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How to Make a Large Sculpture in Cement

Concrete sculptures can be constructed for a relatively low cost because of the number of materials that can be used and the large amount of cement that can be mixed from a single bag of cement. When first mixed, and it begins to set cement, can be worked easily with sculpting tools and knives because it takes on a texture similar to clay. Small cement sculptures can be formed without reinforcing frames, but large sculptures should be formed around a metal skeleton to stop the sculpture from collapsing.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire cutters
  • Pliers
  • Portland cement
  • Water
  • Galvanized reinforcing rods
  • Water
  • Latex paint
  • Reinforcing fibers
  • Liquid bonding admixture
  • Metal ties
  • Hammer
  • Bench vice
  • Chicken wire
  • Knives
  • Sculpting tools
  • Cloth/sponge
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Instructions

  1. Sculpting

    • 1

      Cut galvanized reinforcing rods into short lengths and hammer into shape, holding the rods in a bench vice. Form the armature or skeleton of the sculpture shape with the reinforcing rods using metal ties to hold the frame together.

    • 2

      Cover the armature with chicken wire, add more layers of chicken wire until the gaps between the wires are around ½ inch in size. Using metal ties, attach the layers of chicken wire to the armature to hold the wire in place.

    • 3

      Mix the cement mixture of Portland cement, liquid bonding admixture, latex house paint, water and reinforcing fibers and spread an initial layer of the cement onto the chicken wire. The cement can be shaped into the desired shape for around 30 minutes after mixing before becoming too hard to shape.

    • 4

      Add subsequent layers of cement and shape until the sculpture reaches the desired thickness and shape. Use sculpting tools and knives to shape the sculpture throughout the spreading process.

    • 5

      Add texture to the sculpture using sculpting tools and sponges. Mix more cement and form detailed decorations on the sculpture when required, the cement should be mixed to a clay texture for forming the detailed pieces of the sculpture. Allow the sculpture to dry.

Sculpture

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