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How to Do Cement Sculpture

Cement is an inexpensive material used in masonry and construction, but it may also be the main ingredient in sculptures. Cement sculptures are ideal for outdoor use because cement is resistant to harsh weather conditions. Cement is obtained from a mixture of clay and limestone, which is heated and turned into fine powder. The material is made up of silicates and aluminates, which become chemically active when in contact with water and harden within hours. Without prior sculpting experience, you can make a sculpture by casting cement into a mold. This method is easier than creating a wire frame and applying cement on it.

Things You'll Need

  • Mold
  • White Portland cement
  • Acrylic binder
  • Buckets
  • Coarse-grit sandpaper
  • Natural pigments/tempera/ acrylic paints (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a mold for your sculpture. Cement may be cast in any type of material including plastic, metal, plaster or rubber. Typically, the mold is made up of two pieces which can be joined before you start the casting process. The mold has a hole at the top, which is used when you pour the cement. As a beginner, opt for a smaller mold.

    • 2

      Prepare your working space. Choose a space in your yard or in the basement; working with cement may be messy. If working in a room, cover your furniture with newspapers.

    • 3

      Prepare the cement in a larger bucket. Choose white Portland cement, which is easy to work with. Mix the cement with the acrylic binder and pour water, mixing continually, until you obtain a liquid solution.

    • 4

      Use smaller buckets to cast cement in your mold. Fill the mold entirely.

    • 5

      Allow the cement to harden in the mold for at least 12 hours. Cement cures best in humid environments.

    • 6

      Check if the cement is hard introducing a paintbrush through the top hole in the mold. If the cement doesn't stick to the paintbrush, the sculpture has hardened. Remove the molds only when the sculpture is hard.

    • 7

      Use a coarse-grit sandpaper to remove any extra cement that may form where the molds join. Keep the sculpture in a dry space for 24 additional hours before you paint or stain it.

Sculpture

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