Texturizing Hypertufa – It’s Ancient When It’s New

How can we make a new hypertufa bowl or trough and make it look as if it was a hundred years old?

That’s one of the greatest points of interest  of these planters! When you see photos of these in an old English garden, it is full of moss and lichens and seems as if it has sat in place for a hundred years. That’s what I always want. But I want it now!

I think the secret is in Texturizing Hypertufa.

You’ll need to use a rasp which is almost like a large and somewhat heavy nail file. Think of a big emery board made of metal with a very rough surface.  And when you use that thing, believe me, it scrapes the hardened cement off easily.  Be sure to wear gloves as you use the tool. Protect your hands and nails. 

I texturize hypertufa pot when it comes out of its first cure. This is at the end of the first period after you make it and it has been in a storage bag for the 24 to 48 hours after you first make it. It is still soft enough to put on a texture but is very hard also. This is how you can tell it has “set up” like it is supposed to be.

I usually make my hypertufa planters with a thick wall, and so when I round off the walls and tops, I like to use a rasp and a wire brush to scrape until I get it smooth-edged, not angled and sharp. I want it to seem like it has already been in the elements for a long time.

I have a short video which shows and discusses the texturizing process. I think it is easier to learn when you see it visually. So check this out. And don’t you LOVE the whiskey barrel one!

Check this over and if you have any questions, I would be glad to see what I can do to help. You can also check out the post I did on texturing a design into the planter with a dremel. You may want to try that.

Just remember that texturizing hypertufa is what gives the planter its personality. Go for it.