How to Make Concrete and Cement Molds

Concrete and cement are popular materials that are often used in sculptures and other forms of artwork.  Molds are often used to create patio stones, garden stones and plaques.  You can create your own concrete and cement molds using a few simple materials.

1. Obtain a sandbox.  You might already own a sandbox that you can use for this purpose.  If not, you can fashion a sandbox out of almost anything, including a plastic bin, children's pool, or sturdy box.


2. Fill the sandbox with damp sand.  You can choose to wet the sand as you fill your sandbox, or to simply fill the sandbox with sand that you prepared previously.  Ensure that your sand has the right texture.  It should be sticky.  Avoid muddy or slippery sand.


3. Level the sand.  The damp sand should be level with the top of the sandbox.  Use a hand trowel to make the sand level and perfectly smooth.


4. Create your molds.  You can use objects and containers that you have around your home to create the molds in your sandbox.  You can simply press the item into the sand and remove it to obtain the mold of the item.  The sand should compress and take the form of the object that is being pressed into it.  If you find that the sand is crumbling or falling into the item, the sand is too dry.  Wet the sand and try pressing your item again.  If you wish to create freeform shapes, you can use your hands or simple shovels to create your molds.  Maintain a distance of at least 4 inches between your molds.


5. Use the molds appropriately.  You molds should be filled with cement or concrete within 15 minutes of creation to ensure that the sand does not dry.  If you allow the sand to become too dry, you will lose all of the details of your mold.  Once your piece is set and dry, simply rinse off the excess sand.  Your artwork is now ready for display.