Thread: Monster Mud: Using Cement instead of Joint Compound

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Has anyone ever tried to make Monster Mud using cement instead of joint compound? I've used the JC many times before- what I'm thinking is- if we could use a type of cement INSTEAD (or may in addition to?), it'll be MUCH stronger, and already water proof as cement withstands the elements. I'm looking at using Rapid Set 'Cement All' for a project. I'll use fabric, soak it in the Cement All, and drape that over the prop.

Anyone with experience with this? This type of cement appears to be more 'clay like' and not very grainy- and there's no gravel in it, which is a good thing for this project.

I'd love to hear from anyone who's tried this...

BTW- it appears that there's some very cool things being done now with Polymer Cement. It's supposed to be stronger, nearly 100% resistant to water absorption, less shrinking, etc- compared to standard cement. Ideas?

I like the questions. I look forward to seeing the answers

I don't think concrete would be very wise. It generally needs to be thicker to retain it's strength, plus the weight issues that would need to be considered.

I think weight would defiantly be a issue. Do you use Drylok over your monster mud? I think it is a must, and I live in AZ were the weather is not usually a problem.

I live in AZ as well- however, have never used Drylok. I don't like the texture/look it gives.

Weight could be an issue for larger pieces. However, the one I'm intending this on is fairly small, and reinforced with steel.

One more thing- there's an alternative to fiberglass that most don't know about. Google GFRC, or Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. Essentially, it's concrete with fibers mixed in (can even use cellulose). You can use a much thinner application of concrete, and it's much stronger than the normal, thicker way. Much cheaper than fiberglassing, with better results.

I'm not sure if this is something else to take into consideration with this topic or not. Very curious to see if anyone has tried it...

I don't think you would be able to work it into any kind of fabric. It would also be prone to cracking. If anything, at least consider stucco instead of concrete.

I usually use fabric on my Monster Mud (instead of burlap) and I get it to absorb into it just fine.



For example- look at 4:05 on this video. In the comments he states he's using portland, sand, and polymers. However- that may just be for the rocks in the video- not necessarily the vine portion of it. Any ideas of what he's using? It definitely looks like he's coating fabric with whatever it is- if you watch it closely you can see it. Also- look at the texture of it- as he pulls his fingers off, it kinda sticks, like a sticky glue or something (possibly the polymers in the mix?)

What do they use for themed environments like this? What about in zoos? It's gotta be a concrete material I would think.

This is what I was thinking of using-
http://www.ctscement.com/CementAll.asp

It says it's used for CASTING as well. 9000PSI, rapid set in 15min, ready/cured in 1hr. 300% stronger than most concretes. Seems like it's some sort of polymer mix as well.

Your thoughts?

BTW- I've already emailed the company in the video and asked- waiting for a reply. I'll let you know if/when I hear...

I don't think they used a whole lot of cement in that vine mixture.

Let me ask a question - what do you mean by wanting the mixture to be stronger than MM? Longer lasting? Ability to sit on it?