How to Cast Faux Stone
With mass-produced molds for forming faux stones, your rock creation can be made to individual specifications. Faux stones are great for waterfalls or other projects where exact measurements for the rock work are needed. Wide stone counter-tops can also be made with cement stone molds. It is possible to make multiple castings of faux rocks with these molds. They come in many sizes, ranging from 4 to 18 inches. Many faux stones can be created and rock visions realized for a fraction of the cost of buying real rocks.. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mask or respirator
- Work gloves
- Eye protection
- Polystyrene plastic or polyethylene faux stone molds
- Tarp
- 5 gallon bucket or wheelbarrow
- Trowel
- Redi-Mix concrete or Portland cement
- Sand
- Vegetable cooking spray
Instructions
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1
Purchase polystyrene plastic or polyethylene faux stone molds. There are many shapes and sizes to choose from online. Some craft and hardware stores will also carry these molds.
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Define an outdoor workspace. Lay a tarp down as a work area.
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3
Measure the amount of dried mix needed for the size project that is undertaken. Redi-Mix concrete or Portland cement and sand are mixed with water to create the substance to pour into the mold. Follow directions on the packaging. The Redi-Mix only needs water added. If using Portland cement, the ratio of sand to cement is generally 3 to 1 (three parts sand to every one part cement). Be prepared for some hard mixing. Cement can take more muscle power than you would expect. Be certain to mix thoroughly.
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Add water in small quantities, mixing thoroughly before adding more. The small amounts of water that you add will be immediately absorbed by the dry mix and a chemical reaction begins. Do not be tempted to add a large amount of water all at once as this will weaken the final product. The proportions are important.
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Spray the mold with a vegetable spray.
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Trowel the concrete mix into the molds.
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Tamp the mold to release any possible air bubbles.
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Allow the molds to dry overnight. Cover the poured mold with plastic to slow the drying time..
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Remove the faux stone from the mold. Concrete takes a month or more to reach maximum strength. Do not rush to step on or apply stress to your stones. Rain or spraying with a hose is actually good for curing concrete.
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Clean your molds thoroughly with water after use, unless you are going to fill them immediately with another pouring of concrete.
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Tips & Warnings
Iron oxide pigment and other coloring agents can be added to molds or to cement for color variation. These colorants can be obtained at hardware stores.
Cement dust is dangerous to breathe. Wear a mask or respirator.
Cement dust or wet concrete on your skin can cause burns, rashes and skin irritations.
Cement dust in your eyes may cause immediate or delayed irritation of the eyes. Wear goggles for safety.
