8 replies to this topic

[BrittonLS]

So I've been trying my hand at some grout nests but I've noticed a lot of cracks in it after is dried, sometimes pretty deep. Could this be from using too much water when mixing the grout or maybe it's drying too quickly or unevenly? Any suggestions?

I've been using non-sanded grout and either play-doh or air dry clay to make the chambers and tunnels.

[Huch]

My grout nests cracked a lot I think because of uneven mixing or not enough water.

[Crystals]

I see cracks under a couple of circumstances.

Too much perlite    (it is easy to substitute extra sand in place of perlite)

The grout dried too fast

The mold material is something that can absorb or retain water - ex. water based clay or homemade plasticine (took me a while to figure this one out).  I only use oil based, never drying clay.

 

I have never seen cracks related to too much or too little water, I often pour my nests with thicker grout and my outworlds with really runny grout.  Neither crack if I avoid the 3 problems listed above.

[BrittonLS]

Thanks, it's probably the material I'm using then, that makes sense. Although It's possible it's drying too fast too. I'll have to go grab some oil based clay I suppose. 

[Miles]

I only use oil based, never drying clay.

Do you have a link to a product page for this? I can't seem to find any that's affordable.

[Crystals]

 

I only use oil based, never drying clay.

Do you have a link to a product page for this? I can't seem to find any that's affordable.

 

Any non-drying clay will work.

I get mine from Michaels, about $3 a bar, Craft Smart Plastalina.   http://canada.michae...ow?pid=C_gc2804

[BrittonLS]

I got some bake clay and it has worked a whole lot better. Haven't noticed ant cracks at all. Although I have been letting it dry inside recently, so drying slower probably helps too. Thanks.

[Crystals]

Glad it worked.  Thanks for letting us know!

[TheAnswerIsTheLogic]

You just need to mix more good the substrate and be carefull and don't let air going in