Cloning/DIY Branching Tonga Rock

[Poseidon Black Sea]

Hello!


I recently got hold of some Tonga Branching Rocks, and since they’re almost impossible to find or reproduce, I’m thinking about cloning the ones I have.

My only idea so far is to make a silicone mold and then cast them with a concrete mixture, but that could get really expensive for such a large mold.

Does anyone have any better or cheaper ideas?

 

[Poseidon Black Sea]

Here are the rocks i have at the moment

 

[HappyFm]

You can 3D scan the model and then print it hollow using PETG. The color and durability (under UV light) might be an issue, but if it covers the coreline completely, it should be fine :D

 

[BeanAnimal]

Caribsea and several others make it and it looks fairly natural.

 

[Poseidon Black Sea]

You can 3D scan the model and then print it hollow using PETG. The color and durability (under UV light) might be an issue, but if it covers the coreline completely, it should be fine :D

yeah but i want the real thing

 

[Poseidon Black Sea]

Caribsea and several others make it and it looks fairly natural.

i would like to know how they do it tho

 

[BeanAnimal]

They likely use molds and aragonite based concrete.

 

[Poseidon Black Sea]

yeah thats what i think too just how do they make the molds that is my question:)

 

[BeanAnimal]

They likely used real tonga branch as the basis, either directly cast or modeled in clay, plaster of paris, etc. The models are then used to build silicone or latex rubber molds. There are numerous methods and the choice is based on the required level of detail, the expected lifespan of the mold, etc.

Look up mold making for garden statues. That should get you started.

 

[Poseidon Black Sea]

They likely used real tonga branch as the basis, either directly cast or modeled in clay, plaster of paris, etc. The models are then used to build silicone or latex rubber molds. There are numerous methods and the choice is based on the required level of detail, the expected lifespan of the mold, etc.

Look up mold making for garden statues. That should get you started.

Thanks. Any updates i have i will post here.