techitured paster (silica) with tit like
ridges i then sanded down. The effect was a coral rock like look
that fools the eye.


Problem is I need to lay the mortar extra think as the column is
not that thick this time and have it bulge in places 2 to 3 inches
thick from the steal mesh.

I plan to use a mortar with some pvc additive that's suppose to be
extra resistant to cracking. I've tried it before and it's extra
hard and durable but does not look good as the final coat. Hence
the need for the silica plaster for texturing. However, i'm not
sure I can laying 3 inches thick alone.

I've heard of people adding perllite and peat moss to mortar or
concrete so that it can be molded into thick objects. Is this a good
technique? Advisable?

Any other suggestions.

Read up on "ferro-cement". Basically, use multiple layers of chicken
wire to form a shape, force mortar into it.


--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico