REALISTIC Tree Bark

**Specter** · 06-04-2011,09:32 PM

I've been looking for years- but very seriously putting in a lot of time the last few months trying to find methods/techniques for REALISTIC Tree Bark. The standard of Great Stuff, or carving foam, or putting lines into Monster Mud isn't what I'm looking for. I want something SOO realistic, that you'd SWEAR it was a real tree.

The best I've seen out there have come down to 2 methods- concrete or epoxies. I believe some of the Decorative Concrete guys either carve it by hand, or use texture rollers.
Example - www.betterpaths.com has some cool ones, but can find cheaper on other sites

The other method I have seen is by using a mold of real tree bark, then, re-casting it with say, an epoxy to recreate the effect. One guy told me he has to put the epoxy into the mold first, THEN press the entire thing onto the framework, let it setup/harden before pulling the mold off. It's very time consuming, but works great.

I've also heard of guys 'flocking' either medium with saw dust or other material to create a better final texture, once you have the bark shapes imprinted.

Since we're Halloween oriented here- the prop needs to be able to be moved in/out from display. With a larger tree a steel/concrete frame would probably just be too heavy to be able to move in/out every year for most props. Most likely, I'll be creating a tree that is foam frame (possibly some steel framework with a concrete base for weight). That would leave an epoxy coating for the actual tree bark.

Does anyone know exactly how the 'pros' do it? By 'pros', I mean the guys who do HIGH END themeing, decorative concrete, museums/zoos, etc. Obviously it needs to be able to hold up to wear/tear, weather/elements, spectators touching it, etc.

I also believe that the texture is only 1/2 the battle in achieving realistic trees... the paint job is the other 1/2. Again, I'd love to find out how the 'big boys' do it soo well. Certainly it isn't easy, but worth attempting for sure.

Any thoughts on this?

**lksmart** · 06-04-2011,10:23 PM

Maybe take some mulch pieces and monster mud them to your frame? This is just off the top of my head and might not work, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.

**chop shop** · 06-05-2011,10:42 AM

Specter, sounds like you know the basic jist of it. It also sounds like a very specialized trade. I'll keep an eye out for detailed info. I enjoyed poking around on the website you provide though. Good Luck!

**Specter** · 06-05-2011,11:20 AM

Yeah- that's the rub. I really want to know the innate details of how to do it. I wish someone could show a video with good details from the 'pros'. I honestly believe it isn't THAT hard, once you've learned how to do it right, and have practiced somewhat. Same with the painting- which, I believe is 1/2 of the battle to making it realistic.

I played with a new formula of Monster Mud this weekend- threw in some cellulose, and the way I textured it- it looks pretty dang close to tree bark. I'm still waiting for it to dry completely, but I'll post results when I've got something.

I just keep thinking there's GOT TO BE some decorative concrete pros around who know exactly how to do it. However, I'm sure it's 'trade secrets' at the same time.

**RCIAG** · 06-05-2011,11:44 AM

I don't know how helpful this is but Texture Plus sells faux wood panels. Not sure if it's in your budget but they look pretty realistic.

They sell other faux stuff too, from bamboo to brick.