The-Artistic-Garden's Blog

Thanks for all the info you provide on your website. I’m presently making a hollow hypertufa sphere. Once it is done and I’ve sealed the exterior surface, I’d like to put some soil inside and plant something. Does the interior of the sphere need to be sealed?

Hi again Michelle:

No, you do not have to seal the interior of a sphere to plant inside of it. Please be aware however that a ‘tufa object must be completely cured before you can plant in it.

Portland cement is very alkaline and will do a very good job of killing anything you plant in your new hypertufa object. So, you have to make sure you’ve leached out the plant-killing lime completely.

Please refer to my curing instructions on this page: Curing Hypertufa & Concrete. You’ll be good to go if you follow the advice. 

Good luck with your projects!

Can we add fresh hypertufa to an existing, partially cured layer that also has a few cracks on the top half? And should we use bonding agent? Thank you, Regina

Hi Regina:

Yes you sure can … it is advisable to dampen the existing ‘tufa, then paint on the bonding agent and then add your fresh ‘tufa. Many crafters certainly will also add some bonding agent into the new hypertufa. Just make sure to adjust your liquid ratio accordingly.

And please know that the cracks you are getting aren’t a “bad” thing … in projects like large spheres, you will almost invariably get cracks. And that’s OK. That is why most people figure on doing at least 2 layers.

Hope this helps. Sounds like you are having some success now  Keep me posted.

I am just beginning in learning hypertufa, actually in the process of collecting my ingredients to get started. Anyway I have read a mixture of vinegar and water would speed up the curing process. Any truth to that or is it better just to wait the 30 days for the curing? Also how safe is it to handle once it has cured? Many thanks! Beth

Hi Beth:
I have addressed the vinegar issue on my webpage: Hypertufa Curing Guidelines (look at the very bottom) and personally I wouldn’t use vinegar.

Most successful ‘tufa makers use good ‘ol water to leach out the lime. Refer to the information in my curing page and you’ll do just fine!

Also, hypertufa is safe to handle after a proper cure.

Good luck with your project!