Questions
- I have used cast stone in the past and it has been soft, why is this?
- Are Cast Stone heads structural?
- What is the difference between ‘wet cast’ and ‘semi-dry’?
- How will the stone weather?
Answers
1. I have used cast stone in the past and it has been soft, why is this?
If the Cast Stone was purchased from a reputable supplier then the chances are the product did not have time to cure properly before being delivered to site. To avoid this problem either choose products off the shelf or make sure products are ordered in advance allowing a reasonable curing time.
2. Are Cast Stone heads structural?
Most Cast Stone heads are designed to be decorative and not to act as a structural item. Heads can be re-enforced to make them load bearing but this must be discussed with the manufacturer prior to quotation.
3. What is the difference between ‘wet cast’ and ‘semi-dry’?
This question is referring to the mix that is used to make the stone. Wet Cast is as it sounds a wet mix similar to that of wet concrete. The newly cast product must be kept in the mould until it has set and once stripped has the appearance of concrete. The surface must be etched with acid to allow the aggregate to show through and give the stone effect.
Semi-dry process involves compacting a dry mix into the mould, once the mould is filled the product is traditionally ‘turned out’ and allowed to cure. The product naturally has a stone finish as the aggregate is showing through so no etching is required.
4. How will the stone weather?
Quality Cast Stone will weather pretty much as natural stone would weather. This process can be speeded up or arrested by different means, please ask.
