How To Make A Concrete Statue

Add interest to your garden

Let’s say you’re the sort of person who loves Build-it-yourself and has a garden or entertainment area that requires a little something extra. Sure, you could purchase a couple of statues to add something special to your area but where is the pleasure in that. 

“Why not make my own statues?” you ponder… “It couldn’t be that hard… could it?”

Well, like plenty of other things in life, statue making may either be a basic weekend job or a difficult work of art… It all hinges on where you let your creative side take you.

Before Commencing Your Statue

It’s always a wise decision to start any project with a little planning. Go out and have a good look at your garden or area where you want the statue or statues to go. Let your imagination go and envision what type of statue would agree with the spot. Would a Greek style statue suit the surroundings or even a rabbit or bird? What about something abstract or modern in look? How big should the statue be? How wide can it be?

Also decide on the positioning of the statue so you'll know the sort of surface it will mount on. This will influence the sort of base or stand the statue would require.

Creating Your Concrete Statue

1. Once you have found the item you wish to use for your statue, brush or spray a thin, even layer of shellac over it. The shellac is used to seal the initial object and thus giving the latex mold a far better surface finish. (Note - Get authorization before using somebody else's statue or item for your concrete statue model).
2. Wait for the Shellac to fully set (approx. 2 hours), the next step is to apply a coating of mold release medium onto the model. Go over it with a soft brush and make certain the release medium has reached all those hard to get to places. A good release medium to use is Mann Ease Release 200.
3. Mix liquid rubber or latex based on the manufacturer's directions and, using a soft paintbrush, entirely coat the model, ensuring that to reach all those hard to get at places. After it has dried to a tacky consistency, it's time to re-apply another coat.
4. Now, leave it to cure (dry) overnight. Important - Do not leave it in the sun to dry, place it in a shaded area.
5. When it has set, the mold needs to be coated with a thick layer of fiberglass or plaster. this will provide support to  the latex mold when the concrete is applied later.
6. When the fiberglass or plaster has solidified, take it out of the mold in sections without destroying it. Remember, you need this later.
7. Carefully peel away the rubber mold from the object.
8. Prepare concrete in accordance to the manufacturer's directions making sure it is mixed to a smooth consistency. You now have the option of adding an oxide colorant if you wish.
9. Put the support pieces together. Put tape around it to keep it together. Put the latex mold inside of it. Pour concrete into the mold, mixing the mold as you go to avoid air bubbles or pockets forming.
10. Permit the concrete to dry overnight. Very carefully remove the plaster and rubber inner mold.
11. Let your new statue cure for several days before painting should be attempted. Try to avoid moving it in this period as well.
12. Visit us for discount Statues Figurines

 Making your own garden statues can be challenging, but, at the same time it's a fun and highly rewarding pastime or hobby.