Rick, Columns used both concrete and hypertufa. Wanted the concrete ones to look old so I didn't tamp all that well. For the hypertufa I left the peat moss pretty clumpy so there would be large voids. Use a piece of scotch brite to rough up the surface. If you want these for fountains don't forget to run tubing when you are pouring the mold. To make lighter weight columns use a smaller cardboard tube to take up space on the inside.
Regarding gentian violet,try your local feed store, it's also used for animals. Someones using this? Pretty funny, make sure you wear old clothes boy does this stain skin. We use to use it on our horses. Billie

I used the gentian violet today and it disappears in the mix. If you make a small batch and add the whole small bottle, it does appear to have a violet cast to it. I think if you mix it in white portland and white sand, it would turn out perfect, otherwise I would paint it on your finished piece once cured. It's a beautiful color.

Jo

Thanks for the input-I'll be trying the gentian in my surface "paint" of concrete,before I pour.let you know the results.I'll be doing a column first for the sundial(does everyone have one of these?)then onto fountain.I'll pipe it,probably use 4" pipe in an 8" sonotube.Or,bigger!
Cheers

Rick,

I saw sundial parts at LaBrakes Pond Supply, they also sell concrete molds.

Report back on the gentian violet, please! I'm curious.

Mabel

Here is a link that might be useful: LaBrakes

It will be interesting to see how sun-resistent the genian violet is. I am suspecting not very. We shall see.

Sue