Save Up to 90 Percent on Manufactured Stone For Home Improvement Projects

Here you will learn to cast natural-looking stoneconcise step-by-step instructions normally come
for pennies each! With these instructions, readilywith molds.
available molds, concrete, and items found in mostThe bag of concrete has mixing instructions to
garages, you can make professional-looking stonefollow. You want a stiff mix, but not one that is
or veneer for about $0.55 a square foot,too dry. It should not flow like pancake batter.
depending on thickness. Why pay $6.00 or moreToo thin a mix will give you a weak stone. To
at retail? And you can make the stone in anycolor your stone, blend powdered colorant into
colors you like, right in your garage, basement,the dry concrete first. If using a liquid colorant,
shed, or backyard. No special skills are required.add it to your batch water first, then proceed as
Just follow these simple step-by-step instructions.normal. When your concrete is mixed and colored,
ITEMS NEEDED: molds - mixing tub or wheelfill the molds halfway. Vibrate your molds by
barrow - bags of premix concrete - colorant -bouncing to compact the mix and disburse
water - shovel - plastic wrap or sheet - plastictrapped air. 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 makeprocess. Do not remove this water as it helps
concrete castings almost anywhere, andwith 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 freezingplastic. Keep the concrete wet for as long as
temperatures during the mixing and curingpossible. The hydration process is what helps cure
process. Once concrete is cured, temperature isthe stone. Leave the filled molds alone for about
not a factor. The cast stone can be stored24 hours. The concrete will get stronger the
outside with no problems. After mixing, and duringlonger it's curing in the mold.
the curing process, it is best to produce the stoneDEMOLDING: Normally, you can demold your
in as moderate a temperature as possible, evenstone after 24 hours. Place your mold flat with
though concrete sets up and cures at almost anythe 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 astone easily. If it sticks, gently press the center
mold release to the molds. Use a commercial moldand each mold corner lightly to help loosen it.
release or a light vegetable oil. For ease, spray theThere, you have it! If you are going to pour more
release from a Dollar Store plant-misting sprayerstone right away, apply mold release to molds
directly into the mold. Spread the oil and wipe anyand follow the procedure as before. Use mold
excess out with a fine sponge or cotton cloth. Arelease to help dislodge any color or concrete that
very light coating is all that is required. To get amay have stuck to your molds.
natural random shading effect, sprinkle powderedCURING YOUR STONE: You should now put your
colorant into the oiled mold. Shake it from side tostones in a protected area and cover them with
side. Use a brush to spread the colorant aroundplastic again to keep the moisture in. Let them
the inside of the mold. The most natural lookingcure for a week or two before applying a sealer.
results are obtained with a random spreading andIf your stone is for an exterior application, you
dusting of a couple of colors.can apply a penetrating sealer to protect it and
MIXING PREMIX BAGS OF CONCRETE: If youhelp prevent staining. If it's an interior wall
have a very large project, or want to use a basicapplication you don't even have to seal it. A topical
concrete mix using Portland cement, or if yousealer can be used for floors if desired. Your
want to make a lightweight concrete, basicstone can be installed about a week after
concrete mixes are available on Google, anddemolding if you need to.