Making Brick/Stone Walls from Casting Plaster

Discussion in 'Walls, paths, roads etc' started by Gary, Jan 24, 2016.

  1. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    Here I cover how I made the reataining walls on my son's layout Jacks Corner.

    First up, you need a mould. This can be constructed from card. The diagram below describes the method I used. I actually used some very old book covers which have the lacquered finish to them, but stiff card, 3mm and 2mm thick can be used with a few applications of matt varnish or sealer. I didn't put size measurement on this as walls come in a variety of heights !

    [​IMG]

    Please note that if you wish to build this in brick finish, a top coping stone may not be required. If a coping course is required (in brick), reduce the thickness of the raised sections to 0.5mm - 1mm deep.

    After putting the mould together and sealing adequately, casting plaster can be poured into it and allowed to set thoroughly, atleast for 48 hours.

    2. The next pic shows the card board raised section, or I should say the recessed sections.

    [​IMG]

    3. The plaster wall section has been freed and now needs a tidy up.

    [​IMG]

    4. A small plan can be used to smooth and thin down the top row of coping stones. A small sanding block is also useful for this.

    [​IMG]

    5. The inside edges of the butresses need to be cleaned up and a scapel is good for this.

    [​IMG]

    6. Scribing the horizontal mortar lines is done by using a scapel. Use the bladed side first, then to open the groove, use the back edge of the blade

    [​IMG]

    7. Cleaning the surface of plaster dust is essential. This can be done with a paint brush. Don't blow the dust off, as it can end up where you don't want it, like in your eyes !

    [​IMG]

    8. Scribe around the butresses carefully. Damaged to the edges can be done here so work with care.

    [​IMG]

    9. Scribe in the vertical lines or 'individual blocks'. Make this random as stones come in a variety of size.

    [​IMG]

    10. The scribed wall section.

    [​IMG]

    11. A comparison of a scribed and non scribed wall section.

    [​IMG]

    12. Some cracks can be added now to vary the effect of the block work. If this is brick, the scribing would be closer, smaller and very few cracks etc scribed into the wall.

    [​IMG]

    13. I flood the wall with grey acrylic paint watered down to leave a base mortar colour. This technique is covered in my other post on painting retaining walls :

    http://p1mrc.com/p1mrc/view_topic.php?id=147&forum_id=28

    [​IMG]

    14. The painted wall sections in situ on the layout.

    [​IMG]

    Smaller brick walls can be knocked up using the same methods outlined above.

    [​IMG]

    Even curved walls can be made up, although a curved mould needs to be made up, which is a little trickier ! But, it can be done ! ;)
    [​IMG]

    There you go, block/stone/brick walls hand made and painted quite easily.

    Cheers, Gary.
     
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  2. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Very effective :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: full 5 thumbs from me

    Paul
     
  3. mattc6911

    mattc6911

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    That's a propper job Gary and very useful for making walls etc for awkward places :thumbs:
    Cheers
    Matt
     
  4. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Hi Gary,

    Well impressed with that. :worship: that could be quite a rewarding exercise I think. Most people could get a satisfactory result copying that idea.

    Thanks for posting it.

    Cheers

    Toto
     
  5. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    I forgot to ask, do you use any kind of releasing agent to ease separation once dry ?

    Toto
     
  6. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    Nothing at all. I have not had any issues with the card mould seperating. If you leave the plaster to dry thoroughly, it should seperate quite easily.

    Cheers, Gary.
     
  7. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Thanks for that. Just wondered.

    Cheers

    Toto
     

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