Fake "rocks," how to make????

[CaseyJr]

OK, I guess this is a good place to start......

You know, the rocks (and other things) that Disney uses to create the realistic settings at the parks and resorts?? The fake ones... (we just returned from Coronado Springs, and the "rocks" were awesome!)

How do you "construct" a fake rock, does anyone know? I'm not talking about the "stepping stone" type rock, but the 3-D kind.

It seems logical that you'd start with a frame to establish the shape... etc.

While we were at WDW, I wanted to call someone and ask for a "recipe" for making rocks, but never had the time or nerve (didn't want them to laugh me out of the park!).

 

[Rajah]

From what I understand, the major steps are:

Build a model
Cut slices from the model and feed into a computer
Computer talks to re-bar (sp?) bending machine and makes frame
Frame gets concrete somehow attached to it and sculpted
Once concrete is fully sculpted, it's painted

At least, that's how they've described it twice on two different Travel Channel shows.

 

[tc]

We got a lot of information from this site: How to make fake rocks .

We are going to make a fake rock pond. We have worked on small rocks, and are now starting on a model clay model of the pond. After our January trip, we will start to make the individual rocks for the garden, and after the last frost, finish it up.

Hope the link answers some questions.

 

[CaseyJr]

tc - your projets sound great! I went to the "fake rock" site and realized I already have it saved, so I looked it over again.

My "project" is at the point that I have my structure formed (it's a tri-level bird bath -- with gravity drip...). I used the canned foam insulation over a very, VERY crude form of screen and heavy wire.

I still have to fine-tune the surfaces and all, but I'm about ready to cover the foam with something prior to the painting/sealing/whatever--comes-next stage. I read that the foam will break down in sunlight, so I was going to spread something like Quik-crete over it.

What do you use for your "rocks"? Do you know if the Quik-crete will adhere to the foam or is there another step I'll need to take?