Hi Melissa, I've used Quikwall to make spheres and have had good luck. I put a thin layer on, then a layer of dry wall tape, then another layer of Quikwall. My spheres are about 20" in dia with about 3/8-1/2" thick walls.

What type of a mold do you use- or do you coat the outside of a ball? When I use a mold, it's so goopy, unlike hypertufa which is easier to keep in place.

I used a beach ball because I wanted a sphere with an opening in it so I could fill it with water and float a glass ball in it. I mix it quite thick but its still a little tricky to keep it on the ball. I did half of it and added dry wall tape, then the next morning did the other half and added dry wall tape. The next day I put a second layer over the entire ball.

I just ordered some very large beachballs to do much the same thing. I saw a cement orb in a magazine. It was filled with water and had glass balls floating in it. It was the coolest looking thing. I would really love a series of them and would like to make at least four.

Tufameister do you coat the ball with anything before applying the first coat of quikwall to enable an easier release of the ball? Have you tried reusing the balls or are they done after one. Adele

Hi Adele,

Yes, I put a THIN layer of Pam cooking spray on the balls. And yes, I find that I can reuse the beach balls many times if I clean them well after each use.

One note if you intend to apply the Quikwall in partial layers like I did...I had to blow the beachball up again (the next day) after the first half layer had hardened, before I applied the second half. They do tend to lose a little air, especially in hot weather. Just be sure you don't blow it up so much that you crack the first layer.

Good luck and have fun!

Thanks so much. I can't wait to try this. Adele

My method for a sphere is mixing a very thin mix of portland and sand (maybe half and half) then tear or cut strips of an old sheet and dip into the mix and apply to ball. I follow up with traditional mix of 1 portland to 3 sand plus some fortifier. I try for a layer between 1/4 and 1/3 " thick. you can't do it in one step, have to keep applying, let set up a half day and turn ball. I work out what I want to do with the opening and then let it set up well, Maybe a week. For final layer I mix portland, water and fortifier, not real thick, and using gloved hand, I smooth the paste over the ball. It may take a couple coats. Depending on how smooth you want the surface, let it set a little while and go back with sand paper to get rid of streaks. I have also covered fresh portland paste with thin plastic wrap and smooth out with your hand. I realize this is not that specific but I learn best by experimenting and adjusting as I go. Also, a beach ball will pull away from the cement mis without a release agent.

ok, I'm going to sound stupid here, but what is the difference between quikwall and quikrete? Both are made by the same company.
Is it the grade of sand? I'm looking at a news ad and there is type S mortar mix and of course the gravel mix. But they aren't showing quikwall. (probably isn't on sale)
Thanks in advance.......
Marcia

Marcia, here is the line of Quikrete products:

http://www.quikrete.com/ProductLines/Products-Home.asp

Quikwall is listed under "Stucco and Plastering Products". It contains fiberglass.