I don't really know how to tackle the question, so I'll get straight to it:
I'm looking for a substance that can make, for example, a rope become hard and "rigid."
Like a type of glue you apply to the outside/dip rope/hose into and presto, it's instantly stone-ified.
It doesn't need to withstand much weight at all but should be able to make, for example, a metal-braided plumbing hose hold the shape it dried in.
For decorative purposes.
Does it sound feasible?
Preferably if it's transparent or can be painted over.
I'm looking for a substance that can make, for example, a rope become hard and "rigid."
Like a type of glue you apply to the outside/dip rope/hose into and presto, it's instantly stone-ified.
It doesn't need to withstand much weight at all but should be able to make, for example, a metal-braided plumbing hose hold the shape it dried in.
For decorative purposes.
Does it sound feasible?
Preferably if it's transparent or can be painted over.
Self-builder
· Stockholm
· 8 605 posts
Epoxy? 
Alternatively paint if it's not supposed to bear any weight...
Epoxy cures in 15 mins and paint takes at most an hour...
/K
Alternatively paint if it's not supposed to bear any weight...
Epoxy cures in 15 mins and paint takes at most an hour...
/K
There are several different methods, but if you want it to be really hard, you should dip/saturate the rope with laminating epoxy. You can also try wallpaper paste or fabric starch, but it won’t be rock-hard then. Water glass may also work if it's natural fiber. For synthetic ropes, you can use a lighter to melt the fibers together, which fixes them to some extent.
Thanks for the reply. Looks like I should explore epoxy.
Try using Biltema's laminating epoxy, it is fairly cheap and good: http://www.biltema.se/sv/Bat/Kemikalier/Polyester-och-Epoxi/Lamineringsepoxi/
If larger quantities of roving need to be treated, you can order via Epoxibutiken: http://www.epoxibutiken.se
If larger quantities of roving need to be treated, you can order via Epoxibutiken: http://www.epoxibutiken.se
Appearance is not unimportant. Does epoxy turn yellow, crack, or similar when used in a home environment?
The epoxy from both stores above becomes very slightly yellow after drying, if you want completely transparent, for example, West System offers it. All epoxy exposed to sunlight (UV light) should be clear-coated with a polyurethane varnish for the best protection and durability, but regular water-based acrylic varnish should also work for decorative items. If the epoxy is not varnished, it will yellow over the years and the surface may become blotchy.