Viewing post #127796 by Robynznest

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Aug 8, 2011 7:41 PM CST
Name: Robin
Pittsburg, MO
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This is a pretty easy project to do for your garden. Supplies you need are Quickrete Mortar Mix 10 lb. bag $2-3 at Lowes
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Water, moulds/molds, pail or bucket to mix in, a large spoon or paint stick to mix with and Pam or any cheap spray on cooking spray.

My moulds/molds are some that I have bought, but I always go back to the bakery cartons that you get when you buy cakes, cookies, pies at the store.

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First I clean all the molds and make sure they are dry, then I spray them making sure I get all the little nooks and crannies. Set them on a flat surface like a level table or the garage floor. Be sure to put newspaper down if you are afraid of getting cement on your table.

Now comes the fun part, I pour half the bag in my bucket and start adding water. The package directions call for 1 pint of water for every 10lbs of mix. I'm using half so I will start with just over a half pint of water. The reason I want to use more water than it calls for is because I am not going to use it for a mortar in between bricks which needs to be really thick, I want to pour it into the molds, I want the consistancy of a brownie batter.

Pour into your molds. If you are going to add glass, tiles or pebbles this is the time to do it. I like to have my design laid out ahead of time so all I have to do is transfer it over.

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Let dry 24 hours before you remove the stones from the molds. Let cure for another day before putting outside. If you are going to paint it, I recommend you let it cure for a week. Spray it with a clear spray paint first then paint, I use a veriaty of paints including exterior, and acrylic. When you've finished painting be sure to put a couple of coats of the clear on again.

The reason I recommend waiting a week to paint is because it is still curing and changing. Your paint will either crack or stretch and peel up.
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Last edited by Robynznest Aug 8, 2011 7:44 PM Icon for preview

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