Hypertufas are anthropic rocks that are typically designed as planters and other gardening decorations. It consist of a combination of Portland cement, peat moss, and perlite, even though other materials may be used as additives and substitutes. Anybody can simply come up with their own hypertufa creations as you can utilize readily-available household items for making one. Listed below are the instructions on how to come up with your own hypertufa creations.
First you need to prepare a mold for your project. You can use cardboard boxes, rubber balls, styrofoam chests, pots, plastic and metal containers, basically any kind of things that fit your particular project in mind. You can also be innovative by making your own mold. Once you have settled on the mold that you’ll utilize, put in a releasing agent that will allow you to get rid of the mold off your hypertufa once it hardens. You can use plastic and garbage bags as releasing agents. For plastic molds, oil lubricants will also work.
The next phase is combining your ingredients. Do not forget to wear heavy-duty rubber gloves, mask, and goggles to guarantee your protection as Portland cement is a corrosive ingredient and can result in burns. Combine 1 part Portland cement, 1½ part perlite, 1½ part peat moss with water. Add the water slowly and mix nicely until you have reached 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 allow it to dry a bit for about 24 to 36 hours. Also, leave it in a place where it won’t be disturbed or moved.
Look at your creation from time to time by scratching it with your fingernails. Once you cannot scratch it anymore then it’s time to strip away the mold off your hypertufa. Do it very carefully as your creation is still vulnerable and soft. You can also do a bit of texturizing, smoothing and sculpting of your creation at this time. After that, rewrap your hypertufa with plastic and place it once again in the protected location for even more curing. Mist your hypertufa every now and then to ensure that there is plenty of moisture inside the plastic. At about three weeks, your hypertufa should now be completely cured and dried, ready to be shown in your garden.