How to Build a Rock Cast
Use faux rocks when landscaping, in place of real stones to get the same effect. Fake rocks can be a great advantage since they are lighter, making them easier to move. Creating your own fake rocks is also less expensive than purchasing the real thing from the local landscaping contractor or home improvement store These faux rocks still look good and are created with variety of finishes to simulate any kind of rock or stone. An asset to any landscaping project, you can cast rocks to accent flowerbeds, ponds and pools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic drop cloth
- Water
- Towel
- Glass
- Latex rubber
- 1-inch paintbrush
- Rock models
- Talcum powder
Instructions
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1
Clean the sample rocks with water to remove any loose dirt and debris. Pat the rock dry with a towel. Use rocks of all types and sizes for models. If you are a beginner, practice with smaller rocks to start to help reduce waste.
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2
Place the plastic drop cloth on a table or flat work surface. Place the example rocks on the drop cloth and remove the lid from the latex rubber.
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3
Use the paintbrush to apply a thin, even layer of latex rubber over the surface of the rock. You do not need to worry about covering the bottom of the rock. The rock mold you are casting will have a flat bottom, making the finished faux rocks easier to place and level. Just paint an additional inch or so of the flat surface around the base of the rock to act as a flange. The flange will be helpful to hold onto when filling or removing materials from the mold.
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4
Wipe the excess latex off of the brush and put into a glass of cold water for later use on subsequent coats. This prevents the brush from drying and hardening.
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Allow each coat of the latex rubber to dry for several hours before recoating. The surface should be uniform in color with no spotting. For smaller casting molds, use five to six coats of latex to create a sturdy mold. Larger projects will require as many as ten to twelve coats of latex rubber.
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6
Use talcum powder to cover the mold lightly. Peel the mold slowly, starting at one edge and working towards the opposite end. After removing the mold completely, allow the mold to sit and vulcanize, or harden, for at least three days before use.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
