I'm wondering if I can do some hypertufa projects in my basement this winter. It stays around 55 degrees but the air is quite dry. I have more time to "experiment" when I can't garden outside so I would love to work on a few things. I would also like to work on some concrete stepping stones. I want to make sure everything dries/cures correctly so it will hold up outside.
Thanks!
Deb

Hi Deb,

Sure, you can do hypertufa/cement work in your basement. The only things to watch out for are the cement dust, which is a major irritant if you breathe it, and BE SURE not to pour any water/liquids containing any cement product down your drains, or you'll cement your drains shut! As far as curing it, keep it inside of closed trash bags during the curing period and mist it occasionally.

Be sure to post pictures of your projects for us!

Thanks, Chris! We'll get on it as soon as we take care of the snow-5 or 6 inches overnight. Probably headed your way....... at least the sun is shining now

I probably in your area would still wait till your Spring Deb. Outdoors suits doing Hypertufa well, and why make the mess in your basement?

However, making one or two small experimental pots just to have them going could be fun!

I make pots in 12 pot batches and will have to admit that my earlier words were based on that, and after all said;...am in Florida. .

Just saw this thread in the sandbox forum - good advice!

Hehe, David, you haven't seen my basement:)

OK, first rule of experimenting with cement projects...don't involve your husband I did mix up a small batch of cement and made a frog shaped stepping stone and filled a small pig garden ornament mold. I have them in plastic bags and they're starting to set up.

Chris, that's a good warning-thanks! I wondered about that......

OK, I poured the cement in on Sunday and have kept them in plastic garbage bags with occasional misting until today. They popped right out. The one is a little pig that can be a doorstop or go into the garden. The other is a frog stepping stone-he'll get mosaic stuff in the dents on his back after he's painted.

Question-when can I paint them? I'm planning to use concrete sealer and acrylic paint.


Thanks!
Deb

How cute Deb! I haven't seen that little pig before.

I always cure my projects in a bag and mist them for a total of 28 days. I know not everyone does, but that's my method. After that I let them dry for several weeks before painting and sealing. You don't want to seal them too soon or you'll seal in moisture, which will make your concrete much weaker.

Thanks, Chris!

Looking great indeed! Love that pig mold!

Everyone hastheir own technique and this one works for me. After one week I brush the pots with a paint brush and water to wet them and towel dry. I then start painting with the latex as a stain. I feel for me and have proven, that the paint kind of suctions in and adheres well to the damp pots as the water allows the paint to suction into the pourousness.

Thanks David! How soon do you apply the sealer-do you mix it with the paint or do you wait until the paint has dried?

I've never used sealer Deb. I've never felt the need personally and the pots breath well that way. I've never had problems at all with the pots either, whether completely natural and mosses forming on them after time, or stained/painted with latex on the damp pots, which as they dry together does create somewhat of a seal. These are just my ways of doing it. I think we all find what works for us in our own minds, and many others will have views to share to. My technique does work however!