Hrm, not much we can do about increasing thickness unless we make another mold. (M. murmured something obvious about those pesky spam emails about guaranteed increased thickness, heh!)
I agree; consistent mixing and ratio.
Latex and concrete, possible chemical imbalance is unknown.
Well, until it works, it's a time-consuming experiment using materials already on hand. (failed broken pieces are going to be placed in the upcoming trailer ramp for the shop carport)
Premade stones come to about $3-5, for those covering about the same surface, so we're trying to keep expenses below that threshold. We're close now... ;)
In the very least, it's an interesting learning experience... and it's sure nice outside today!!
Go to lowesmagickalmomFebruary 27 2009, 21:36:25 UTC
You can not only get advice on your project but pick up any needed supplied from Lowes or Home depot. Heck they even carry a powder dye you can add to the mix too!
And did you let them set for several days before testing? They should sit in the mold for at least 48 hours too. At least that is what I did for Missie's memorial stone at Sidhehaven.
Re: Go to lowesserenfireFebruary 27 2009, 22:17:34 UTC
We usually go to Home Depot, and have tried there, but they've seriously reduced their mold/dye section from previous times I've looked there. They only had red and black powder dye (I was hoping for green...!)
Maybe we'll try Lowe's. The one in this area, even though it's a gorgeous huge building, still seems to be lacking in customer support, in our experience. They can ring up stuff at the register, and send you to basic places in the store, but don't seem long on hands on knowledge.
And oh my gosh (slapping meself in the forehead). Waiting? 48 hours in the mold?? And likely some more after that before walking on them?? I feel like such a dolt. We removed them from the molds after 24 hours. And walked on them, in one sets' case, within 36 hours (the others were a bit more cured than that).
Re: Go to lowesmagickalmomFebruary 28 2009, 02:34:45 UTC
*giggles* Silly girl!
Yeah it should sit undisturbed in the mold for 2-3 days, no not move it. Then after you turn it out, let it cure indoors for about a week before you put it outside.
Re: Go to lowesserenfireMarch 2 2009, 05:40:17 UTC
Patience. DANG. I'm working on it. I have it on my schedule to achieve patience from 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM tomorrow morning. Heh.
Ok.... (sheepish grin). It'll be a long process, but I suppose I'll have to consign myself to looking at these strange trays containing what looks to be Very Bad Cake, if I wish to make it work.
SO. 1. Mix better and more consistently. 2. Wish for another 1/2" of thickness...but hope it'll work anyway. 3. Let the darn things set a bit more before stomping on 'em. 4. Reinforce internally with a layer of mesh. 5. And enjoy the sunshine.
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Mixing it well and making sure you have the right amount of water is important (use a shovel and mix in a wheelbarrow).
Also possible is that the latex is reacting with the concrete chemicals somehow...
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I agree; consistent mixing and ratio.
Latex and concrete, possible chemical imbalance is unknown.
Well, until it works, it's a time-consuming experiment using materials already on hand. (failed broken pieces are going to be placed in the upcoming trailer ramp for the shop carport)
Thanks for you feedback!!!!
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Premade stones come to about $3-5, for those covering about the same surface, so we're trying to keep expenses below that threshold. We're close now... ;)
In the very least, it's an interesting learning experience... and it's sure nice outside today!!
Reply
And did you let them set for several days before testing? They should sit in the mold for at least 48 hours too. At least that is what I did for Missie's memorial stone at Sidhehaven.
Reply
Maybe we'll try Lowe's. The one in this area, even though it's a gorgeous huge building, still seems to be lacking in customer support, in our experience. They can ring up stuff at the register, and send you to basic places in the store, but don't seem long on hands on knowledge.
And oh my gosh (slapping meself in the forehead). Waiting? 48 hours in the mold?? And likely some more after that before walking on them?? I feel like such a dolt. We removed them from the molds after 24 hours. And walked on them, in one sets' case, within 36 hours (the others were a bit more cured than that).
Doh...! Thanks so much~
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Yeah it should sit undisturbed in the mold for 2-3 days, no not move it. Then after you turn it out, let it cure indoors for about a week before you put it outside.
HTH!
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Ok.... (sheepish grin).
It'll be a long process, but I suppose I'll have to consign myself to looking at these strange trays containing what looks to be Very Bad Cake, if I wish to make it work.
Thanks again for the advice!!!
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Thx!~
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1. Mix better and more consistently.
2. Wish for another 1/2" of thickness...but hope it'll work anyway.
3. Let the darn things set a bit more before stomping on 'em.
4. Reinforce internally with a layer of mesh.
5. And enjoy the sunshine.
Version 4.0 is in development now... ;)
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