Post #5798 by Cherry Capri on Tue, Aug 13, 2002 4:06 PM

Cover the form with strips of newspaper and plaster of paris (with a final coat or 2 of plaster). This stuff is very durable and I have built a few "Modern" abstract garden sculptures this way. After you build it up, you can then carve it back down and smooth out rough edges using different sized rasps and files.

I left my sculptures au natural - matte white with no sealer and they have held up pretty well against the elements. Since you won't want a matte white Moai the paint you use will add extra protection.

I have also used spray can acoustical texture - available at most hardware stores - to give a bumpy finish to paper mache and plaster projects. I believe it is intended for only indoor use, but as long as it is sealed with paint and/or sealer I see no reason no to use it outdors.

Good luck and be sure to post pictures of both the finish and work-in-progress.