Before You Begin
This page provides you with a high level 'need to know' about beginning your journey with Pal Tiya Premium. The following six sections (listed at the bottom of this page and in the navigation menu) will go into each detail you will need to get going with your first sculpture.
Description
Pal Tiya Premium (PTP) is an easy to use "all-weather sculpting medium" that cures to stone-hard without firing or kilns. It has a Portland cement base, coupled with proprietary modifiers and additives, ensures both strength and sculptural qualities without compromising on safety. There is no fiberglass or epoxy in this product. The working texture is a fine silky clay that is designed for high strength in thin-walled applications. It has considerable inherent natural strength. PTP can be hand laid up without the use of molds or specialized tools and is a satisfyingly direct route from your hands to a finished sculpture - with less fuss than any other outdoor sculpting medium. |
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All Weather
PTP has been extensively tested for sustained wet weathering and freezing conditions (passing the ATSM C666: at 300 x 'wet-freeze/thaw-cycles') from from -0.4F to +60.8F (-18C to +16C). This ensures that rain, shine, frost or snow … your finished sculptures will not be impacted at all.
Best Working Temperature & Working Time
The optimal working temperature is 61-70 Degrees F. (16-21 degrees C). Much hotter than that, and the material will cure faster. Using cold water will slow down the cure time.
15 minutes of soft pliable sculpting time (for basic shapes) followed by 2 hours of gradual stiffening (for adding detail and texture). It changes as it cures giving you an exciting sculpting experience.
15 minutes of soft pliable sculpting time (for basic shapes) followed by 2 hours of gradual stiffening (for adding detail and texture). It changes as it cures giving you an exciting sculpting experience.
Armatures
Armatures can be any material that does not absorb the moisture from the PTP during cure. Steel, rebar, chicken wire, plastic, foil, Polystyrene foam, ceramic, etc.
Things like wood, would draw too much moisture out of the product as it is curing and it would result in weakness in your final sculpture.
Some smoother materials may need crushed foil on top so the PTP can adhere to the surface such as glass.
*Welded steel reinforcement is needed only when approaching large scale work (over 7 feet) or in pieces with complicated extrusions and unsupported projections.
Things like wood, would draw too much moisture out of the product as it is curing and it would result in weakness in your final sculpture.
Some smoother materials may need crushed foil on top so the PTP can adhere to the surface such as glass.
*Welded steel reinforcement is needed only when approaching large scale work (over 7 feet) or in pieces with complicated extrusions and unsupported projections.
Mixing
Pal Tiya Premium comes as a dry powder.
It mixes with water to form a silky smooth 'dough' for Sculpting with.
By volume: 4 parts PTP to 1 part water. By weight 5 parts PTP to 1 part water
For large batches, and electric dough mixer is helpful and the knead time should increase to 5 minutes.
It mixes with water to form a silky smooth 'dough' for Sculpting with.
By volume: 4 parts PTP to 1 part water. By weight 5 parts PTP to 1 part water
For large batches, and electric dough mixer is helpful and the knead time should increase to 5 minutes.
Coverage
A 3 lb bag of dry PTP covers 14 x 14 inches x 1/4 inch thick
A 40 lb bag of dry PTP covers 9 square ft x 1/2 inch thick (1 square yard)
A 40 lb bag of dry PTP covers 9 square ft x 1/2 inch thick (1 square yard)
Working Over Time
Subsequent layers may be added on over days, weeks, even months.
A proper scratch/furrow coat is needed.
While PTP is soft, inscribe deep grooves or vertical sided furrows into the surface. To apply another layer, slightly dampen the cured area with water and firmly press the fresh PTP into the grooves.
A proper scratch/furrow coat is needed.
While PTP is soft, inscribe deep grooves or vertical sided furrows into the surface. To apply another layer, slightly dampen the cured area with water and firmly press the fresh PTP into the grooves.
Curing
A proper cure takes several days in the presence of moisture.
Day 1: wrap your sculpture tightly in plastic so the water in it doesn't evaporate.
Day 2: wrap wet towels around it and then re-cover with plastic.
Days 3- 5: Keep wrapped in wet towels and plastic.
If you are making outdoor statuary and want the best possible longevity, keep your sculpture under wet towels and plastic on for a full 28 days.
Day 1: wrap your sculpture tightly in plastic so the water in it doesn't evaporate.
Day 2: wrap wet towels around it and then re-cover with plastic.
Days 3- 5: Keep wrapped in wet towels and plastic.
If you are making outdoor statuary and want the best possible longevity, keep your sculpture under wet towels and plastic on for a full 28 days.
Shrinkage
Our material does contract, but only microscopically. Each layer of PTP will lock on to the prior layer without significant shrinkage or distortion therefore, you can build around glass etc.
Removal Of Surface Fibers Post Cure
The best way is with a standard propane or chefs torch. In a ventilated area, pass the flame quickly over the sculpture for a few seconds and they will flash off.
Sanding
PTP can be sanded with various grits for a final finish. A dust mask is recommended when sanding. It can be sanded to a near polish, especially after the piece has been fully cured. 300-500 grit will produce a nice surface. Your choice of a final sealer will determine the ultimate shine, whether it is a concrete stain, spray sealer or wax.
Cleanup
Clean tools with water
*This water should not be immediately poured down a sink*.
Allow the particles to settle overnight, then pour off the water. The small layer of remaining sediment can then be buried in your garden or removed with your trash.
Remember, Pal Tiya Premium eventually becomes "stone-hard".
Clean tools well or they'll soon become Neanderthal implements.
*This water should not be immediately poured down a sink*.
Allow the particles to settle overnight, then pour off the water. The small layer of remaining sediment can then be buried in your garden or removed with your trash.
Remember, Pal Tiya Premium eventually becomes "stone-hard".
Clean tools well or they'll soon become Neanderthal implements.
Storage
The best option is a sealed plastic container/pail. Do not place a bag of PTP directly on a concrete floor. Concrete floors hold a lot of moisture naturally and this can wick through even the best bag.
Not Recommended
Not recommended for fish tanks or aquatic environments, cups and bowls that would be used to contain or serve food or beverages, clothing, or kites :)
