How to Make Concrete Paver Molds for Bricks
It's often easier and cheaper at remote construction sites to create pavers for surface coverage rather than to transport in a load of bricks. When you still desire that brick look, though, a concrete paver mold created to look like a brick can make the difference between a plain surface and one with character. Before turning out loads of brick-appearance pavers, you'll need to make the molds first, and for that, you'll need silicone rubber along with a few other easy-to-obtain items. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Plastic box
- Brick
- Polymer clay
- Mold release agent
- Silicone rubber mold mix
- Plastic cup
- Craft stick
Instructions
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1
Measure the length, width and height of the brick. Find a plastic container large enough to hold the brick with about 1/2 inch of clearance on all sides and about 2 inches on the top. Check grocery stores for disposable freezer storage canisters, or with office supplies that sell organizers or storage bins of all sizes.
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2
Wash the brick off in water. Use a wire brush to remove any dirt or debris as well as any loose, clinging mortar. Pat the brick dry and allow it to continue drying for about four hours.
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3
Place a level bed of polymer clay into the base of the plastic container 1-inch thick.
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4
Center the brick in the bed of clay pressing it into the clay slightly to hold it in place. There should be a 1/2-inch space surrounding all brick edges.
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5
Spray the clay base, the brick and the plastic walls surrounding the brick with mold release spray to prevent the rubber used to create the mold from sticking.
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6
Mix the silicone rubber that you're using to create the mold together in a plastic cup. Use a craft stick to combine the rubber with the catalyst, using the manufacturer mixing ratio, until the mixture is smooth and clear. Pour this mixture into the plastic canister from a corner, covering the brick completely with 1/2 inch of the rubber mix. Tap the plastic box sides with the craft stick to knock any air bubbles contained in the mix to the top where they should burst with air contact. Wait for the rubber to cure to firmness. Times vary according to mix, so consult the rubber manufacturer's instructions for expected wait time.
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7
Flip the firmed mold over and tap the plastic to loosen the mold in place. The mold should slide out. Peel the clay from the brick, then peel the mold from the brick. This mold will serve to make concrete pavers that bear the exact same appearance and texture of the brick when filled with concrete, only without the color.
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