I didn't know about the water bath!

21 years ago

I sure wish I knew about your website before I started casting leaves! I used the original recipe from the Martha video I had tucked away all these years, no mention of a water bath for curing. My first 3 hosta leaves were fine, broke one as I was trimming the edge,(will use as edging in my garden). My second attempt was a maple leaf (forgot the darn thing had so many points) and a large rhubarb leaf. They both turned out fine, have been painted with acrylic paint, and then I read about the water bath! I cast the first leaves over a month ago, the second batch about 3 weeks ago. Is it worthwhile for me to try the water bath after all this time? They have not been sealed yet. I was going to seal them with Thompson's water seal, is there a better choice? I cast these leaves in my basement,room temperature, and they seem hard as a rock.I also used cut pieces of coat hangers that were twisted at the bottoms for hooks, not sure if it will hold the weight of the rhubarb leaf? Can any of you experienced casters please help? I hope this question hasn't been asked & answered already, I tried to read through the entire forum and my head is spinning! Thanks

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Comments (5)

tufaenough
21 years ago
3 weeks is a little late for water to help you.
Depending on what you used a water bath might not always be the best choice.
Some of the premixes do not benefit from being under water.
Keeping them misted for a week or so after casting is probably best.
dellare
21 years ago
tufaenough, I know already that this is a stupid question but since I don't know the answer could you tell us in what kind of application or mix we would use a water bath. Today I made my first dive into the mud and started a "rock" border around a flower bed using premix with the rock bits and a bit of peat. I pressed into a mold and plopped them on the ground and then formed them a bit. It turned out quite nice. Should I be misting them or covering them with plastic? Also stupid questions but I don't know the answers to them either. Thanks for any help.
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tufaenough
21 years ago
LOL!
Tough question because everyone get's different results.
But if you make your own recipe from Portlands, peat, sand, etc and aren't adding any admixes then a water bath is probably terrific.
But if you are using stuff like quickwall, topping cements, and grouts then to be safe you are probably better to just keep them misted and not submerge them.
Some of these premixes require contact with the air to cure correctly.

So the short answer is if it's your own recipe using Portlands a water bath is probably good.
If you are using premixes it might be a good idea to stick with the misting and covered with plastic.
Most premixes are plenty strong anyway so the water bath is probably over kill.

Just my opinion, because even when I ask the experts I get conflicting answers.:)
tufaenough
21 years ago
dellare yes you should mist your rocks and cover them with plastic for a few days anyway.
It will prevent them from drying too quick and developing cracks.
dellare
21 years ago
thanks...will do.