Mixing stone inside and out
LH CO/FL
2 years ago
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LH CO/FL
2 years agoRelated Discussions
History Stones molds -- what mix?
Comments (20)In my opinion wet-mix sand/cement wouldn't be strong enough for columns. I'd always use a 1 cement:2 sand:3 aggregate mix for something that needs to be strong. I'd say that if you want to use just sand/cement you'd need to use a superplasticiser to cut down on the amount of water in the mix, or use a strong admixture. I'm trying to visualise the problems that you're having around the base of the column. Is it that the water is leaking out, taking the cement with it? The plywood arrangement illustrated by another poster looks pretty effective. You could also just drape plastic across the top, drop the mould onto that and force downwards so the plastic comes up at the sides forming a seal. But not everyone would have access to a jig-saw to cut out the right-sized hole. How is the bottom of the mould closed off at the moment? Are you supposed to just lay it on a flat surface or something? If you've no other option, you could place it on heavy cardboard (seal the cardboard with a sealer, or just put vaseline on it) and duct-tape around to hold it securely in position. Yet another option would be to pump a seal of silicone around the joint (ordinary silicone bathroom sealant would do). The silicone will peel easily off of oiled surfaces when you're disassembling the mould to release the column. loislaney - the silicone should work well with the coffee-tin lid kateyB2 - wonder if you have impurities in the sand that are floating to the surface as you tamp? The other alternative is that the inside surface of the mould is dirty. Try scrubbing out the inside of the mould with washing-up liquid, and then applying clean oil. If you still want to clean up the older casts, have a search in your local DIY store for a patio-cleaner. That will contain acid. Follow the safety instructions carefully! If the staining is just on the surface the patio-cleaner will remove it. Hope some of that is useful....See MoreWhat can I add to cactus mix to help it dry out faster?
Comments (14)You know, just a side thought for those of us living up here in the north.. Years ago when our parents and grandparents were using MG mix and other bagged stuff, they basically grew native houseplants that they rarely if ever put outside for the whole summer.NO root rot, no knats... Therefore, they had complete control over watering for these plants. Most houseplants, native to our area if you call them, were only kept indoors. In this case, Mg might work for some. This acoording to my mother.lol Now a days, look at how many of us grow plants not native to our areas, especially tropical,such as plumies, citrus, gardenias, and ect..., that we must put outdoors at the mercie of the weather elments. They thrive there after a long winter indoors.. Now they are also at our mercy to provide the right type of soiless mix to compliment the extremes in weather, especially ours which can be long cool and rainy days, even in summer. NOW, MG is not a good compliment to our now outdoors plants that must do not like constant wet feet. If we insist on keeping them outdoors all summer, we must then think of soiless mixes that allow these poor babies to be rained on consistanly, and even dry out without killing them. If I have anything in MG, it is plants kept indoors such as pothos, peace lilies, spiderplants,preyer plants, and so on. You know the kind I mean.. These never go outside. I keep all plain ole native ones inside while all my non native ones go outdoors, ones that you typical grow in the deep south..These non-native ones are never in MG..No way Hose.... Please, take a gander to the container forum, and you will learn of mixes that allow you to make the best of the outdoors,without scarificing your plants vitality and then eventual death. MG is no longer the choice for most of us, unless you are planning on sticking with just the plain ole indoor houseplant able to even take wet feet...:-) Al's mixes are perfect for plumies... Who of us likes to be bored with with regular houseplants anymore, you know, the ones I mean..lol Mike:-)...See MoreNeed some help with Al's Gritty Mix. Pics inside
Comments (6)I agree with Andy - blending bark then sifting it at the appropriate size is really a lot of work for a component of the mix that potential will give you even more problems, such as attracting pests to eat the organic matter, and it potentially also might become a hydrophobic component, which messes the water Renton of your mix. If you can, try to replace the bark component with pumice/gravel/or another type of grit if u can find it. I'm starting to use growstones in my new mix now, because they combat gnats. Else adding perlite into your clay and grit. Im not sure about the safety absorbent as a ingradient because I heard some products have harmful chemicals in them, and they are not ph neutral....See MoreIs is okay to have Stone on the Exterior and Brick Inside?
Comments (4)My opinion may be off from the rest but I have ZERO masonry on the exterior but will have some brick accents inside. Our exterior is mainly board & batten and reclaimed lumber. I will have a brick wall in the master bathroom, as well as the dining room. Debating about my fireplace on the lower half having some brick...our foundation has the support in place should we choose masonry on the fireplace. Again, my home has no masonry on the exterior....See MoreLH CO/FL
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