[lonerogue2]

I was going through the art departments catalog at the school in which i work, and came across this stuff called Crea-Stone. here is a description taken from the site in which i found it. I'm not sure if I can post the site, since its not an official vendor, but a simple google search of Crea-Stone will yield a lot of results:

Crea-Stone is textured material for casting and carving. Just add water, mix, and cast in cartons to form blocks for carving. When first cast, Crea-Stone blocks are easy to carve, like soap. Aged three to four months, it becomes as hard as stone, yet about four times lighter.


Smooth Crea-Stone with sandpaper or steel wool. This material is chip-resistant. Crea-Stone doesn't shrink or expand, and it is waterproof and fireproof.


Naturally colored and non-organic, Crea-Stone can be painted with a brush or spray. It's also suitable for use with direct wire modeling or sand, clay, and wax casting.



I'm thinking this stuff would be a perfect alternative to foam tombstones. and it is fairly cheap, in the catalog its listed as 59.39 for a 25 pound bag. doesnt sound to shabby?

*EDIT* Online 25 pounds of this stuff is being sold for 40 bucks.. sounds like an even better deal! anyways if anyone has ever tried this stuff please let me know im interested in tombstone making now lol... Five pounds of dry Crea-Ston makes one gallon of casting material

 

[Big Nick]

i gotta try this!

 

[Big Nick]

I found that 5lbs of Crea-stone will cover 230 cubic inches and makes one gallon of casting material.

They sell this stuff at Blick Art stores. Luckily for me there is a Blick just a few minutes away from me. I am gonna have to try this stuff.

 

[Growler]

Hi, Thanks for the post. It reminds me a lot of what I got at lowe's for my mail box post. I'll have to look at the package again. Sounds like a good product if you have time to let it set up. I would suggest that people start early this year. lol Four months, wow.

 

[lonerogue2]

Big Nick,

If you get some of that stuff, could you let us know how it goes? I want to do a graveyward this year, but the idea of foam boards just doesnt appeal to me. I know how I am, and ill forget to store them properly, and they'll get ruined for sure lol.

This stuff sounds like a pretty decent alternative. I wonder if lowes would carry something like this..

@ growler - do you remember what it was you got from lowes? I dont believe i have a blicks near me, and after paying for shipping and such... anyways, let me know thanks

 

[Growler]

I found the can in the garage. It's called Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty. Here is a description:

Sticks, stays, will not shrink. Coloring: putting dries to a natural cream color. Because of it's hardness, Durham's will NOT take most surface stains. It can be colored by mixing with a dry pigment, water-based stain or water-based paint. Do not mix with any oil-based material, as Putty may hot harden. Also available in 25, 50, and 100 pound containers.
Repairs furniture, patches plaster, fills knotholes in wood and molds strong figurines.
Directions for use: Area to be repaired should be free of dust, grit and oil. Pour dry putty into a clean dish and add water little by little, mixing as water is added until desired consistency is reached. (about 3 parts powder to 1 part water by weight). Prepare only quantity needed as it sets quickly. A small amount of vinegar or milk added to water when mixing will retard hardening. Press putty firmly into cavity, filling completely, smoothing off with putty knife. Try to remove any excess putty befroe it is thoroughly hardened. Allow to dry completely. If needed, smooth and finish with sandpaper.
Caution: (ok, I don't get this part since earlier it said that paint should be mixed in) Putty must be thoroughly dry befoe painting. Total drying time depends on size, humidity and temp. Putty will withstand weather if kept painted and sealed from moisture, however, on outside work, paint will peel from damp Water Putty. Puttyy is not waterproof and wil absorb moisture, as from underneath porch or deck floors and from condensation withint walls. Do not use in thin paint-like layers.

Personally, I think making headstones and such would work just fine. I remember that it was a light tan color when I poured it into a coffee can and added the water. I held it for about 30 min. total and then set it on it's side to cure. I had put the post of our mailbox into it and then put the powder and water in. I did this last fall and haven't had any probs. with the mailbox yet. It gets plenty of moisture since I have plants around it and am watering every week. Oh, and the small can was 4lbs and I think I paid about $30. I have to run to Lowe's today so I'll double check on the price.

 

[lonerogue2]

Awesome, thanks for the info Growler. Seems a little pricey though for only 4 pounds... Might have to look into it though

 

[Growler]

I checked Lowe's and they didn't have any. The closest stuff was duracrete which sold for $11 for 20lb bucket. I didn't read what it did because, it was basically for driveways.

 

[Big Nick]

Only thing i wonder is what does it smell like as it cures? I figured i could store it in my crowl space for the four months but if it is gonna give off a horrible odor than no way.

 

[lonerogue2]

Just read your post Nick,

I googled the Material Saftey Data Sheet for this stuff. You can read it here:

http://www.amaco.com/pdfs/MSDS-Crea-Stone.pdf

Under appearance and oder, it just states powder... I tihnk if it put off any cureing oder it would have to be listed on here? just a thought

 

[Big Nick]

I will check it out and give it a whirl.