Some suggest therapy is an objective and concrete process. The game is to keep it on the table! I must concur with James your humor is subtle and well delivered. I hope Steve is well, appreciate your insights. 💯💫👍
Hi, thanks for your content. Are there more benefits with a 1:1 ratio? If we ditch the cost variable, is it a better mix for planters and small creations?
When using a mold of any kind, you should use a some kind of a release agent. This could be a product specifically designed for this purpose, such as Smooth On Universal Mold Release, or a household product that can be used as a release agent. Here is a video about some mold release options - th-cam.com/video/3lhB7U9w94g/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_WIxw23AVBhVH7Me
Thanks for your videos. I've just found your channel and am going thru them now. I would like to cast a sundial and could use some advice. If I create a positive mold from wood, could I create a negative with plaster, then pour cement into the plaster? Is there an easier way or a way that is more likely to success? Thanks!
That process would work only one time, which maybe you are OK with, but I would take the original piece and pour urethane rubber on it. So no reverse molding or plaster needed. Just make the original piece, if you have one, and then put it in an OSB / melamine wood box, seal the edges with silicone and pour urethane over the whole thing. Mold making is deceptively complex. It takes a lot of practice in my opinion and lots of little nuanced steps...more than I can cover here. I will have this content on this channel eventually, but have not started with the mold making series' yet. Good luck with your project.
i love this videos!!! haha thanks you man! I 'd like a word of advise from you... i'm traying to cast some cement chess pieces on silicone molds, they will be custome made, a little bit bulky because i know cement isn't hard if the details are too fine, but is there a way that i can make it at least more resistant to chipping? In one of your videos you say PBA glue would make it harder, maybe try that?
I would use more cement as opposed to PVA. I mean probably use the PVA also, but more cement content will help with additional strength resistance to chipping etc. You can just increase the cement content indefinitely until you are at full strength concrete really. I would also explore adding a HD foam core to lighten the finished product. This way you could use full strength mix but just have less of it.
Your content is so helpful Thank you!! Could you tell me what brand of cement and sand you're using? What would you recommend for a casting thats a little bigger than a foot?
No to use as a levelling mix it needs to be heavily modified with acrylic or latex. up to 50% of water content should be replaced with acrylic if you want something that will feather edge.
I’ve been casting concrete pots for a while but I still get some pots that cracked inside the mold. My sement:sand ratio is 1:1 by volume. what can cause these pots to crack inside the mold?
If I need it thinner for a mold, how much super plasticizer would you add? Currently I’m using cement all non-shrink grout but it’s pricey and am looking to mix my own replacement
Hi Steave. I recently began watching your videos, they are fun with really good advice. In relation to mortar for small castings (planters), what sand grade would you recommend? 20/40 or finer sand (100) any good? Would finer compromise strength? Thank you!
3 parts sand to one part portland cement is my standard mix. 2 parts sand to one part cement makes a more creamy and cement rich mix which is better for fine detail casting. Both are very strong. The amount of water used is the minimum amount to achieve a consistent mix. Less is more when it comes to water. Too much will decrease the finished strength of the concrete.
Hi, I'm learning loads here on this channel. I like to cast small and medium-sized planters using moulds. What kind of mix would you use? e.g. concrete or a mortar mix? The size of the rocks (aggregate) seems a bit big for the moulds.
For planters, a mortar mix is typically what I would use. As you pointed out, the rocks are usually too large as an aggregate. But it depends on the size of the planter you make and the finished look you are going for. For most casting projects, a mortar mix would be ideal to use, especially when considering the size of the piece. Here is a video about mortar mix for casting: th-cam.com/video/Q3SJi5PhxxE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=d7LAUd2mMg0puy5v
I was told to mix it until it looks like cake batter to pour into the molds? That looks a lot dryer than cake batter. Does it depend on what material the mold is made from? I will be using metal molds.
unless you use a water reducer or super plasticizer the mix is too wet if it looks like cake batter. It will be compromised for strength. Use water reducer to get the same viscosity without compromising the strength
I do not buy brands of sand. I buy bulk sands and you should as well. It is about 95% cheaper. Just walk up to the sand pile and look at it. If it has sticks, rocks etc that is wrong. If it has only pure sand, and all the sand looks basically the same size, that is probably the right stuff.
@@creatingconcrete Awesome. Ty for reply! Liquid acrylic can be readily purchased at any home center, I'm assuming? Similar to liquid latex, just acrylic, yeah?
This was just an example and I wanted the viewer to see it happen in front of their eyes. Typically I do all of my mixes in a bucket with a whip attachment for my drill.
it is better than play sand. did you see it? Was it all uniformly graded sand or is it little rocks of different sizes? With casting I prefer using brick sand which is uniformly graded, clean and washed sharp sand - not rounded or tumbled.
the idea that one would mix on the flat for any reason when a tumbling drum is right. Even a can on its side (closed lid) what do ewe learn from this. Un measured unless you use the ratios all the rime it should be 'a procedure' not a guess. This is even speeded up and it is a long time???
Some suggest therapy is an objective and concrete process. The game is to keep it on the table! I must concur with James your humor is subtle and well delivered. I hope Steve is well, appreciate your insights. 💯💫👍
I love your style and sense of humor. Thank you for the excellent lessons, too.
I am happy you are enjoying the content!
I've seen people mix it on. Tarp. Seemed to work great for large amounts as well. They would manipulate the tarp to mix it well and fast.
Thanks man, this video helped me a lot. Greetings from Papua New Guinea
Hi, thanks for your content. Are there more benefits with a 1:1 ratio? If we ditch the cost variable, is it a better mix for planters and small creations?
If a person was to put cement in a plastic container to make molds what would he use so the cement wouldn't stick to the plastic container. Ty
When using a mold of any kind, you should use a some kind of a release agent. This could be a product specifically designed for this purpose, such as Smooth On Universal Mold Release, or a household product that can be used as a release agent. Here is a video about some mold release options - th-cam.com/video/3lhB7U9w94g/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_WIxw23AVBhVH7Me
Hi, very nice video. Could you please tell me if I would like to finished statue lighter in color, should I use more sand or less sand? Thank you.
for lighter in color use more portland cement and give it a full 30 days to cure
Where do you get your sharp sand? I’m having a hard time figuring what the best kind to get is!?! Love your videos!!!
Builders merchants sell it by the bag.
Thanks for your videos. I've just found your channel and am going thru them now. I would like to cast a sundial and could use some advice. If I create a positive mold from wood, could I create a negative with plaster, then pour cement into the plaster? Is there an easier way or a way that is more likely to success? Thanks!
That process would work only one time, which maybe you are OK with, but I would take the original piece and pour urethane rubber on it. So no reverse molding or plaster needed. Just make the original piece, if you have one, and then put it in an OSB / melamine wood box, seal the edges with silicone and pour urethane over the whole thing. Mold making is deceptively complex. It takes a lot of practice in my opinion and lots of little nuanced steps...more than I can cover here. I will have this content on this channel eventually, but have not started with the mold making series' yet. Good luck with your project.
i love this videos!!! haha thanks you man! I 'd like a word of advise from you... i'm traying to cast some cement chess pieces on silicone molds, they will be custome made, a little bit bulky because i know cement isn't hard if the details are too fine, but is there a way that i can make it at least more resistant to chipping? In one of your videos you say PBA glue would make it harder, maybe try that?
I would use more cement as opposed to PVA. I mean probably use the PVA also, but more cement content will help with additional strength resistance to chipping etc. You can just increase the cement content indefinitely until you are at full strength concrete really. I would also explore adding a HD foam core to lighten the finished product. This way you could use full strength mix but just have less of it.
Thank you so much! I'll stick to pure cement then. I think i'll make them solid because I like the weight :) thanks a lot!
Your content is so helpful Thank you!! Could you tell me what brand of cement and sand you're using? What would you recommend for a casting thats a little bigger than a foot?
portland cement, type normal / general use and clean, washed and graded masonry / brick sand. The kind without little stones in it.
Can I use it to plaster my floors and walls for leveling... We dont have premixes at our place.
No to use as a levelling mix it needs to be heavily modified with acrylic or latex. up to 50% of water content should be replaced with acrylic if you want something that will feather edge.
@@creatingconcrete thank you
@@khusboothapa1991 I am happy this info was helpful for you. Cheers
I’ve been casting concrete pots for a while but I still get some pots that cracked inside the mold. My sement:sand ratio is 1:1 by volume. what can cause these pots to crack inside the mold?
I´ve seen others mix in pva white glue, do you know anything about that?
Yes, PVA mixed in will help with strength as well. Replace 10% of the water content with PVA / glue.
Sbr is a lot better
@@paulbolton7232What is sbr?
If I need it thinner for a mold, how much super plasticizer would you add? Currently I’m using cement all non-shrink grout but it’s pricey and am looking to mix my own replacement
I would use as much as needed to achieve the placement viscocity I am needing. But trial and error is probably your best bet here.
Hi Steave. I recently began watching your videos, they are fun with really good advice.
In relation to mortar for small castings (planters), what sand grade would you recommend? 20/40 or finer sand (100) any good? Would finer compromise strength? Thank you!
Finer is better than coarser.
Can you please share specific volumes for the sand/concrete/water mix you used? Love the video
3 parts sand to one part portland cement is my standard mix. 2 parts sand to one part cement makes a more creamy and cement rich mix which is better for fine detail casting. Both are very strong. The amount of water used is the minimum amount to achieve a consistent mix. Less is more when it comes to water. Too much will decrease the finished strength of the concrete.
Hi, I'm learning loads here on this channel. I like to cast small and medium-sized planters using moulds. What kind of mix would you use? e.g. concrete or a mortar mix? The size of the rocks (aggregate) seems a bit big for the moulds.
For planters, a mortar mix is typically what I would use. As you pointed out, the rocks are usually too large as an aggregate. But it depends on the size of the planter you make and the finished look you are going for.
For most casting projects, a mortar mix would be ideal to use, especially when considering the size of the piece. Here is a video about mortar mix for casting:
th-cam.com/video/Q3SJi5PhxxE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=d7LAUd2mMg0puy5v
@@creatingconcretethank you!
It might be a good idea to pass the sand through a sieve before using it
If the sand is questionable then definitely.
I was told to mix it until it looks like cake batter to pour into the molds? That looks a lot dryer than cake batter. Does it depend on what material the mold is made from? I will be using metal molds.
unless you use a water reducer or super plasticizer the mix is too wet if it looks like cake batter. It will be compromised for strength. Use water reducer to get the same viscosity without compromising the strength
@@creatingconcrete ok. Thanks
How much wheel barrow sand to 1 sack cement
What’s the brand name of the sand? There are more than one that say sharp and they don’t look like your sand.
I do not buy brands of sand. I buy bulk sands and you should as well. It is about 95% cheaper. Just walk up to the sand pile and look at it. If it has sticks, rocks etc that is wrong. If it has only pure sand, and all the sand looks basically the same size, that is probably the right stuff.
Probably do you well to mix it in a bowl? 🤔
Hey, would this work with faux stone molds?
Sure it would. I like using acrylic in the mix for anything that is intended for outdoors. Helps with resistance to water permeation.
@@creatingconcrete Awesome. Ty for reply! Liquid acrylic can be readily purchased at any home center, I'm assuming? Similar to liquid latex, just acrylic, yeah?
So can I cast with just mortar??? Been trying to google that question unsuccessfully
Yes, absolutely. Most castings are done with mortar only unless it is a great big cast you are making.
@@creatingconcrete thanks man. It will be pretty big so i should probably use concrete
why didnt you use a bucket to mix everything ?
This was just an example and I wanted the viewer to see it happen in front of their eyes. Typically I do all of my mixes in a bucket with a whip attachment for my drill.
How much water did you pour in this mix?
That was 500ml of water
Is this sharp sand let me know please thanks
Yes, specifically.
Is all purpose sand good for casting?
it is better than play sand. did you see it? Was it all uniformly graded sand or is it little rocks of different sizes? With casting I prefer using brick sand which is uniformly graded, clean and washed sharp sand - not rounded or tumbled.
Ha ha ha
Great videos
Thank you
I am happy you enjoyed the content. Cheers.
talk about impurities, I once found a hammer in a bag of gravel.
Why didn’t you just put it all in a bucket and stir it and in two minutes than spend two hours playing around with it?
the idea that one would mix on the flat for any reason when a tumbling drum is right. Even a can on its side (closed lid) what do ewe learn from this. Un measured unless you use the ratios all the rime it should be 'a procedure' not a guess. This is even speeded up and it is a long time???