Last updated: May 18, 2010
Download Quik-Rock Building Process, (doc) Updated May 18, 2010
Download Quik-Rock Building Process, (docx) Updated May 18, 2010
Step 1: Cut the Quik-Rock Panel
Using a reciprocating saw, cut
a section of the rock casting - following along crack lines and crevices of rock strata as much as possible. Continue with
more pieces and have an idea what design to make beforehand. Using 2"- 21/2" screws begin to attach the pieces together
where needed. Angles are important to create when attaching the rock to the base and to each other - 45 to
90 degrees works well. This enables you to create an undercut, valley, ridge, ledge or other feature. For floor pedestals
or rock ledges with animals, be sure to keep the plywood base smaller than when using other rock making methods, because
when the rock is attached, it will increase base dimensions substantially. Plus you'll save costs on material.
Continue to cut and piece sections to each other until there's a configuration which works well. This process seems
awkward at first, but when you start to seam and fill in the gaps later, you'll be surprised how nice it will turn out.
When screwing the pieces together, Quik-Rock ends up with a considerably higher stability than other taxidermy methods used.
Just go with what you see happening in the strata.
Step 2: Filling In The Gaps
Begin filling the gaps
just created, by using small pieces of left over rock or (wafers) screwed into place and newspaper crumbled up and tucked
into the gaps. This will act as backing for seaming compound later. Quik-Rock has a flexural strength allowing it to be bend
slightly while screwed together.
Step 3: Seaming
An inexpensive yet effective product to use is
a sheet rock dry-wall joint setting compound mixed with cellulose (paper insulation). It comes in 25lb bags
and found in any home building center. Set times on the bag range from 20 - 90 minutes. Paper-Mache mixed with dextrin also
works. Stay away from using plaster.
Mix 1 part joint-setting compound with 1 part of cellulose to the
consistency of oatmeal. Fill in gaps and feather to the edges of the rock. Once the compound starts to dry , texture
the seamed areas with crumpled up aluminum foil (works well), rock pieces, a paint brush with the end cut
up etc. With a sculpting tool, knife etc create and continue crack lines thru the seams where needed. Cover all screw heads.
Step 4: Sealing and PaintingQuik-Rock can be painted any
color from sandstone to granite. Once the seaming compound dries, I suggest using Latex or Acrylic paint similar in color
to the rock surface and paint the entire base with one coat to start with.
Latex, Acrylic or liquid tempera paints
work best. Stay away from powdered temperas - the paint doesn't seem to adhere well. Applying a watered down dark color
first with a rag or brush works well; working it into the cracks then follow up by wiping off excess paint on the surface.
You should find yourself using a minimum of 5 or 6 colors. Some guys have used 12 or more colors, it all depends on the look
wanted and time spent. I recommend testing your methods out and find what works best to obtain the desired effect.
Any questions, please
email or call John Will at 763-458-5557.
