Do You Want to Make a Big Hypertufa Planter?

Here's a recent letter I got and the reply to it

Hello:

I would like to create a LARGE  rectangle shaped hypertufa planter. I am thinking of using concrete blocks as a form.. If I form a rectangle with the concrete blocks, can I apply the hypertufa to the outside to give the illusion of the whole thing being hypertufa? If so, will the hypertufa adhere to the blocks? What preparation would i need to do?  Any info you could give me would be appreciated!!!

Thank You!!!

***** *****

Hello:

Thanks for visiting my site.

This sounds like a great idea. I can think of a couple times I wish that I had thought of it myself. I don't know if you are planning on using mortar to put the blocks together or not. But if you just plan on stacking them I don't think you should go much further than about three high.

If I was doing it I think I would put about 2 inches thickness of tufa inside and out. I would probably use white glue on the blocks both in and outside. Wet them down first and then paint on the glue, if it seems a bit thick thin it with water I don't think you need a real heavy coat. After you've done this, you just go ahead and plaster on the Hypertufa. If you're doing a huge area and you think the glue might dry before you get the tufa on it might be an idea to just do a couple of feet at a time. You have to be the judge of this.

You can make some really nice effects on the outside, maybe make up some stamps to press some shapes into it. You could cut them out of wood and then press them into the final coat of Tufa. Be sure to coat your stamp with some engine oil before you use it. Other thing is a you can't use it more than once, clean off any tufa may be stuck to it re-coat with oil before you use it again. Don't try to press the mold in more than about a quarter of an inch.

Good luck and please send some pictures when you're done I would like to see how it works out.

If you don't mind out what your question along with my reply on my website. I'll leave your name out for privacy.

Thanks, Del