Comment by chris hale on July 15, 2010 at 11:52am

Love the crack. with the little piece about to fall out..
What brand stains or dyes do you use. Do you spray on with bottle or use a chip brush?
Do you use a penetrating sealer for your rocks?

Comment by Christian Maucieri on July 15, 2010 at 12:04pm

In this picture the rock has yet to be colored, I used Tru-pac with a modifier and as it dries it takes on a really realistic color. It cures to the same color as the rock above. For the colors I used butterfield elements, Taupe and grey were my base colors also a few more variations of those two mixed with white. I used spray bottles to color and a satin sealer from eco-procote. I used a pool grade sealer for the areas where the water flows.

Comment by chris hale on July 15, 2010 at 1:05pm

I have been using the better path colors. think they are acrillic paints that you mix with water. But I'm not getting that real rock effect. the butterfield colors is it a liquid or a powder? better path colors are in small bottle and mixed with 32 oz water..

Comment by Christian Maucieri on July 15, 2010 at 1:29pm

Butterfield Colors are liquid and are the same idea 32oz mixed 3:1 water to color. some of the techniques I've learned have been trial and error but alot of it has come through the subscription to Vertical artisans. I suggest that you invest in the videos. What I learned is worth far mor than the $500 as it has already paid for itself many times over.

Comment by chris hale on July 15, 2010 at 2:24pm

Yeah im gonna join as soon as i get the extra cash. Im saving per week to get subscription.
can't wait to get learning all the skills. I'm gonna make a Disney world theme in my back yard for my kids..

Comment by Christian Maucieri on July 15, 2010 at 2:26pm

That will be cool. I'm sure your kids will love it

Comment by Tru Pac/Walttools/Don on July 16, 2010 at 6:01am

Great stone work Christian. Really remarkable authentic look. Well done.

Comment by Christian Maucieri on July 16, 2010 at 7:55am

Thanks Don, It was a real learning experience.

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