Hi Rick

I did a little experimenting with latex paint this summer - made some thin grape leaf castings with 1 cement to 3 parts fine sand and mixed about a 10% paint/water mixture. The leaves are about 1/4-3/8" thick and are quite strong. I couldn't snap them with my hands (not that I have that much strength in my hands) :-)
They had more bug holes than I was hoping ( a common problem and not due to the paint) but they make great little scrapers/sanders for hypertufa. The curve of the leaf is great for round edges.

packrat2

Thanks,Packrat.I found my best leaves were made 1:1 using silica flour and for good measure,silica fume!Bug holes were substantially reduced this way.
But,I like your description of their strength;I've been using admix(100%)and still find them slightly fragile.About the same thickness as you have.
BTW,I'm making bowls that run about 1/4 inch in thickness at the rim,using the same formula as noted,with detail mesh(in the US,a different name)for support.STRONG!!I'm quite enthused about those!Perhaps I'll try a paint substitution.
Cheers from here