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The sculpture may be sanded with wet/dry sandpaper or an oscillating grinder with a diamond grinder pad. You can also use a rotary tool with sanding accessories suited for concrete. During sanding, move the sandpaper, grinder or rotary tool tip back and forth in a smooth motion.
What is the best way to smooth concrete?
Sand the Surface and Wash the Concrete Finish by fine-tuning with light sandpaper, until the surface is perfectly smooth. We recommend using a hand planer to smooth and compact the surface. If the concrete dries a lot then we recommend that you add water to the surface, this will help you give it a good finish.
What do you seal concrete statues with?
Brush a waterproof concrete sealer over the surface of a clean and dry statue. Allow the ornament to dry for at least 24 hours or per the directions on the sealant container. Apply another coat of sealant if necessary to fully cover the concrete. Leave the bottom of the statue unsealed to allow the concrete to breathe.
Should you seal cement statues?
Concrete ornaments can add beauty, practicality or whimsy to a garden — and sometimes all three. Whether a birdbath or bench, gnome or pillar, there’s a concrete garden ornament for any landscape. But because garden ornaments face exposure to the elements, they require sealing lest they crack, chip or mold over time.
Should you wet concrete while curing?
ANSWER: Keeping concrete moist helps the curing process. If too much water is lost from the concrete through evaporation, the hardening process slows down or ceases. Concrete continues to gain strength after pouring for as long as it retains moisture, but the longer it moist-cures, the slower the rate of strength gain.
Can you sand a concrete statue?
Sanding. The sculpture may be sanded with wet/dry sandpaper or an oscillating grinder with a diamond grinder pad. You can also use a rotary tool with sanding accessories suited for concrete. Use 110- to 120-grit sandpaper for this intermediate step of finishing the surface of your concrete art sculpture.
What paint is best for concrete statues?
Use acrylic latex paint on concrete statues. For concrete statuary, water-based acrylic latex paints are recommended for their ability to soak into the concrete and stain it beyond its surface. Acrylic latex paints also don’t dry and crack like a shell over time, like oil-based paint does.
Is there a sealer for concrete?
There are two main types of concrete sealers: film-forming sealers and penetrating sealers. Film-forming sealers include acrylics, epoxies, and urethanes that form a coating on the surface of the concrete. Film-forming sealers, especially acrylics, are more susceptible to wear and will need to be reapplied frequently.
Should you cover cement statues in winter?
Most statues can remain outside during the winter, but you can extend the life of your statue by either storing it inside or covering it with plastic. The same principles apply to concrete planters as noted for fountains. Make sure they are drained of water to prevent cracking or store inside.
How do you paint and seal concrete statues?
Simply wash the statues and let them air dry. Then, use a clear sealer and let it dry. Afterward, cover the statue in stain or latex concrete paint using dark colors such as brown, green, or black. Leave the paint on for about 10 seconds, then wipe it once with a wet cloth, then again with a dry one.
How do you protect outdoor statues?
Protect your work surface with a dropcloth and lay the item flat. Apply one light coat of polyurethane to the exposed surface, and then allow it to dry. Flip the item over and apply a light coat of polyurethane to the opposite side. Repeat the process a second time for added protection.
How do you repair a concrete garden statue?
Apply the epoxy to the cement statue cracks or chips by squeezing it on, or applying it with a putty knife if it is in a tub. To reattach part of the statue, apply a 1/4-inch layer of epoxy to both the broken piece and the statue and press them together for two to three minutes.
Does spraying water on concrete help it cure?
Spraying water on your new concrete is one of the best and oldest ways to cure your concrete. After new concrete is poured and finished the concrete begins its curing process. Spraying water on the surface prevents the surface of the concrete slab from drying faster than the bottom.
How long does 4 inches of concrete take to cure?
Concrete typically takes 24 to 48 hours to dry enough for you to walk or drive on it. However, concrete drying is a continuous and fluid event, and usually reaches its full effective strength after about 28 days.
How many times curing should be done?
Slabs & Wall Curing For walls proper water curing should be done, at least three times a day. For pillars it should be covered with Gunny or strand and it should be always in wet condition.
Can you grind rough concrete smooth?
If you have any type of concrete surface, it can be smoothed with a concrete grinder to achieve the desired look using common concrete grinding techniques. It works on rough concrete surfaces, resulting in a smooth and stylish finish.
Can you spray paint concrete statues?
Aerosol spray paint is great for concrete statues because it’s thin and can be applied in very fine layers, so it doesn’t muddle delicate details. You can achieve similar results using standard house paint if it’s thinned with water. As with sprays, choose an exterior acrylic latex paint rated for outdoor applications.
How do you remove old paint from concrete statues?
Paint removal from concrete is commonly achieved by power washing or sandblasting. Though acetone is frequently used to remove paint from resin, the statue can be damaged by the harsh chemical.
How do you paint outdoor concrete statues?
Clean the statue with the rag, soap and water, then let the statue dry. Use the paint brush to apply a solid coat of masonry primer to the statue. Using your second paint brush, paint the statue with the acrylic paint. Spray the statue with the can of varnish to add a shine to your statue, then display it.
How do you paint eyes on concrete statues?
To paint an eye on a concrete statue, start by purchasing latex paint. Clean your concrete statue outside with a hose. Brush on a latex base coat over the eye area of your statue with a fine paintbrush. Wash your brush with soap and water to remove the base coat paint.
