![]() Cut a sheet slightly smaller than the mold’s diameter, lay flat into mold half-filled with concrete, then fill mold to top. Wire mesh (such as chicken wire) greatly improves concrete strength. Concrete which has been completely painted with either concrete paint or patio paint need not be sealed. For stones containing iron oxide pigments, UV sealants will help maintain color.Īllow the stone to cure 10 days to 2 weeks before applying sealants. Water-based epoxy bonds well to concrete, is harder than acrylic sealants, but isn’t UV-stable. Solvent-based acrylic sealants generally perform better than water-based products for outdoor use, are UV-stable, and are recommended for applications where a flat finish is desired. Acrylic sealants are UV stable, inexpensive and easy to apply but have the softest, least durable finish. There are many sealants available on the market. They permeate the pores in concrete, helping form a water barrier. Some ways to prevent cracking are:įound in hardware and home improvement centers. Concrete is porous any water which has soaked into the stone will freeze and expand during cold winters, possibly creating fractures. Special consideration needs to be given to the durability of stepping stones in cold climates. During periods of extreme heat orĬold, cure stones in a basement or insulated garage. ![]() NOTE: Moderate temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s (degrees F) are ideal for curing concrete. After demolding, cure stone another week before setting in ground. Then fill the mold, tapping a few times to level concrete.Ĭover filled mold with plastic sheeting and allow concrete to harden in a cool (and level!) location for two days before removing from mold. Think of this motion as a gentle vibration. ![]() Turn the mold 90 degrees and repeat, until all four sides have been lifted and tapped down. To remove air bubbles from the concrete (which otherwise form pockmarks on the finished surface), lift one side of the mold ¼”-½” and tap lightly up and down on the worktable for a minute or so. Take notes on how much is used so that the color can be duplicated or tweaked in future pours.įill mold with 1/4″ to 1/2″ of concrete, just enough to cover the design surface. The colors will appear muted while the concrete is still wet, so resist adding extra pigment. Generally, 3-4 tablespoons pigment per step stone and 1 1/2 tablespoons per Edging Stone stone will produce a pleasing saturation. If the mixture is so runny that these ridges don’t appear, add a little more dry concrete. The mixture should be the consistency of muffin or brownie batter and “ridges” should form when a stick or paddle is run through. Add water slowly, stirring well between additions.
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