skip to main content

Leaf Casting Birdbath Leaks

16 years ago

I made a leaf casting a couple of weeks ago to use as a birdbath. This is my first project like this. I used straight concrete mix. After about 6 days I put two coats of a concrete sealer on it (sorry, don't know the brand as I was using what the nursery supplied). After several days, I started to use it and it won't hold water....just sort of seeps through. What can I do to correct this problem? I read that I could use a mix of straight portland cement and admix to brush on it to help seal it. Can I do this on the underside so that it doesn't destroy the pattern of the leaf on the inside, or is that not enough to stop the seepage? I also think I didn't pack the concrete enough in spots as it's not completely smooth all over. Could this also be causing the seeping problem? Any way to salvage this project? I appreciate any help you can provide. Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

elephantear
16 years ago
If it was me I would rough-up the complete underside first, then apply another coating of your concrete mix adding a little WOOD glue to your water before mixing your other ingredients, this extra layer should help stop the seepage; wait a few days till dry then test the BB again. You may need to apply another coats within a couple of days. Hope this works and Good luck!
One thing I always try not to do is not to use any sealer until I'm absolutely sure I like my colors etc. (just a small hint,) Wendy
Related Discussions
Birdbath from Leaf Casting? (photo)
Q
Comments (20)
Thank you all so much for your help! I used the regular acrylic paint from Walmart- 44c per bottle. I didn't like how it was looking, too streaky, I didn't want it all the same color though. I put dots of cranberry, crimson, orange, and a tiny bit of magenta in the bottom of a margerine cup and then with a kid's watercolor brush and some water, just began fluttering the brush across the leaf, picking up colors here and there, the variations are subtle, and it's hard to see them in the photos. This was so fun, I can't wait to do it next year. I have snow on the ground now, although the burdock is probably still alive out there :) I sealed it with concrete sealer. Here is a link that might be useful: my casting
...See More
QuikWall for leaf castings...need instructions
Q
Comments (6)
The paint used was probably iridescent or pearlized acrylic paint. Don't know what happened to the link I posted above. I use a damp pile of sand in a shallow box. Some people lay a clear piece of plastic (dry cleaner bag) over the sand. Place leaf with the back of the leaf facing up on the sand mound. Shape sand the way you want the final shape of the leaf. Remember you are working in reverse, so if you want the tip of the leaf to point down the damp sand at the tip of the leaf has to point up. When you place the mix on the back of the leaf start in the middle, down the center vein, and pat the mix to move it toward the edge. Depending on the size of the leaf you can put down one layer, lay down a layer of mesh tape that they use for dry wall, then add another layer of QuikWall.
...See More
My first leaf casting project!
Q
Comments (14)
Deenap, I used watered down acrylic craft paints. I also had the cement wet as I used the "wash" of craft paint. I did a layer of green, then black, then brown. If I didn't like what I saw, I wiped it off. As it dries, it softens. Experiment and have fun with it. I think it's important to get over the intimidation of it all and dive in. If you don't like it in the end, you can always paint over it.
...See More
Leaf Casting
Q
Comments (3)
ladycraft you are welcome to use the idea. Billie needs part of the credit- I had to come up with something easy for my birdbath leaf class, and this worked and it is cheap. Thanks soonergirl - I need to color the leaf a seal, but that may take a while. Mike --I do not give permission to use photos.
...See More

Related Stories

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Add a Skylight or Light Tube

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

New project for a new year: Increase daylight and maybe even your home’s energy efficiency by opening a room to the sky

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Bathroom Remodel Items Worth the Plunge

By Lucy McLintic

Make a splash in your renovated bathroom with these sinks, tubs, lighting fixtures and accessories

HOUSEPLANTS 8 Essentials for Healthy Indoor Plants

Houseplants add so much to our homes — and can thrive when grown in the right conditions. Keep these tips in mind

LIFE Houzz Call: Show Us Your Nutty Home Fixes

By Becky Harris

If you've masterminded a solution — silly or ingenious — to a home issue, we want to know

FARM YOUR YARD How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

By Annie Thornton

Get glorious vegetables and fruits on your patio with a pro’s guidance — including his personal recipe for potting mix

BATHROOM DESIGN A Designer Shares Her Master-Bathroom Wish List

By Jennifer Ott Design

She's planning her own renovation and daydreaming about what to include. What amenities are must-haves in your remodel or new build?

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Your Range and Oven

By Bonnie McCarthy

Experts serve up advice on caring for these kitchen appliances, which work extra hard during the holidays

KITCHEN DESIGN Houzz Call: Tell Us About Your First Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Great or godforsaken? Ragtag or refined? We want to hear about your younger self’s cooking space

BUDGET DECORATING 9 Tricks to Boost Your Home’s Appeal for Less Than $400

By Propia Limited

Whether you’re redecorating or just doing a quick update, check out these ways to enhance your home on a budget

LOFTS Houzz Tour: 12 Years of Tinkering Produce an Amazingly Artful Loft

By Matthew Ankeny

Major DIY efforts turn 3 units in a former Portland factory into a single home brimming with personality

Sponsored

KP Designs Group

50 Reviews

Franklin County's Unique and Creative Residential Interior Design Firm

More Discussions

Can you use coarse peat moss without straining in hypertufa recipe? Or

0