How to Make Hypertufa Molds
Hypertufa is a type of artificial stone made by mixing sand, cement and peat moss or other organic matter. It is commonly used for planters, birdbaths and other garden ornaments because it weathers well and is easy to move around. Molding hypertufa is straightforward, but like any concrete, it can take quite a while to cure. But if you invest time and effort in prolonged curing, you'll have an attractive garden ornament that will last for years.
Lay the plastic sheet out on a floor that's out of direct sunlight (such as a garage floor). Place the larger of the two coated cardboard boxes in the center of the plastic sheet. The sheet should be at least 1 foot longer and wider than the box. The smaller cardboard box should be about 2 1/2 inches shorter and narrower than the other box.
- Hypertufa is a type of artificial stone made by mixing sand, cement and peat moss or other organic matter.
- Molding hypertufa is straightforward, but like any concrete, it can take quite a while to cure.
Pile up bricks or blocks around the outside of the large box. This is to prevent the box from sagging outward under the weight of the hypertufa.
Put on your rubber gloves and mix 1 part Portland cement, 1 part sand and 2 parts peat moss in the wheelbarrow. Add enough water to make a mix that is easy to work with but is not runny.
Place enough of the hypertufa mix in the bottom of the box to fill it to about 2 inches deep. Then place the four pieces of PVC pipe in a square pattern in the hypertufa layer. Set the smaller cardboard box on top of the pipe pieces, so it is centered.
- Pile up bricks or blocks around the outside of the large box.
- Place enough of the hypertufa mix in the bottom of the box to fill it to about 2 inches deep.
Fill the smaller box with soil or other heavy, loose material such as pebbles or sand. This prevents the smaller box from collapsing under the weight of the hypertufa.
Fill the space between the larger and the smaller box with hypertufa. Stop occasionally to tamp the hypertufa mix down with a stick or trowel blade, to avoid leaving gaps or air bubbles. Allow the hypertufa to set for at least 24 hours.
Remove the filling from the center box, then peel the inner cardboard out of the center of the hypertufa mold. Remove the blocks or bricks and peel away the outside cardboard. Be very careful not to move the mold, which will still be damp and not fully hardened.
- Fill the smaller box with soil or other heavy, loose material such as pebbles or sand.
- This prevents the smaller box from collapsing under the weight of the hypertufa.
Use a wire brush to give the exterior of the mold a course, textured look.
Spray the mold lightly with water. Allow the hypertufa to cure for at least a week, spraying lightly with water each day to keep the surface damp.
Tip
You can also use plastic pots of different sizes to mold your hypertufa, or you can use molds made for casting concrete. If you use a commercial mold, be sure to check if the manufacturer requires any kind of release agent to be applied before the concrete is cast in them. After the hypertufa has been demolded, you can scribe or carve designs in the sides before you texture the mold with a wire brush.
Warning
Wet concrete is a skin irritant. Always wear rubber gloves when you work with it. While the demolded hypertufa may look firm, it is not. Attempting to move it before it has fully cured will cause the planter to collapse. The demolded hypertufa must remain damp for at least seven days to reach full hardness. Keep it out of wind and sun, which will cause it to dry too quickly. Failure to fully damp-cure the hypertufa will result in a planter that will quickly disintegrate in your garden.
Related Articles
References
Writer Bio
Scott Knickelbine began writing professionally in 1977. He is the author of 34 books and his work has appeared in hundreds of publications, including "The New York Times," "The Milwaukee Sentinel," "Architecture" and "Video Times." He has written in the fields of education, health, electronics, architecture and construction. Knickelbine received a Bachelor of Arts cum laude in journalism from the University of Minnesota.
