Hypertufa Tips, Techniques and Recipes (continued)
Got Lime? If you have hypertufa, the answer is yes. The lime is very alkaline and if you are making a planter, you will have to get the lime out. The best way is to fill the planter with water and change every day for a week. The lime will leach out into the water and your plants will then be safe.
Some other great recipes:
Carving recipe
1 ¼ part white Portland cement
2 parts peat
2 parts perlite or vermiculite
The vermiculite variation will be heavier, and has a little sparkle to it. This recipe will give a granite look that is able to be carved with basic tools, plastic knife, trowel, palette knife, etc. This hypertufa is very workable when you take it out of the mold. You can give it a chiseled stone look for an antique finish, scrape or scratch it..or smooth it with a wet sponge.
Structural support recipe
2 part Portland cement
2 parts perlite
1½ parts peat moss
½ part coarse sand
1 large handful fibre mesh
1½ – 2 parts water
This hypertufa recipe is good for stepping stones, patio benches, and even rocks for water falls or small retaining walls.
Hypertufa trough recipe
2 Parts Portland Cement
3 Parts Sifted Peat Moss
3 Parts Perlite
Synthetic Concrete Reinforcing Fibres (about a handful for a hypertufa trough)
Water to make a thick mud
Garden Web Forum – Lots of experience with Hypertufa here.
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/hypertufa/nph-ind.cgi?n=390
Glossary of Terms—A great resource for all the terminology of the art.
http://www.hypertufahowto.com/hypertufa-glossary
Another article you may enjoy—
Hypertufa — Create Your Own Planters, Stepping Stones and More
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