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Capt'n Skully
Tiki Socialite
Joined: May 28, 2005
Posts: 404
From: The Lost Lagoon
|  Posted: 2005-09-09 07:00 am Permalink
Those are killer- Nice work!!
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capotiki
Grand Member (7 years) 
Joined: Jul 16, 2005
Posts: 122
From: capistrano beach ca
| Posted: 2005-09-09 09:29 am Permalink
It has taken several years to fine tune the process.Yes there is paper behind the wire.Get yourself a tube/pvc or paper tube wrap it in black paper and wire.Now completely cover tube with mortar the dryer the better,too much water in the mortar will cause problems later.Now the fun begins!Get your favorite pocket knife and start sculpting,thats what I did for my first 30 or so tikis ,I have made some tools now that work great.I have been sculpting with mortar for several years, wanted tikis for my house so I applied my skill towards tikis.I would suggest trying a small project,maybe a 6 inch tube,20 inches tall or so.Expect to spend a couple of hours to complete,after you start there is no stopping,mortar only gives you so much time to work.After a couple days drying do some light sanding with the toughest 60 grit you can find.(When the mortar is dry it will be completely white),do not sand too early or it may chip off chunks.I would use a concrete sealer,I also texture the concrete,but on moa head sealer will be ok,it comes in several different colors.Then paint with enamel spray paint then you can remove some paint with thinner on a rag,start rubbing and replying to get the finish you want.The largest tiki I have made is 50 inches or so and is only 75 lbs.Good luck.capotiki
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teaKEY
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Nov 09, 2004
Posts: 3663
From: The thumb !
| Posted: 2005-09-09 11:15 am Permalink
I have to say that those are some of the nicest cement tikis. Such detail. I make cement tikis too. I'm probably done for the year but will be back to doing it next year.
You sand to make it smooth?
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capotiki
Grand Member (7 years)
Joined: Jul 16, 2005
Posts: 122
From: capistrano beach ca
| Posted: 2005-09-09 4:19 pm Permalink
Teakey most definitely sand,but I have a secret sauce that I texture the tiki with,also try using a paint brush and water on the mortar after it sets for 1/2 hour or so,use a fine natural fiber brush.That will remove most of the sharp edges making the sanding mush easier.
[ This Message was edited by: capotiki 2005-10-03 09:40 ]
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rodeotiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jan 21, 2004
Posts: 1513
From: calgary
| Posted: 2005-09-10 12:54 pm Permalink
WOW!! Amazing tikis.
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capotiki
Grand Member (7 years)
Joined: Jul 16, 2005
Posts: 122
From: capistrano beach ca
| Posted: 2005-09-10 1:35 pm Permalink
I took photos of the process I go thru to sculpt.50 inch lono tiki statue.I will try to have them posted soon.Thanks for all the great feedback.If anyone visits tiki farm Holden has let me display a tiki there.He is one hell of a guy! The tiki is kane tiki and he one of my best so far.I plan on creating something special for him.
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McTiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 22, 2004
Posts: 1939
From: Sunny Florida
| Posted: 2005-09-11 5:01 pm Permalink
Thank you for sharing the process bro. We had some serious revelations in working with the portland/sand mix for the waterfall after it has set for about an hour or a little more. We were moving around and making it look so real "rock-like" (You see, there are no rocks, boulders, etc. in Florida so you have to improvise! )Anyways, I can identify with what your process is about. We bought a mixer recently and life has changed as far as energy expended vs output. Hand mixing is harsh when it comes to portland. It's F'n Clay! try mixing it by hand. Andin order to go vertical, it has to be mixed dry. Too wet and it comes tumbling down when you least expect. This is sorta fun, but, I miss carving.
Mahaloz brudda.
You goin to Hukilau?
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capotiki
Grand Member (7 years)
Joined: Jul 16, 2005
Posts: 122
From: capistrano beach ca
| Posted: 2005-09-11 6:00 pm Permalink
I always mix by hand,I have a better control of the mortar as far as controlling moisture content.Most of my tikis weigh 50 to 75 lbs,not too much mixing to do.It is good for the soul,no power necessary.
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GMAN
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 14, 2005
Posts: 2994
From: My Island
| Posted: 2005-09-11 7:10 pm Permalink
NEATO! I've seen folks use foam on wire, but cement....now that is cool. I bet they are Florida weatherproof too, aye? Beatiful designs. Thanks for posting them. Can't wait to see your lono.
-Gman
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capotiki
Grand Member (7 years)
Joined: Jul 16, 2005
Posts: 122
From: capistrano beach ca
| Posted: 2005-09-14 3:32 pm Permalink
I will post the completed picture soon!He is now ready for painting.
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Moondance
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 29, 2005
Posts: 389
From: Bucks County, PA
| Posted: 2005-09-14 5:49 pm Permalink
capotiki-
Very nice, another fine tiki artist!!
Is that a sonic tube under the wire mesh or pvc?
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capotiki
Grand Member (7 years)
Joined: Jul 16, 2005
Posts: 122
From: capistrano beach ca
| Posted: 2005-09-14 5:51 pm Permalink
sonic tube,8 inches in diameter
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surfintiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Sep 30, 2004
Posts: 1561
From: S. Chatham, MA
| Posted: 2005-09-14 6:59 pm Permalink
Very cool! Fresh designs...unique. I'll never try that stuff, I'll leave it up to you professionals! Thanks for sharing, and welcome.
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s U r F i N t i k i
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capotiki
Grand Member (7 years)
Joined: Jul 16, 2005
Posts: 122
From: capistrano beach ca
| Posted: 2005-09-15 6:37 pm Permalink
[ This Message was edited by: capotiki 2005-10-06 21:32 ]
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Moondance
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 29, 2005
Posts: 389
From: Bucks County, PA
| Posted: 2005-09-16 12:03 pm Permalink
Capotiki-
Is it cool if Annie & I try making a Moai out of mortor using your framing technic? We would love to have a Tiki we could leave outside all winter long. The rest of the guys will stay in the warm house with us. 
Let me know if it's alright with you and we will post our progress photo's.
Thanks!
Annie & Wesley
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[ This Message was edited by: Moondance 2005-09-16 12:04 ]
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