Concrete Mold Instructions
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Prepare the mold: Clean the mold thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. Apply a release agent to the mold to prevent the concrete from sticking to the mold for future use.
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Mix the concrete: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the concrete. You can use a ready-mix concrete or mix your own using a bag of cement, sand, gravel, and water. Make sure the concrete is of a consistency that will flow easily into the mold and not be too thick or thin.
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Fill the mold: Carefully pour the mixed concrete into the mold, making sure to fill all the corners and edges. Tap the sides of the mold gently to help release any air pockets.
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Level the concrete: Use a trowel or a straight edge to level the surface of the concrete. Make sure the surface is smooth and even.
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Let the concrete set: Allow the concrete to set and cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of concrete and the size of the mold.
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Demolding: Once the concrete has set, carefully remove the mold. You may need to gently pry the edges of the mold away from the concrete. If the concrete is stuck to the mold, use hot water to warm the mold and make demolding a breeze.
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Finish the concrete: Depending on the desired finish, you may need to sand, polish, or paint the concrete. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
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Clean and store the mold: Clean the mold thoroughly after each use to remove any concrete residue and store it in a dry place to protect it from damage.
Note: The above instructions are general guidelines and may vary depending on the type of concrete mold you are using. It's important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and any safety precautions.
Items needed:
- AUTUMN Concrete Mold
- Concrete mix
- Mixing bucket
- Hoe for mixing or small trowel
- Water
- Lubricant (silicon mold release, cooking spray, or motor oil)
Pro-Tips
Prepare your mold: Prepare the molds using a lubricant or a mold release. This helps in removing the finished piece from the mold and extends the life of your molds.
Tapping: tapping matters, any tool that generate vibration helps. The goal is to eliminate air bubbles to make the concrete stronger and more durable
Mixing: Mix the concrete according to the directions on the bag. Add a little water at a time to achieve the right consistency so it is not too runny.
Demolding: make demolding a breeze by using hot* water to warm the plastic concrete mold and loosen the set concrete.
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Cement mix recommendations:
Any mix works fine. We use:
60 lbs. 24/6 Fast-Setting Concrete Mix
55 lbs. Cement All Multi-Purpose Construction Material - sets in 1-2 hours
Concrete reinforcement:
Clamps for sphere molds:
How to clean the molds?
Water and soap, if hard to clean use Muriatic Acid
Concrete Acid Staining
New Heavy-Duty Flagstone Molds
* Ideally, the water should be similar to hot tap water, around 120-130°F (49-54°C). The goal is to warm the mold enough to loosen the concrete without causing any damage to the mold or the concrete. Boiling water can be too hot and may cause damage to the plastic mold or the concrete. If using boiling water - use caution.