MONSTER MUD TUTORIAL - Turn ANYTHING into stone!

[@cuervojones4889]

I love the "let's do different recipes" and then the "let's try to ruin them!" destructive testing! As someone who has spent DECADES in various quality labs, I commend you for your testing!

[@mistersamdi]

I used the classic mix of joint compound and latex paint on some foam heads I carved into zombie heads back in 2007: they are still a part of my Halloween decorations 15 years later, so I can attest to the effectiveness and durability of the "classic mix".

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Hadn’t seen this comment. Thanks for the feedback! Classic mix is definitely a winner

[@strikowskifamily5180]

I've been looking for someone who's used joint compound on an outdoor decoration. Awesome to hear that it worked!

[@mistersamdi]

@@strikowskifamily5180 yes, I believe the addition of the latex house paint helps protect from the elements if you have a rainy October

[@Cakey-K]

​@@mistersamdii was wondering if the classic would survive in rain and snow on Styrofoam creations now I know for sure. Can I ask if you used a roller, brush or just used your hand to apply it. I spent a lot of time on these tombstones and spiders lol I don't want to have to trash them 😭

[@mistersamdi]

@@Cakey-K I think I dipped them in a 5 gallon bucket of monster mud I made- I made these over 15 years ago, so it has been a minute. I think I dipped the heads, then wiped some excess out of the eye sockets, if I remember correctly

[@hannahberkelouw3338]

I realy live the first one. The gritty texture is awesome

[@cRaZyVaL713]

I do too. I hope it works on my tombstones. I don't do sculptures or statues but I wonder how well some foam tombstones would handle the concrete version

[@briandelpiano3864]

If you want grit, you can add sand to whatever mix you use.

[@artistforlife]

I like that you showed a variety of ways to do this and tested it - thanks for sharing!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you!

[@RobCartwright]

I used to use the classic recipe, but I use a lot of foam in my builds and noticed that it eats the foam a bit. It looks like recipe #3 also did that (holes in the face). Because of this, I've been using the 2nd recipe for years now.

[@colemyst]

Great information. I wondered about the different ways people make monster mud but this is wonderful side by side comparison. Thanks for soaking them. That really shows what happens to something left out longer.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much for your kind comment, I’m glad you liked it

[@briandelpiano3864]

Thank You for this. I like the fact that you showed us each one, and let us know the strengths and weakness'. Much appreciated brother!

[@dreamdesigndecor3231]

Great tutorial, thanks for sharing! I absolutely love the side by side comparison of different recipes.

[@hishers4535]

Using mortar mix (with water) rather than a concrete mix will eliminate a lot of that toughness. I've added paint and Elmer's glue to the mortar mix to cover a pot of surfaces. I really like it.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Ooo I like that!

[@alisonaussie4995]

How does the mortar mix mix eventually cure, nice and rigid? More resistant to softening in rain?

[@alisonaussie4995]

How does the mortar mix mix eventually cure, nice and rigid? More resistant to softening in rain?

[@friotuber]

​@@alisonaussie4995 monster mud is water proof

[@munkustrap2]

You have very quickly become my favorite DIY Halloween/Holiday decorations KZbinr! Awesome job!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 🎉

[@hajimichealis7922]

You could use the concrete mix as a second layer and paint it green to look like moss.

[@Capohanf1]

You have to remember Concrete takes LONGER than 24 hours to reach max cure! And using Portland Cement, that has NO aggregate, IE gravel will fix the rough texture problem. I think this mix would be the best for long term usage of the prop. And I was thinking if you used red paint, the pieces would look Teracotta.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Have you made a monster mud creation with Portland cement?

[@Capohanf1]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY Have used monster mud, old formula. BUT also have used cement to cast custom paving stones as well as use it to build house foundations and side walks. Have a project, life size statue of the goddess Bastet in human form (Body of a woman, head of a cat) and I am thinking of making it out of spray foam and then covering that with monster mud to give it a statue look.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

@@Capohanf1 oh wow that statue sounds amazing !

[@Capohanf1]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY Have the master forms, cat head and woman's body to make the foam form, just have to do it!

[@Capohanf1]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY If you would like to see the Haunted House a friend and I put on for MANY years where we built 80% of the props ourselves have a look at this video walk through. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2W5Yqqcpptrfas

[@vazquezs]

I love the way the veil draped on #4! Amazing job Isaac!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Yes mee too!

[@salpanettieri3115]

I have to say, after having watched five or six other monster mud videos, yours was by far was the most detailed and most information filled. Great job!! Thanks a lot buddy!!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much! Glad it was helpful!

[@JulyKnight-os6vq]

You are awesome. And I bought your book for my 18 month old twin granddaughters. Great little book. I hope you write more!

[@rogerphillips4211]

Spray with krylon matte clear, 3 wet coats.

[@gunmage101]

I know it's a little late, Issac, but do you think that maybe concrete patching compound or vinyl-concrete patching compound would work better?

[@rebeccahefner3559]

I love that you always find projects that anyone can make and easily obtain the supplies. And they always turn out awesome! I don't know how you're gonna top this years projects because they keep getting better and better. Thanks Issac for sharing your knowledge with everyone.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much for your kind words Rebecca. I try to give both complex and easy projects so that anyone, no matter their level of experience, can give it a go. I only have a few projects left to release before I post the grand reveal on the first week of October

[@jbreezy3146]

So glad I found this channel. Found a way to make it per rigid go with recipe #3 but then when it hardens brush on UV resin in a garage but wear PPE vapors are toxic then turn off lights and turn on UV light bars 3 of them on tripod so it gives 360 coverage let ir run for one full hour the stuff is weather proof and hard as stone 🪨 they sell the UV resin clear and light green which gives that oxidizes statue look.

[@brandyhatchett4792]

I was curious if resin could be applied. Does it have to be dried under lights? I figure you’re using a garage to keep as much debris off as possible but I don’t have a garage. To clarify, you used technique 3 with paint, drylock, and joint compound, then covered with resin? Ty

[@randolphmoore1194]

Thank you. I can see so many applications for these techniques. Fun to watch.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you Randy, now I need you to make me a statue by tomorrow

[@NaiCashton]

The soothing voice with the calming music 😍

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you! Glad you like both

[@melodywatts7322]

Can you use a lighter material like cotton sheets ? Or creepy cloth ?

[@theresachucle5362]

They look amazing 🤩 thank you for sharing the info on the monster mud. Have a wonderful evening 😊🧵🪡🤗🤩

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much, have a great evening yourself

[@FrightmaresCreations]

Well done! Thanks for sharing!!

[@christyfenrich9124]

Can this be painted after? I want to coat my graveyard pillars, but I painted them so nicely I would like to paint them to look the same after

[@kendallparker9305]

Monster mud is new to me I can’t wait to give it a try … thanks again for another wonderful instruction video 😊

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

You’re welcome Kendall 😊

[@ThatNateGuyOnYouTube]

Very cool man! Thanks so much for this! I want to get back into building props at home, and I've never tried monster mud, so this will definitely come in handy.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thanks brother! Definitely try it! You can do so much with it!

[@homesteadgatherings]

Amazing thanks for sharing! Will get creating!

[@marigeobrien]

I bet you could use this to make fake boulders, too, if you wanted. It's definitely good for DIY headstones (I hate the pre-made ones-- all too kitschy.) I love the old ones. Like, "Here lies Lester Moore Four slugs from a .44 No Les, No More." Or, "I told you I was sick!" Or, "Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake Stepped on the gas Instead of the brake" Or, "Here lies John Yeast Pardon me for not rising."

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

These are all great headstone quotes! And yes, this can be used to make fake boulders

[@831zumbando]

Cool school in session 😎👍🏼 Thanks for yet another amazing tutorial, teacher Isaac 😉

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

You’re very welcome !

[@quinnshurian4201]

#SWOON You are so great. What I really enjoy about your work is it is very professional and beautiful ... but, also attainable. You're very talented. I also give you great kudos in how well you've developed your onscreen persona! You're becoming a natural. A handsome, entertaining, talented natural! Thank you for taking us along! #SWOON

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely compliment and message of support. The entire reason that I got into making DIY tutorials is that I was tired of trying to find good tutorials that were easy and shown in a good step by step fashion. Of course there are great Halloween creators that have done amazing videos but I create tutorials the way that I like to be taught; I like things broken down in an easy and attainable way. I like taking complex things and turning them into a simple walk in the park type of deal. The hardest part is actually filming because I have to figure out how to do it first before I can press record on the camera. So thank you for your kind words

[@erinobrien4081]

Fantastic tutorial, thank you! I went with #3 and am thrilled with the results!

[@MAZEMIND]

How would these mixes compare to something like bed liner? Also you might have better luck using mortar mix instead of concrete.

[@Nanner823]

I'm so very jealous of that organized setup behind you. My husband hates my mess 😩

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Im OCD about my tools lol

[@markanderson235]

The ones with concrete might have need more time to completely harden. I think it would hold to rain also

[@heatherkostell233]

Hi Isaac! This video has been so helpful in deciding which monster mud recipe to use. I'm currently sculpting some outdoor creatures out of spray foam and covering them in strips of monster mud to strengthen the exterior. I was wondering if you had any issues with cracks forming in the cloth after things fully dried/cured? I'm not necessarily worried about the weather, but rather more concerned with the overall look since it will be for a big event. Thanks!

[@mleon320]

Apple sauce! These were really cool to compare. You’re the best Halloween DIY KZbinr. Get it bestie!!! 🥰

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

I love corn 🌽

[@nickgandiosi8792]

Im making foam carved ground breaking spikes. For coating the foam i was thinking the concrete mix (texture seems best) would it hold up in wet conditions in terms of with it sticking on the foam?

[@123thebasics]

😲😲Thank you, for the comparisons. I've wondered why DIYers like Drylock vs. Classic mud so much. I've used the classic on my tombstones and a couple of paper mache pumpkins..so far they've held up well (2yrs). I'm going to do your wig head idea w/ drylock. Last year I made 2 columns with milk crates, styrofoam , gargoyles on top, skulls💀 in front and painted w/classic mud. Turned out great..Florida wind week before the storm blew them over & broke the gargoyles😱.I'd already thought of putting the heads on but not with the cover. 😊 Thank you for the video and a great idea❤💜

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much for this comment, and that’s so awesome that you have paper mache pumpkins that have lasted for two years. I’m glad you liked my video

[@TysonMurdock-k4l]

Love this. Can you use drywall compound for option 3 instead? It's about a third of the cost of the wallboard joint compound?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

@@TysonMurdock-k4l yes you can!

[@ashleymeunier1539]

Just found this recipe and I'm totally going to use your #3 recipe! I work at a paint store and can get everything I need! I just have one question... does the sheen matter on the paint? Or is flat best?

[@strikowskifamily5180]

This is so helpful! Thank you. Can't wait to do some Halloweening 🎃

[@ScaredDawgProductions]

Thank you for this. I am excited to try. One question however...if I mix a 5 gal supply, can the mixture be stored or does it have to be used ASAP?

[@DsLifeJourney]

I made a HD bucket of this and 5 years later with the lid being on tight I was able to reuse my left over Mud by just adding a little more water!

[@MsBabykins]

Just curious if after it dried you could spray it with a scotch guard fabric stiffener that add water proof to it?? ❤

[@RobC0313]

I want to make 2 large statues using king bedsheets- what’s the correct ratio or recipe for the dry lock version?

[@stalefurset9444]

Have you tried magnesium oxide cement? Or adding epoxy to the mix?

[@spatterson9846]

Could you spray Scotchgard on it as well to give it an extra layer of protection from the rain? Obviously it’s going to rain if you make an outdoor Halloween prop

[@terridubois6160]

Congratulations on your book! I'm ordering for my granddaughter!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much for ordering the book, Terri! That’s super sweet of you! I really hope she likes it! I appreciate your kindness

[@raid6994]

Classic Monster Mud looks the best imo. Second best is the one you like (with the DRYLOK).

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

In order to make an good monster mud creation you need to be able to paint it with accent details. What you see in the video is one shade of gray and is not what the final product should look like. To give realism to your statues, you need to use a combination of dark grays, light grays, some green here and there and some beige speckled on. So the classic recipe may look better in this situation but it hasn’t been painted to its finished look. In fact, I could make my least favorite one, the concrete hybrid one, look amazing simply by accentuating the features and using different colors to age and weather the bust. So don’t be misled simply by what is unfinished heads look like, at the end of the day we want durability and a weatherproof creation, so the DryLok is 100% the better option

[@got2surf90]

Thank you for doing a wet test. I’m in a darn rainforest and want to do one

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

You’re very welcome !

[@JustinStark-f6l]

I plan on making a skeleton this year. With your winning mix have you considered clear coating after with a flat clear?

[@chrisschanen]

I think instead of concrete if you want a stone look get that sand type substance that you put in paint to give a wall texture and when you mix it mix it lumpy

[@salpanettieri3115]

The joint compound you are showing - I believe is for interior use. Would it be better to use an exterior drywall compound or do you think it doesn’t matter?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

For years I have only used interior joint compound with exceptional results. I have made various monster mud statues that tower 6 and 8 feet tall and often times they stay outside year-round, and remain perfectly fine. The secret of course is using DryLok and exterior latex paint. I have a statue that has been outside in my backyard for two years and it’s still solid and all I used was interior joint compound, drylok , and exterior latex paint.

[@myleftshoe9]

I wonder how Durhams would work. Have you tried?

[@melissab2112]

I’m confused did u use grey latex paint as valspar seasonflex ?

[@CaptSchindler]

Can the mud last year round? I was hoping to leave it outside indefinitely.

[@kaseybeck9087]

Would Thompson all purpose water seal work in replace of the drylok?

[@melissab2112]

What kind of cloth did u use for the heads ?

[@lauraandedwardcannon8861]

Thanks for the comparison.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

You’re very welcome

[@carolwerner4009]

Thanks for the awesome comparison!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

You’re welcome :)

[@deoblo85]

that's great to have all the comparisons ..... thanks for sharing HFL!!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

No problem! 😊

[@Tysto]

This is a fantastic comparison. Thanks!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you So much man

[@ryandamato9651]

Hi Isaac. You do such an Amazing job with your statues and grave stones. On your tomb stones how do you make the embellished/3 dimensional symbols. Like the one on your Dracula tomb stone and the tombstone with the Skull? I would really like to know how you were able to do that? Also on your Statues have you tried any other head coverings other than a hood?

[@melissab2112]

What’s the top coat for waterproof sealing?

[@PaulHines1980]

I have some set pieces I got from spirit halloween that are cardboard can I use monster mud on it. Monster mud seems to be more practical with this yrs pieces I got. I know monster mud will save time and money instead of having to rebuild them

[@brbilode1]

Great video!

[@cRaZyVaL713]

So the first MM with the cement would work best for tombstones then or not at all in general??

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Yes, and no. If you wanted to make your tombstones look rough and aged, I would advise you to use insulation foam board and then apply a heat gun to roughen up the surface. If you’re using any other material other than foam board, the first option (cement mix) would probably be your best

[@rayay9581]

Try Gray tinted Drylock and Sanded Grout for floor tile.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

👍🏻

[@roosevelthillscemetery]

Dude by far you are the bomb!! Keep the videos coming I will be watching

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much! Appreciate the kind words and support!

[@melissaavendano7354]

This was pretty cool😍!!! It looks more complex than it really is, and the end result is awesome!!!💙

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you! It was fun making it

[@doaknife9161]

do is use what I would do I like your number three the drylok but what I would use is waterproof spray or a clear coat over the top of clear coat paint that makes a plastic shell over top of everything between the dry lock and that you wouldn't have worry about water at all. zilch nada

[@joedevitto6113]

Very interesting . only way to know is to experiment on products for sure ~ Very nice ~

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you Joe!

[@VelvetGenocide]

Having an issue with ratio. I am using thin set mortar and dry lock as well with a gal of paint. Would I keep it 1:1:1 or 2:1:1? Any feedback is much appreciated.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

@@VelvetGenocide I never used the thin set so I wouldn’t know what ratio to use

[@ALMAX65]

You can tint the dry lock save on the paint

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

That’s not how it works. Though It is true that DryLok can be tinted - they only tint it to one specific shade of light gray (and 10 colors total). That being said, latex paint is an essential ingredient for monster mud. So it doesn’t matter if you get grey DryLok, you still need latex paint.

[@Bgdaddywarbucks]

Thanks for the great tutorial! Would cheese cloth work in place of burlap?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

The problem with cheesecloth is that it’s very thin and you need a material that can soak up and hold the monster mud

[@RS.K-qp4ui]

Does this work on plastic table cloth material?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

@@RS.K-qp4ui it doesn’t

[@dearhart31]

This is such a great video!! Thanks for sharing! HELP - I have a question- I’m having. Hard time finding Drylok (in a quart, I don’t need a gallon), would you please recommend an alternative?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Hi Danielle, sorry for my delayed reply. Though I’m sure there’s alternatives, I wouldn’t know what to tell you because I’ve only ever used DryLok

[@Munz_is_at_your_house]

I hope you can answer this. Does it become heavy like a statue?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Yes, it can be heavy if used to make a statue. The 5ft statue I made is about 40-50lbs, of which half of that weight comes from the mixture weight. It’s not heavy is used on smaller items and tombstones

[@MakeupMobster]

Congrats on your book by the way! I get so distracted with your awesome projects that I’ve forgotten to say that for the last few videos.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much! It was definitely a dream come true to write something and have it published. Thank you for always being so kind and being so supportive of my channel

[@UnknownOriginFX]

Can you thin the mixture to run through a big airbrush gun?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Not at all. It would clog it instantly

[@travisburch6970]

I was wondering how would the #1 would do in a rain storm?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

I would assume it would do poorly considering that it was too soft to begin with. You want monster mud to have a solid state when it’s dry so if this one was soft and it was dry, I can only imagine how it would be when it rains

[@vickiemullen660]

This was really helpful. Thank you so much!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

You’re very welcome

[@s33amoose]

Great video, thanks Isaac. Do you have to use latex paint or can you use any exterior paint?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Hi there, great question! If the prop is going to go outside then you need to use exterior latex paint. But if you’re only using it on the inside of the home, or in a covered area, then you can use interior latex paint

[@MultiDragon1313]

I wonder if sifting the cement would get rid of the clumps? Because it works with flour when baking

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

you know John, that’s actually a great idea. I hadn’t thought of that. Perhaps it would’ve turned out better had a sifted it to get rid of all the little rocks

[@michaelduke9271]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY Try Feathercrete. It's an ultra fine textured, latex modified cement. I had some leftover from a project and made tombstone's from just the cement and it works great. I live in Florida and its pretty durable stuff. My tombstones are going on 3 years now

[@1bigslug]

Great comparision video!!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@DogoArgentinoUSA]

Great job

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@changp01]

This looks so good bop. You could do gargoyles and all sorts of things.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Yes indeed!

[@XenaWarrior95]

I make a lot of stuff u have made videos on. I made the giant gingerbread men for my Xmas display

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Glad my videos can help! 🙌🏻🎃

[@Nebelfarben]

Thank you for this Video! I had some struggle to figure aout, what I need to make a good MonsterMud. In germany no one knows what DRYLOK is. but now I know! :XD

[@fromcommonhandsstudio223]

Thanks again. Nice of you to do all the thinking and testing so I don't have too...lol

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

I’m all about working smarter not harder 😂

[@MakeupMobster]

I think the cement one didn’t work out because the lack of water. You need water in order for cement to fully cure. I wonder if adding water to the mix would help.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

I agree, I think it lacked water hence it’s lack of strength

[@unlimitedglobal]

use marine boat paint made for being in water

[@SyonisMacias]

Look great! Amazing job 🎉

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@jasonadams4321]

Some of the behind the scenes videos of movies I've seen then spraying monster mud with a large paint sprayer. Not an HVLP, but those big honking things you spray paint a barn with. Would any of these feed through something like that? Also, thank you for your service

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Hi Jason, as someone who isn’t familiar paint sprayers, I have no idea what would or wouldn’t work. I’m not even sure what is HVLP is lol

[@jasonadams4321]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY ah heck, no worries.. The more I was thinking of it, the more I think they were using those fiberglass sprayers like the boat industry uses to craft boat bodies.

[@mattperez7933]

for method number three, does it have to be latex? i went to home depot and they mentioned they don’t stock latex anymore 🤷🏽‍♂️. will 100% acrylic work ? thank you

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Matt, I’m not sure if you spoke to the most incompetent worker to ever be hired at Home Depot, but the standard paint type for Home Depot and Lowe’s is latex based paint. 95% of all the cans of paint that you see in the paint isles at Home Depot ARE latex paint. So there’s absolutely no way that the statement they gave you is correct. Maybe it’s the way you ask them but all you’re supposed to do is go grab a quart size or gallon size of exterior paint and tell them to mix it in the color you choose.

[@sweetitts]

If you are allergic to latex what can you use?

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

I would suggest using Google.

[@KellyNsGrotto]

Drylok has a gray, but I can see adding a darker gray/brown/black to the recipe for a deeper spooky effect.

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

DryLok can actually be made in about 10 colors, including white and grey. That being said, grey DryLok is irrelevant because the true color of the mixture comes from the latex paint. So getting gray versus white makes no difference because you still have to mix it with latex paint. The color only matters if you were using it as a standalone waterproofer versus monster mud

[@NegativeNomad]

Excellent video. Just in time for Halloween

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

🎃🎃

[@Fito.Calderon]

Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to see your Halloween yard for this year. ¡Saludos!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Muchas gracias amigo! I’ll have the grand reveal the first week of October

[@Fito.Calderon]

@@IsaacAlexanderDIY I won’t miss it 🎃

[@RealBradMiller]

Great video, just subscribed, time to look at more of your Halloween videos! Cheers, and congratulations on the book!!

[@IsaacAlexanderDIY]

Thank you so much Brad and welcome to my channel. I hope you like my other creations

[@gothic7821]

🤬💭I need to go back to Home Depot. I knew I was forgetting something. 🤦‍♀️ Thanks! Very helpful