How can I fix a hypertufa bird bath that split?

by Emily
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Hi,

How can I fix a hypertufa bird bath that split after 12 years. The mold was a very large rhubarb leaf and the birdbath split cleanly down a leaf vein. Can I use cement glue? Or would it hurt the birds and racoons that drink form it?

Thank you,
Emily Mitchell

Hi Emily, that's a common problem - I think what happens is that a tiny bit of water remains in the veins, and then freezes, which of course will split it open along that 'fault line'.

I had the same issue with one of my largest leaves.

I ended up spraying the piece lightly with water, then applying carpenters glue on the back spread fairly evenly, and adding more carpenters glue to some mortar mix, and then slathered it all over the back side of the leaf.

This won't show on the front (top) of it.

I haven't used the glue you're referring to, and you may have a good point that it could harm the little critters - at the very least, it won't taste good, and it might deter them from drinking. The glue and mortar mix won't have any effect once it's dry.

Hope that helps!
Jacki

Comments for How can I fix a hypertufa bird bath that split?

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 21, 2013
Bird Bath
by: Emily

Thank you so much! I will try that. And will make sure this fall when put it away that it is dry or store it inside.

Emily

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask the Artisan.


Learn what it takes to be creative - we all have the gene but how do we develop it? Get the free guide!

Fill in the form below for your copy;

(Don't be disappointed - use an email address that will accept the free download - some .aol email addresses won't. 

If you don't see your download within a few minutes, try again with another email address - sorry for the bother.)

Find out more about the How to be Creative Guide

Free How To Be Creative Guide

Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
 

Please enter the word that you see below.

  



Follow Blue Fox Farm on Pinterest
Follow Blue Fox Farm on Facebook
Follow Xeria on Twitter