Post #185536 by capotiki on Fri, Sep 9, 2005 9:29 AM

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