Casting Concrete Ornament Using Latex Molds.

There are different sorts of concrete mixes which will yield everything from rough as above in the feline , or a smooth finish like carved stone.

In this case we do a fast , straight forward mix and pour , the mold was agitated by hand only ( Shaken. )

Step 1: Latex Mold.

We used a latex mold , see my other videos here on instructables at oldschoolwood.

The mix was done with a home mix purchased at the hardware store. It is mixed in a bucket with a paddle and drill .

It is then poured into a mold treated with mold release ( castin' craft brand in this case , ) and then agitated by hand to bring up bubbles .

The mix was careless and allowed some grit ( small stones ) to build up here and there in crevices and hollows. This produces a relic like appearance to the finished ornament.

Step 2: Smooth Mix With Resin.

A smoother mix using a resin based tile cement was used here. The pour was gentle and the mixing was done using my fingers to create as few bubbles as possible . Then it was hand shaken to release any bubbles.

Step 3: The Demolding of the Concrete After a Day of Setting.

These pieces are for my garden . Concrete lasts for decades when sealed or painted .

Coloring can be done in the mix stage itself.

Step 4: An Experiment With Countertop Mix .

I just tried to cast a Countertop mix ( commercial product.) I colored it with powdered pigment . At 24 hours the cast fell apart in my hands and had shrank about one percent or so . The detail might have been good but the thing fell apart.

I have one other cast which I shall let set for a week before pulling it .

This one came out like a green sand cast .

I shall try the non colored mix next , straight from the bag , as an experiment . The surface texture could be very nice.