How to Waterproof a Plaster Fountain

Masonry Waterproofing

• 1

  Don the disposable rubber gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals and oil you can use to apply a waterproof application.

• 2

  Clean the surface of the fountain with a soft cloth. Lightly rub away any dirt or dust present on the plaster.

• 3

  Fill a gallon bucket with an amount of water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add the masonry waterproofing powder to the water slowly, continually stirring to allow the particles to dissolve completely.

• 4

  Spray the fountain with water. Paint the masonry waterproofing material onto the entire fountain. Use a liberal amount of waterproofing to cover all of the plaster material. (reference 2)

• 5

  Wet the fountain using a fine mist spray when the first coat of waterproofing appears to dry. This is curing the material.

• 6

  Wait up to eight hours and apply a second coat following step four. Allow the fountain to dry for 24 hours before filling it with water.

Waterglass

• 7

  Follow steps one and two in section one to prepare the fountain.

• 8

  Apply a coating of waterglass or sodium silicate to the entire fountain with a large paintbrush. Use a good quality brush that will not easily lose bristles as you work. You can find waterglass, sometimes called liquid glass, at ceramic supply stores or some home improvement stores.

• 9

  Wait for the waterglass application to dry overnight before filling the fountain with water.

Linseed Oil

• 10

  Prepare the fountain using steps one and two in section one.

• 11

  Sand the plaster fountain with fine grit sandpaper. Use a light stroke so you don't damage the structure. Wipe away the fine dust created with a clean, soft cloth (See reference 1).

• 12

  Apply a very thin layer of linseed oil with a good paintbrush. A good paintbrush is one made with fine, soft bristles that stay intact when you use it (See reference 3).

• 13

  Wait a few hours and apply a second and then a third coat of linseed oil. Again, use a very light coating. If you apply the linseed oil too thickly, it will leave a greasy sheen on the plaster.