FAQs

• What is your return policy?
• How long has your company been creating synthetic rock?
• How long has JPJ Technologies, Inc. been The School of Synthetic Rock?
• How does synthetic rocks compare too real rock in cost and appearance?
• How long does synthetic rocks last and have they been field-tested?
• How do synthetic rocks hold up in freeze / thaw or high temperature conditions?
• What are the proper methods for cleaning synthetic rocks?
• Can the synthetic blow away in the wind?
• What about unwanted moss or algae growth?
• Do you teach how to culture or simulate moss or algae on the rocks we order?
• Can I put fish, snails or water plants in the ponds?
• How much do the synthetic rocks weigh?
• What about the price and availability of your classes?
• Can the synthetic rocks be put into swimming pools?
• What is done to seal the synthetic rocks and how long does it last?
• Can I create any type of customized rock formations, textures or color?
• Are the synthetic rocks painted or stained?
• Why do the synthetic rocks look so real?
• Do the synthetic rocks fade?
• Are the synthetic rocks fire Resistance?
• How do I know what my costs of a certain size rock or rock feature will be in order to bid it to a customer?
• What are the synthetic rocks made of?
• Do you provide references?
• Are there courses for beginners?
• Do you offer any discounts for two or more people attending from the same company?
• Where are courses located?
• What tools do I need to make synthetic rock?
• Is there training on how to market artificial rock installation services?
• Where do I find the materials to make synthetic rock? Do I have to purchase them from JPJ Technologies, Inc?

What is your return policy?

Opened product can only be exchanged if it was packaged incorrectly or is defective. A written explanation plus your order information must be sent with the item to be exchanged. There are no refunds for the DVD Mail Order Course. All sales are final.

How long has your company been creating synthetic rock?

JPJ has been creating and testing synthetic rock for all uses for over 30 years. Its products have been featured on the nationally syndicated cable television shows Monster House and Trading Spaces, and at locations like Walt Disney World in Florida.

How long has JPJ Technologies, Inc. been The School of Synthetic Rock?

For nine years. Currently, it is the largest training school in the world on the fabrication, design and construction of artificial rock for residential and commercial projects. The school has trained students from every continent.

How does synthetic rocks compare too real rock in cost and appearance?

Synthetic rocks weigh less and are more durable. They are able to better withstand the elements of extreme or harsh weather conditions. They are crack and stain resistant and resist algae growth. They also resist fading, chalking, chlorine and chloride attack better than other rock systems, synthetic or real. Real rock often cracks and leaks over time primarily due to the contact with water. Synthetic rock is more environmentally friendly because it does not require disruption of natural settings to acquire. The cost of creating artificial rock is a fraction of the cost of purchasing and transporting real rock.

How long does synthetic rocks last and have they been field-tested?

They can last a lifetime. We have had over thirty years of field-testing and the rocks are doing fine with regard to structural integrity, textured finishes, and stained finishes.

How do synthetic rocks hold up in freeze / thaw or high temperature conditions?

JPJ has specifically designed formulas that resist damage from freezing, thawing and high temperatures. The characteristics of many different formulations of high comprehensive strength composite materials and synthetic concretes creates a product that is more durable than conventional other synthetic rock materials or real rock.

What is the proper method for cleaning the synthetic rocks?

The synthetic rocks can be cleaned with water and a nylon brush. If calcium or alkaline buildup develops, a mild diluted acid solution may be used. To clean with an acid solution, wet down the rock with water then spray on the mild diluted acid solution. Let the solution remain on the surface for five minutes. Use rubber gloves and wear safety glasses before scrubbing the stains with a nylon brush.

Can the synthetic blow away in the wind?

No. When properly installed, the rock will not blow away. There also are installation techniques to prevent theft of faux rocks.

What about unwanted moss or algae growth?

JPJ’s synthetic rock is not porous like other synthetic rock systems or real rock so moss or algae cannot stain or establish a strong foothold. The product contains a thermo plastic sealer that prevents moss and algae growth.

Do you teach how to culture or simulate moss or algae on the rocks we order?

Yes. Course instruction includes how to create the effect of any type of sedimentary depositing.

Can I put fish, snails or water plants in the ponds?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. As with any water feature, there are steps required to maintain biological harmony. JPJ offers training on all these and all other aspects of water features using synthetic rock.

How much do the synthetic rocks weigh?

The weight depends on the type of materials and the building method used. Weights range from a feather light faux rock that weighs less than a pound and can fit in your hand to a large solid filled artificial rock measuring 550 square feet and weighing 1,000 pounds. Whatever the size or material used, the faux rock is always lighter than real rock.

What about the price and availability of your classes?

It is best to call or email for this information. We have the best quality priced training anywhere giving the most ability to create the most realism found in the industry. Anyone who invests in our training can expect a full return on that investment on the first job they install. This return quickly comes back in seven main ways:

1. Large saving of thousand of dollars and hours if not years of research and development that will directly relate to the next six listed items
2. Savings on products or on pre-packaged rock systems and pre cast rock panels.
3. The ability to create the most realistic synthetic rock found in the industry – Through our 11 methods of building, our 12 methods of texturing and our 12 methods of staining.
4. The ability to create strong, long lasting and durable rock features.
5. Large labor savings through our effective, field tested and proven methods of construction.
6. Your increased knowledge of overall business, marketing, sales, estimating and designing. Your increased skill levels with regard to building, texturing, staining, sealing, plumbing and electrical.
7. Saving from call backs (labor and materials) No tarnish of your professional image which is very hard to put a price on.

Can the synthetic rocks be put into swimming pools?

Yes. Courses train students on how to create many different aesthetic and functional amenities for spas or swimming pools.

What is done to seal the synthetic rocks and how long does it last?

Instructors teach students several methods for sealing rock features. JPJ uses a thermo plastic sealer that is reapplied every five years.

Can I create any type of customized rock formations, textures or color?

Yes. Students learn how to create any product to fit exact specifications of size shape/form, texture and color. Mold any item or any prototype, and manufacture as many as needed.

Are the synthetic rocks painted or stained?

Yes. The synthetic rocks are colored using a dozen different methods. JPJ uses a minimum of 14 penetrating stain colors on every rock to produce a realistic final product with a three-dimensional, color variegated look.

Why do the synthetic rocks look so real?

The molds are made from real rock. A patented molding process duplicates every nick, crack and crevice on the real specimen.

Do the synthetic rocks fade?

Although the faux rocks weather like any other product placed outdoors, the changes are very slight and should go unnoticed. The rocks also are finished with UV resistant stains and sealed with a thermo plastic UV protection.

Are the synthetic rocks fire Resistance?

Yes. Different formulations of high comprehensive strength composite materials and synthetic concretes create fire retardant synthetic rock. JPJ synthetic rock products carry a very high fire resistance rating.

How do I know what my costs of a certain size rock or rock feature will be in order to bid it to a customer?

We give you extensive estimating training that gives you the knowledge and confidence to bid any job. In addition, there is technical support on all of our training.

What are the synthetic rocks made of?

JPJ products are made from formulas that contain a variety of materials including epoxy, urethane, polyester, acrylic, modified cementitus mixtures, and foam composite mixes. The artificial rocks have a thermo plastic clear coat to maintain color. Courses provide all of the formulas used for the blends of special proprietary composite materials required to make the synthetic rock.

Do you provide references?

Yes. References are provided upon request. Call toll free at 1-888-684-0086.

Are there courses for beginners?

Yes. Courses are offered for all skill levels. Training is designed to help all students increase skills in building, texturing, staining, sealing, plumbing and electrical projects involving faux rock.

Do you offer any discounts for employee groups of two or more?

Yes. There is a $200 discount for each additional employee.

Where are courses located?

Courses are offered at eleven locations throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. More locations are opening this year. Upon request, instructors will travel to job sites to provide training. DVD courses also are available. To register for courses or for more information, call toll free at 1-888-684-0086 or contact us at info@jpjtechnologies.com.

What tools do I need to make synthetic rock?

Most individuals already have most of the tools needed.

Is there training on how to market artificial rock installation services?

Yes. A marketing component educates students in the overall business, marketing, sales, estimating and designing techniques for synthetic rock installation.

Where do I find the materials to make synthetic rock? Do I have to purchase them from JPJ Technologies, Inc?

Absolutely not! We are not a product driven company! You will find nearly everything you need at your local home improvement store or a masonry store. We are here for technical support, but not for continued sales from you.