Waterproofing art objects

[krstfr52]

I create weird and unique waterfalls and fountains that are partly submerged. I need a product that will waterproof painted polystyrene or Plaster of Paris. Permanently. Anyone know of such a product?

 

[David P]

I create weird and unique waterfalls and fountains that are partly submerged. I need a product that will waterproof painted polystyrene or Plaster of Paris. Permanently. Anyone know of such a product?

Krstfr52 You can use any two pack polyurethane varnish to waterproof most things - however there is a basic snag with your choice of materials -
1 polystyrene is so flexible that any coating will develop cracks fairly quickly
2 plaster of paris is not a permanent material at all. in the prescence of water - it will gradually become more powdery and any water coming into contact with it regularly will soon erode it.

there is a simple solution though for both. once you have made your objects give them a thin surface coating of waterproof flexible tile adhesive such as Baal or Ardurite (both available in the us). in fact ardurite makes a product called keralastic that is intended for running water application(it is a two pack polyurethane).

alternatively why dont you switch from plaster and use a white-cement/silver-sand mix instead?

I would be interested to know what paint it is that you are using too - because most paints will not survive long under running water.

 

[David P]

sorry have made a mistake above keralastic is not made by ardex it is made by mapei - and to complicate things further it is sold in the uk as keralastic but in the us as planicrete. in the us keralastic is a cement based adhesive not a pu sealant.

the link to mapei is hard to find so ive included it here http://www.mapei.com/

most of their products are for sealing concrete but if you use a little invention you can find a product that will give you a good substrate to paint over.

 

[krstfr52]

Thanks, David P. You've given me a great deal to think about and research. Will definitely look up these products. All I really want to do is cover over with something I can carve paint and seal. Hope these products work. Thanks again.