What can i use with white cement?

[shazza]

Hi all :) Am thinking about starting a new project,medium being cement and have purchased some white cement.Expensive here in nz but want to create a new look/effect.The problem is, what to mix it with.I cannot source any silica sand where i live and find the usual sand i have used in the past will colour the cement.Would appreciate any ideas.

[EJB]

The short answer would be, just about anything. I find it hard to believe there is no source of silica sand available but then I've never been to NZ. The main thing to remember is that the CEMENT part of any CONCRETE mix is simply a binder which holds all of your stuff (AGGREGATE) together. By itself the cement is not all that strong but it could be possible to use it by itself if structural integrity is not a concern. You did not mention whether this will be cast, carved or built up. A suitable AGGREGATE will add color and strength to your mix. Experiment with what you do have available. Any white sand beaches nearby? Crushed marble, glass, perlite might be some options. Addition of an acrylic bonding agent might also help hold it all together. Good luck.

[BMBourgoyne]

I've used crushed white marble sold as "pool mix," that is aggregate for mixing stucco lining swimming pools. I would expect that it would be available in New Zealand. Try a terrazzo supplier (marble aggregate floors) for other crushed marble in various colors and sizes.

Crushed marble is also less abrasive on tools than sand.

good luck,
Brad

[shazza]

This sculpture is built up.I use netting ,newspaper& a suitable reinforcement thru centre to keep the armiture sturdy whilst working on it.
I did not say silica sand was not available in nz,just that its not available in my area(country town).
I usually use a sand/cement mix,i 'll be doing that but i dont want the sand to colour the white cement.Will try and see if i can source the aggregate you suggested.Is it fine?.All my scuptures are built up by hand,no tools and i want a very fine,smooth finish.I do use sandpaper after sculpture has cured for a while,month or two.When i can figure out how to post a pic on here I will post one of my pieces. :rolleyes:
Thanks for the suggestions,so much knowledge on this site.

[EJB]

If you are building up the form I might suggest a method for saving money and materials by building the core of your piece with plain gray cement/aggregate mix or even plaster, then finishing the final several coats with your white cement. (White plaster of course mat be another alternative for the white, clean finish). White cement by itself may dry slightly harder than plaster but both would be sandable. If the piece remains indoors it should hold up fine and could also be sealed and/or waxed. I don't think this method would be suitable for outdoor placement.

[shazza]

Have been using grey cement/sand mix for the first few layers and yesterday mixed some of my white cement with some grey sand,just to see what effect it would have.Definitely not what i want,very grainy.Need something very fine.Have heard of someone using oamaru stone dust mixed with white cement.I need to use something that will withstand heat/cold as its final resting place will be outdoors :)

[Nina Florence]

Hi Shazza,

These are not words of experience as I have never worked with cement before but I do remember reading somewhere that if you mix Kaolin with cement it retains it's whiteness and makes it very strong. You can find Kaolin at most ceramic supply shops (use it for glazes). If you google Kaolin Cement, you will get loads of info.

Hope this helps,
Nina