Question of texture....

21 years ago

Having been at this addiction for a while now,a question that keeps coming to mind,and I'm sure to others,is describing the texture of your cement-based mixes.In wines,you hear about someone saying thst it smells like apples and cloves, for example.These are given because everyone knows what they are and smell like.In our area,though,it's less certain.I've heard,for example,that a given mix should be like cookie dough.OK,what kind?previously frozen?Commercial or homemade?Vanilla or white Chocolate?

What I'm suggesting is a constant that we all recognize and use,regardless of where in the world you are.For example,toothpaste is consistent throughout,and its thickness or viscosity is the same everywhere.Perhaps a scale of wetness or dryness that can be somewhat agreed upon,and posted in FAQ.

This idea comes to me because I was new once.And,there wasn't much info about this question.I know,"squeeze the hypertufa mix until just a little water runs out "applies SOME of the time,but not to all designs.And not,for example,in mold filling.I make my mix just like real thick applesauce......

Cheers and contemplations

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Comments (4)

mudwitch
21 years ago
Rickharmer... That is exactly the question I had when I first heard the instructions, lol. what kind of cookie dough? Choc chip,peanut butter,sandies? I make my own bread, cookies,pies ect. lot's of recipes. In making 'tufa, I have found ,for strength, to make it as dry as possible, just so it clumps when held in the fist.Works well when I push,pat,slap and spank into place.However, to do add ons,it needs to be wetter so it can be meshed with the other layer, such as eyebrows on grots,ect.If I need it to be more pliable, and it is going to be a little too wet for strength, I use a bonding liquid.Working with it,gives you a feel of what the menium will do,Too wet and it leaks all over the place.
Belgianpup
21 years ago
The people here can't use constants, because they can't agree on anything. Suggest toothpaste, and they would have to insist on a particular brand.

Make a few small projects and see how dry you can make it and still have it do everything you want. The less water you use, the stronger and more weatherproof it will be.

Nothing tells you as much as doing it yourself. So what if your first few projects fail? That's what garbage cans are FOR!

Sue
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rickharmer
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks,but not my point(although,been there,done that covers my experiences).IF wine,with all of its variables,can have some constants,then why not our hobby?I ask this not for me but rather for those starting out-to make it a little easier.
Again,perhaps,just a mental exercise.
Cheers
Herb
21 years ago
I second Sue's second paragraph.

One check that I use (though it's a bit late in the process) - is to agitate the mold immediately after it's full.

If the mix wobbles a bit like jello, or the surface of it starts to look wet and shiny, I reckon I've probably overdone the water.

On the other hand, if that doesn't happen but I can still get the surface to look damp by patting it with the flat of my hand, I reckon it's probably O.K....