How to Make a Concrete Garden Ornament
- There are many molds to choose from when making garden ornaments. Simple ones that don't have a lot of detail work well for the beginner. More complex molds that include several parts are good for someone more advanced. Molds are also made of different materials and used for different purposes. Latex and aluminum molds are used for large garden ornaments. RTV polyurethane and PVC plastic molds are used for smaller garden ornaments.
- After selecting the mold you want to use it's time to pick a concrete mixture. There are numerous recipes for concrete. Some include gravel, and others add sand. Cement with gravel should be used for larger ornaments such as benches or birdbaths where strength is needed. Concrete that includes sand is usually used for smaller ornaments or garden ornaments that have a lot of fine detail. You'll also need the right consistency of concrete. Extra care needs to be given when mixing the concrete. If it's mixed too thin, it won't be strong enough for the piece, and if it's too thick, it will have a lot of air bubbles. It needs to be thin enough to pour and but thick enough to set up properly.
- You can paint the ornament with acrylic paint after it's completely dry and clean. Use a base coat of white or black and dry brush a coat or two of paint over it. Use a sealer when you're finished to protect the piece. You can also use black emulsion paint to blackwash your garden ornament. Make the paint thin enough to slightly sink into the surface of the concrete. After the paint dries for about an hour, use a wet sanding sponge to rub off excess paint. To age a piece, you can paint it with yogurt to help it grow moss and make it look old.