Unexpected Beauty
The Journey Begins: Molding More Than Just a Stone
Cheyenne Garden Fixtures all started making Atlas Stones for Strongman Athletes. I recently got the opportunity to fill a unique and meaningful order for an Athlete in Colorado that he said would carry some sentimental value. He shared a special design, a symbol of achievement not just for himself but also for the community of athletes he trains alongside. This wasn't just any order; it was a request to encapsulate dedication, perseverance, and unity into a tangible form—a large, custom-designed Atlas Stone.
Embracing the challenge with enthusiasm, I dove into the process, determined to bring his vision to life. This blog post is a journey through the meticulous steps taken to produce not just a stone, but a monument to the athlete's journey and the bonds formed through the rigors of training. Join us as we delve into the story behind creating this remarkable stone, a testament to the spirit of strength and camaraderie.
The Core and Color
The request was specific: a design emblazoned on a 420-pound Atlas Stone. Typically, a 22” stone tips the scales at 440 pounds, but achieving the desired weight meant innovating with a foam sphere at its core, effectively reducing its density without compromising size. Crafting foam cores in-house allowed for precision in this delicate balancing act—I created one tailored to reduce the stone's weight by approximately 20 pounds.
With the preparations complete, the creative phase began. I’ve used dye in the past, but I opted for an acid stain to achieve the stone's hue—a decision driven by the desire for a striking black backdrop that would make the client's design not just visible, but vividly stand out. This process, blending artistry with craftsmanship, set the stage for a piece that was more than a training tool; it was to be a personalized artifact of the athlete's journey and aspirations.
Polishing to Perfection
The process unfolded seamlessly. A few days after pouring, we carefully removed the stone from its mold, allowing it some extra time to cure. This step was vital to ensure the stone hardened adequately for what came next.
Our client had expressed a desire for a glossy, polished finish on the stone. Achieving such a look meant I would need to grind the stone to a smooth, 3000-grit shine. Given the significant size of a 22” stone, this task was no minor undertaking.
I set aside a couple of hours dedicated solely to this part of the process, ensuring I could give the stone the attention and care it deserved. This meticulous polishing wasn't just about meeting the client's request; it was about elevating the stone to a level of beauty and finish that transcends the ordinary, turning it into a testament to both strength and craftsmanship.
Experimentation with Color
Once the stone was polished to perfection, the next phase was to apply the stain. I reached for the same acid stain that had produced richly dark surfaces on previous projects. Although those stones achieved a very dark hue, they tended towards a slightly brownish tint under certain lights. My aim this time was to layer the stain, hoping that multiple applications would deepen the color to a true, unambiguous black.
The application process began early in the day, ensuring the first coat enveloped the stone completely. This task demands patience and precision, as the stone's natural pores and any fissures around its midpoint require meticulous attention to fill with stain.
By evening, I was layering on the second coat, followed by a third the next morning, each layer intensifying the stone's color. Afterward, I allowed the stone to rest, giving the acid ample time to react with the concrete. A couple of days later, I sealed the reaction with a base, locking in the color. I stood back, looking at the stone now as dark as the night sky, a testament to the meticulous care and strategy behind its creation.
Unexpected Beauty
The final hue of the stone didn't quite hit the pitch-black mark I had envisioned, yet the result was unexpectedly striking. The stone took on a rich, deep brown—a shade not black, but with a breathtaking depth that captivated me nonetheless. Despite my partiality for the outcome, I recognized that without resorting to painting, achieving a true black might be beyond the capabilities of the stain used. Future endeavors might see me experimenting with different brands or types of stain products to reach that elusive black.
For the design, I ventured beyond my usual simplicity, employing a vinyl stencil not just for a singular color but for a layered design encompassing a background and two-toned text. This complexity introduced a new level of challenge, necessitating a dive into research and method refinement. After some trial and error, I succeeded in applying the intricate design onto the stone. This experience highlighted areas for improvement in handling more complex designs, setting a path for growth.
As I look at the completed stone, my hope is rooted in the client’s satisfaction. Despite the deviations from the original plan, the unique color and the drama of the layered design may just encapsulate the essence of achievement the client sought. It's a reminder that sometimes, the unexpected turns can lead to remarkable results.
The Final Seal and the Color Reveal
Sealing the stone marks the culmination of its transformation, a pivotal moment where its true character is revealed. Until the sealant is applied, the stone's final appearance remains a mystery, veiled by the myriad of chemicals used to ensure its durability and color longevity. These substances, while essential for the stone's resilience against the rigors of strongman competitions, initially cast a foggy sheen over its surface, obscuring its true hue.
However, with the application of the final coat of sealant, the stone's beauty began to emerge, dispelling any uncertainty about its finish. Each stroke of the sealant not only enhanced the stone's durability but also brought out the depth and richness of the color, transforming it before my eyes. The satisfaction grew with every layer applied, confirming that the stone had reached its full potential.
Once dry, the stone stood as a testament to the journey it had undergone—from a concept to a tangible symbol of strength and beauty. Here's a glimpse of the stone in its full glory, a perfect harmony of function and aesthetics.
Crafting Symbols of Strength
As I reflect on this entire process, from the initial concept to the final, sealed masterpiece, the journey of crafting this Atlas Stone has been a remarkable blend of challenge and creativity. It stands not just as a piece of equipment, but as a symbol of the dedication both the athlete and I put into our crafts. Though the path to achieving the perfect hue and finish was fraught with trials, the end result—a stone that encapsulates strength, resilience, and beauty—made it all worthwhile. This project reaffirms my passion for bringing unique visions to life, stone by stone.