Instructions on How To Make Hypertufa

Hypertufas are synthetic rocks that are normally built as planters and other gardening adornments. It consists of a combination of Portland cement, perlite, and peat moss, though other materials can be utilized as additives and substitutes. Anyone can easily come up with their very own hypertufa creations as you can use readily-available household items to build one. Listed below are the instructions on how to create your own hypertufa creations.

First you should put together a mold for your project. You can use cardboard boxes, rubber balls, styrofoam chests, pots, plastic and metal containers, basically any objects that fit your particular project in mind. You can even be resourceful by making your own mold. After you have chosen the mold that you'll use, add a releasing agent that will help you to take away the mold off your hypertufa when it solidifies. You can use plastic and garbage bags as releasing agents. For plastic molds, oil lubricants will also work.

The next phase is mixing your ingredients. Do not forget to don heavy-duty rubber gloves, mask, and goggles to ensure your protection as Portland cement is a corrosive ingredient and can cause burns. Mix 1 part Portland cement, 1½ part perlite, 1½ part peat moss with water. Put the water slowly and mix well until you have arrived at a fictile consistency. Apply the mixture on your mold and pack it tight so that no spaces are left out. Protect you creation with plastic bag and let it dry a bit for about 24 to 36 hours. Also, leave it in a place where it won't be disturbed or relocated.

Look at your creation at times by scratching it with your fingernails. The moment you cannot scratch it anymore then it’s time for you to take away the mold off your hypertufa. Do it with care as your creation is still vulnerable and delicate. You may also do a little bit of texturizing, smoothing and sculpting of your creation at this time. After that, rewrap your hypertufa with plastic and set it once again in the safe area for even more curing. Mist your hypertufa from time to time to ensure that there is plenty of moisture within the plastic. At about three weeks, your hypertufa should now be fully cured and dried, ready to be displayed in your garden.