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Grout cracks

Started By BrittonLS , Sep 27 2015 5:59 AM

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8 replies to this topic

#1 Offline BrittonLS - Posted September 27 2015 - 5:59 AM

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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.

#2 Offline Huch - Posted September 27 2015 - 6:05 AM

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

#3 Offline Crystals - Posted September 27 2015 - 7:07 AM

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LocationAthabasca, AB (Canada)

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.

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#4 Offline BrittonLS - Posted September 27 2015 - 9:05 AM

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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.

#5 Offline Miles - Posted September 27 2015 - 12:25 PM

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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.

PhD Student & NSF Graduate Research Fellow | University of Florida Dept. of Entomology & Nematology - Lucky Ant Lab

Founder & Director of The Ant Network. Ant keeper since 2009. Insect ecologist and science communicator. He/Him.

#6 Offline Crystals - Posted September 27 2015 - 7:00 PM

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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

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#7 Offline BrittonLS - Posted October 9 2015 - 8:22 AM

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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.