I have had a few emails on the subject of stepping stones. Is really that easy. Yes! It won't take you forever to make them ether. Will I need special tools or equipment? No! All you really need is a bucket, water concert mix and a place to put it. You actually don't need to buy a mold you can make an imprint in wet sand and pour your mix in. So technically you can get this done by a simple trip to the beach...if no one complains :)
Materials
Water
bucket
something to mix with
Fast setting concrete mix (I use quick-rite fast-setting mix)
mold or wet sand
oil,shortening or pam
*Styrofoam if making light wight version
here
Prep you mold
If you are using a plastic mold then you will need to oil it up. Personally I use veg shortening just because it is on hand. If you are using wet sand, imprint it with a pan or other stepping stone.
Measure & Mix
I use a 5 parts of mix to 1 part of water...It works good for me. Measure out you mix and pour water in slowly. Stir well try to work quickly the concrete sets fast.
 |
| It will look like this. |
Pour
Glop all your mix in your mold. Yes, you are going to say I did this wrong. It is so lumpy. Why is it so lumpy! Don't worry just spread it out :)
Shake
Now to take care of lumps. Shake the heck out of the mold. It helps remove air bubbles and smooth things out. Most of the lumps will be gone. The stubborn stones sticking far out I remove. Ones that are just above the surface I usually leave alone.
Wait
Probably the worst step ever the wait. Usually 30-45 minutes. The stepping stone should have changed colors slightly and firmed up quite a bit. If it feels soft and leaves a finger print leave it alone.
De mold
Carefully flip the stone over on the other side and gently tug on the sides you should see it start to lift.
Curing
Place your stone in a plastic garbage bag and forget about it for a week.
Painting
Stone must cure for about 28 days before painting. The surface must be scrubbed with a mild soap solution or vinegar, then allowed to dry before the application of paint. Check out
here for more info on painting
