Here you will learn to cast real-looking stone for pennies each! With these instructions, readily available molds, concrete, and items found in most garages, you can make professional-looking stone or veneer for about $0.50 a square foot, depending on thickness. Why pay $6.00 or more retail? And you can make the stone in any colors you like, right in your garage, basement, shed, or backyard with no previous experience. Just follow these simple step-by-step instructions.



ITEMS NEEDED:

Molds - wheel barrow or concrete mixing tub - bags of premix concrete - colorant - water - shovel - plastic wrap or sheet - plastic gloves and eye protection - mold release - desire.

MAKING CONCRETE STONE:

You can make concrete castings almost anywhere, and depending on temperatures, at almost any time. The main concern is to stay above freezing temperatures during the mixing and curing process. Once concrete is cured, temperature is not a factor. The cast stone can be stored outside with no problems. After mixing, and during the curing process, it is best to produce the stone in as moderate a temperature as possible, even though concrete sets up and cures at almost any temperature.

CONCRETE MOLD PREPARATION:

First, apply a mold release to the molds. Use a commercially prepared mold release or a light vegetable oil. For ease, spray the release from a Dollar Store plant-misting spray bottle directly into the mold. Spread the oil and wipe any excess out with a fine sponge or cotton cloth. Leave enough oil to barely coat the mold. A very light coating is all that is required.

To get a natural random shading effect, sprinkle powdered colorant into the oiled mold. Shake it from side to side. Use a brush to spread the colorant around the inside of the mold. The most natural looking results are obtained with a random spreading or dusting of a couple of colors.

MIXING PREMIX BAGS OF CONCRETE:

If you have a very large project, or want to use a basic concrete mix using Portland cement, sand, gravel, etc., or if you want to make a medium or light-weight concrete, basic concrete mixes are available on Google, and concise step-by-step instructions normally come with the molds.

Follow the mixing directions on the bag of pre-mix concrete. Mix the amount you will need for your project. You want a stiff mix, but not one that is too dry. It should not flow like pancake batter. Too thin a mix will give you a weak stone. To color your stone, blend powdered colorant into the dry concrete first. If using a liquid colorant, mix it into the mixing water first then add to the concrete.

When your concrete is mixed and colored, fill the mold halfway. Immediately bounce your mold up and down to help compact the concrete mixture, and to break up any air pockets and insure a solid base. Then fill the rest of the way. Excess liquid will come to the surface during this process. Do not remove this water.

Now put your filled mold on a level surface away from direct sunlight. Cover with plastic. You want to keep the concrete as wet as possible for as long as possible. The hydration process is what helps cure the stone. Leave the filled molds alone for about 24 hours. The concrete will get stronger the longer it's in the mold curing. The curing process is vital.

DEMOLDING:

Normally, you can demold your stone after 24 hours. Place your mold flat with the face of the mold facing up. Gently lift the mold off from the corners. It will normally lift right off your stone easily. If it sticks, gently press the center and each mold corner lightly to help loosen it. There you have it!

If you are going to pour more stone right away, apply mold release to molds and follow the procedure as before. Use mold release to help dislodge any color or concrete that may have stuck to your molds.

THE CONCRETE CURING PROCESS:

You should now put your stones in a protected area and cover them with the plastic again to keep the moisture in. Let them cure for a week or two before applying a sealer. If your stone is for an exterior application, you can apply a penetrating sealer to protect it and help prevent staining. If it's an interior wall application you don't really have to seal it. A topical sealer can be used for floors. Your stone can be installed about a week after demolding if you need to.