Painting with Cement

Painting has begun on the right corner.

     I usually paint with pigment and water.  Sometimes I use acrylic or a few other media.  Never have I painted with concrete paint, until now.  It all started when I saw that ugly white planter...
     I recently stayed with friends in Lucerne Valley, CA.  They attend Old Paths Assembly, a Messianic church fellowship there. While I was there, I looked for things to do to help them out around the church property.  When it came to the cement planter, I began to think I had bitten off more than I could chew.
     There is a cement planter there, made to look like it was built with stones.  It was originally built by Alan Stanfield (who still helps maintain the large oasis in the desert).  The 30-year-old planter was whitened with age and calcium deposits.  The side shown in the photos has a beautiful tile inset.  The other side of the planter is all "rock."  David Gipson, one of the leaders at the fellowship, was somehow able to bring the tile back to full beauty one day when I took a break from the painting.  

The Finished Planter, and friend.* 

     Over portions of several days, I painted the "stones" with cement paint (cement dyes, cement and other stuff mixed in) and acrylic paint.  I used a brush, sponges, rags, spray bottles and sometimes my hands to apply the paint.
     Painting with cement paint was new to me but the gooey mess was pretty fun to apply.  Alan kept mixing up new batches as I tested new colors and thicknesses.  When all was done, the "rocky" project turned out looking quite respectably.  However, in the future, I shall leave white rocks alone!
     As with many projects, Holly does her best to "help" or hinder.  In this case, Holly Doggie kept chasing the critters and then returning to sit next to me, generally laying down next to the cool wall of wet cement paint.

*(Note, I did not paint the chicken.)