| Here is how to make real-looking stone with | | | | concise step-by-step instructions normally come |
| concrete for pennies each! With these instructions, | | | | with molds. |
| molds available everywhere, concrete, and items | | | | The bag of concrete has mixing instructions to |
| found in your garden shed, you can make thick | | | | follow. You want a stiff mix, but not one that is |
| stone or veneer for about $0.55 a square foot, | | | | too dry. It should not flow like pancake batter. |
| depending on thickness. Why pay around $6.00 at | | | | Too thin a mix will give you a weak stone. To |
| retail? And you can make the stone any colors | | | | color your stone, blend powdered colorant into |
| you want. Make it in your garden shed, garage, | | | | the dry concrete first. If using a liquid colorant, |
| basement, or out in the backyard. Anyone can do | | | | add it to your batch water first, then proceed as |
| it! Just follow these simple step-by-step | | | | normal. When your concrete is mixed and colored, |
| instructions. | | | | fill the molds halfway. Immediately bounce your |
| ITEMS NEEDED: molds - mixing tub or wheel | | | | molds up and down to help compact the concrete |
| barrow - bags of premix concrete - colorant - | | | | mixture, and break up any air pockets to insure a |
| water - shovel - plastic wrap or sheet - plastic | | | | solid base. Then fill molds the rest of the way. |
| gloves and eye protection - mold release - desire. | | | | Excess liquid will come to the surface during this |
| MAKING CONCRETE STONE: You can make | | | | process. Do not remove this water as it helps |
| concrete castings almost anywhere, and | | | | with hydration. Now put your filled mold on a level |
| depending on temperatures, at almost any time. | | | | surface away from direct sunlight. Cover with |
| The main thing is to stay above freezing | | | | plastic. Keep the concrete wet for as long as |
| temperatures during the mixing and curing | | | | possible. The hydration process is what helps cure |
| process. Once concrete is cured, temperature is | | | | the stone. Leave the filled molds alone for about |
| not a factor. The cast stone can be stored | | | | 24 hours. The concrete will get stronger the |
| outside with no problems. After mixing, and during | | | | longer it's curing in the mold. |
| the curing process, it is best to produce the stone | | | | DEMOLDING: Normally, you can demold your |
| in as moderate a temperature as possible, even | | | | stone after 24 hours. Place your mold flat with |
| though concrete sets up and cures at almost any | | | | the face of the mold up. Gently lift the mold off |
| temperature. | | | | from the corners. It will normally come off your |
| CONCRETE MOLD PREPARATION: First, apply a | | | | stone easily. If it sticks, gently press the center |
| mold release to the molds. Use a commercial mold | | | | and each mold corner lightly to help loosen it. |
| release or a light vegetable oil. For ease, spray the | | | | There, you have it! If you are going to pour more |
| release from a Dollar Store plant-misting sprayer | | | | stone right away, apply mold release to molds |
| directly into the mold. Spread the oil and wipe any | | | | and follow the procedure as before. Use mold |
| excess out with a fine sponge or cotton cloth. A | | | | release to help dislodge any color or concrete that |
| very light coating is all that is required. To get a | | | | may have stuck to your molds. |
| natural random shading effect, sprinkle powdered | | | | CURING YOUR STONE: You should now put your |
| colorant into the oiled mold. Shake it from side to | | | | stones in a protected area and cover them with |
| side. Use a brush to spread the colorant around | | | | plastic again to keep the moisture in. Let them |
| the inside of the mold. The most natural looking | | | | cure for a week or two before applying a sealer. |
| results are obtained with a random spreading and | | | | For exterior applications, use a penetrating sealer |
| dusting of a couple of colors. | | | | to help prevent staining. If it's an interior wall |
| MIXING PREMIX BAGS OF CONCRETE: If you | | | | application you don't even have to seal it. A topical |
| have a very large project, or want to use a basic | | | | sealer can be used for floors if desired. Your |
| concrete mix using Portland cement, or if you | | | | stone can be installed about a week after |
| want to make a lightweight concrete, basic | | | | demolding if you need to. |
| concrete mixes are available on Google, and | | | | |