Harold emailed me and asked:

What is the barrier or release oil that you recommend for hypertufa or concrete garden art projects? Thanks!

My reply:
Hello Harold:

If you refer to the following page on my website, approximately half way down the page you will see where I have listed a number of different release agents (or release oils) that can be used with success: hypertufa and concrete mold preparation tips.

There is also other good information on that page that just might be of use to you, too.

Hope this helps you. Good luck with all your garden art projects.

I received this email from Steve who asked:

Hi you have a great web site. I am planning on daubing/painting a large water fountain. Can you tell me what kind of paint I should use. The fountain is made of concrete. And what method would you use for this project. Thanks Steve

My reply:

Hi Steve:
Thank you for contacting me and for the kind compliment. I do try to “over deliver” information for my visitors.

About painting your water fountain, I can offer some helpful hints, with these two being VERY important:

   -Make sure that the concrete is DRY before you even think of picking up a brush!! One little bit of moisture in the concrete will cause the paint to peel on-up-the-road; and
   -You can use latex paints or oil-based paints and even stains.

**For the best all-inclusive info I can offer you, please go to this page on my website Colorant Guides and look about half-way down for the 3rd content box that says “Read the Colorant Guides”. Click on the PDF icon to open up the guides.

Refer to the 2nd page of the PDF guide and you’ll have every question answered about all the ins and outs of the different way to color concrete. Feel free to print out a copy for yourself.

As far as the method of application … what kind of “look” are you trying to achieve?? (You didn’t say.) A mottled effect? (then sure you could just daub on color with an old sponge or even a wadded up rag); or your could use a brush to daub on layers of color; or do you want it to look like marble? … then refer to this webpage: Faux Verdigris Painted Technique

If you just want a solid color, then I’d probably just brush on the color.

Don’t forget to allow your painted or stained technique to dry well; then apply at least 3 top coats of clear finish to help protect the paint and to help make it last longer and let it dry thoroughly, and then you should be “good to go”!! 

I hope this helps you. If you have more detailed questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me again. I wish you lots of luck with this project!!