Fun with Shapecrete

[aml1014]

I threw mine in the lake at my grandmas for most of the summer. Then sealed them with concrete sealer, to help prevent the cement from leeching extra moisture from the soil. I haven't officially planted anything in them yet. But this spring it's on. I've made about 30 diffrent pots so far

Nice! I went ahead and stuck the 3 that are cured in a tub to soak in my cold frame (so they don't freeze). I already made 2 last night and another 4 this morning.
I used the plastic trainer again, and tried the bag method, I was able to get to about .5" thick which is perfect.
Yeah, I made some good drainage lol

Aaron

 

[Anthony]

Guys,

you may not know this and so -------- the house we built in Mayaro, on the seacoast has a concrete roof.
We asked at the local cement factory about waterproofing the roof.

The guys there simply said to densify the mix, by adding more sand to the crushed gravel used for casting.
Which we did.
When an early rain fell, part of the roof over the staircase was only half cast a few days before, even at half
the 4 inch thickness needed for the ceiling, the mix proved to be so dense water could not pass through.

So you don't need a sealer, just see about densifying your mix.
Additionally you can -"glaze"- with coloured wax or a coloured epoxy.
The object can be warmed in the sun and the wax with mineral spirits and pigment applied as a thin paint.

As usual test first and on a cutting. See how toxic your epoxy is.

You can also look up concrete that is unaffected by winter.

Aaron, it is usually better to train one's self to the highest level as you can always go primitive afterwards.
Not so in reverse.
Merry Navidad
Anthony

 

[GGB]

@Anthony, impressive. If I had a larger collection I'd be picking up some shapecrete right now.

 

[fredman]

Nice. I like what's going on here. I'm thinking of starting to make my own pots and had something to this in mind. I imagine in time and with practice and development, some good pots can evolve.

Cute little shito pot in the first pic. Not to shitty at all....

 

[Arcto]

Anyone tried doing slabs with it?

 

[aml1014]

Anyone tried doing slabs with it?

Already have plans to do so, I'd imagine it would be just like any other concrete slab but easier to work with. Haven't seen any done with it though.

Aaron

 

[Arcto]

Please post some pics when done. Also what you used for reinforcing.

 

[Vance Wood]

How long does it stay malleable once the container is opened and the stuff is set to work with? Can it be rolled out like pie pastry?

 

[aml1014]

How long does it stay malleable once the container is opened and the stuff is set to work with? Can it be rolled out like pie pastry?

Since it is a concrete product it still comes in a powder form. There's 2 ways to mix it, for clay consistency it's 1 part water to 4 parts mix, for a pour able mix its 1 part water 3 parts mix.
From time of mixing you have about 45 minutes before it starts stiffening up.
It is also easy to roll out, it is VERY close to being exactly like clay, just feels kinda Sandy lol I actually rolled it out for the pot at the top of this page.

Aaron

 

[aml1014]

Here's the ones I made last night.
First came out pretty cool. 6"round
BIG drainage hole
The next didn't turn out very cool I didn't leave enough space at the top to tap the mold with a hammer to release it.
With every mistake comes a lesson. Now I know for next time.

Aaron

 

[aml1014]

Just unmolded 3 I made yesterday morning.
For this first one I used parchment paper to line the mold, it came out with some interesting folds but it's very smooth. The pot is 4.75"long×2.25"wide×1"deep.
The next pots mold was lined with aluminum foil to see what kind of texture it would make, to bad it stuck to the pot I'll use a wire brush to get it off before I dunk it in the tub. This pot is 5"long×3"wide×1.5"deep.
The next is the one I rolled the concrete out on a trash bag then dropped it over my 11"×8"×2.5" plastic training pot. I like it the most.
Aaron

 

[aml1014]

More pics
Aaron
Edit:this one is smooth as glass to the touch by the way lol

 

[Carol 83]

Just unmolded 3 I made yesterday morning.
For this first one I used parchment paper to line the mold, it came out with some interesting folds but it's very smooth. The pot is 4.75"long×2.25"wide×1"deep.View attachment 126130 View attachment 126131
The next pots mold was lined with aluminum foil to see what kind of texture it would make, to bad it stuck to the pot I'll use a wire brush to get it off before I dunk it in the tub. This pot is 5"long×3"wide×1.5"deep.View attachment 126132 View attachment 126133
The next is the one I rolled the concrete out on a trash bag then dropped it over my 11"×8"×2.5" plastic training pot. I like it the most.View attachment 126134 View attachment 126135
Aaron

You could try non-stick foil. That might work. Fun pots.

 

[Starfox]

I wish this stuff was available here, this thread looks like great fun.
Also those links that @Anthony posted are well worth a read and chasing the further links in them.

 

[aml1014]

I wish this stuff was available here, this thread looks like great fun.
Also those links that @Anthony posted are well worth a read and chasing the further links in them.

Those links are what I originally found last year that made me want to make a concrete pot. Once I have some extra money I want to build one of those adjustable molds.

Aaron

 

[Starfox]

I found them the other week and it definitely makes me want to at least try it out, threads like this help too.

I need the time first before I would start something like this, or more correctly to finish all the other projects going on before starting another. Man, this bonsai stuff has a rabbit hole to fall into around every corner.

 

[Soldano666]

I wish this stuff was available here, this thread looks like great fun.
Also those links that @Anthony posted are well worth a read and chasing the further links in them.

Just get some fiberglass cloth like the use for auto body repair, cut it up and Mix it in with 1 part Portland cement and one part peat moss. Basically the same stuff, but maybe even more reinforced due to being able to control the length of the fibers. And cheaper this way and just like clay

 

[Soldano666]

Gone see if I can pop this guy out the mold today

 

[just.wing.it]

Alright, I might have to order a bucket....
This stuff looks like great winter fun!
Has anyone tried drilling through it, once hardened?

 

[aml1014]

Alright, I might have to order a bucket....
This stuff looks like great winter fun!
Has anyone tried drilling through it, once hardened?

On Adams blog he drills holes quite easily using a basic masonry bit.

Aaron