Fellow Shadow Watchers,
A few weeks ago I recall a request for information
about casting artificial stone for dial making but didn't retain a copy
of the message.
I've just recorded an excellent TV item about a large UK garden ornament
company showing the whole process from pattern making in wood through to
the split glassfibre moulds used and then final filling.
The mixture was described as 'mainly crushed limestone, Portland cement
and a little sand. The proportions were not given. What appeared to be
dry powder was rammed into every corner of the mould with long metal bars
with a small flat 'foot' on the end. This was said to be the most
critical operation.
The important aspect of the process was that it was described as a 'dry
mix' with very little water added (we were not shown how this mixing was
done or told the amount). It was claimed that it was this 'dry mix' that
gave the finished product its natural stone appearance.
Hoping this may be of interest.
Tony Moss
