Instructional Guide..Tips And Tricks

Preparing, Mixing And Pouring

2 x 10 Ltr Buckets
Cement
Multiseal
Oil spray (Release agent)
1 Measuring Jug
1 Measuring Cup
Sand
Water
Drill
Mixing Rod (Plaster's mixer)
Rake
Sponge
Mould (clean)

STEP ONE

Before you start make sure you have ALL the items (1) within reach and ready to go.
The Measuring jug we will be using is a 1.3 ltr but any size will do.

Preparing

STEP TWO

Making sure your mould is clean, lightly spray cooking oil all over the inside of your mould. (2) DO NOT over spray as it will form "foamy air bubbles" that will get trapped on the surface of your finished product when it comes out of the mould.
If you do over spray just simply wipe off the excess with a paper towel or clean rag.

STEP THREE

Using a rake or similar item, level off an area into sand where you intend to place and pour your mould. (3)
You want the sand to be light or "fluffy" and free of stones and solid objects.
If you prefer, you can simply use your fingers. (4)

STEP FOUR

Now that the Spray Oil has had time to settle, wipe off any excess oil that has pooled if necessary.

Place your mould into position. (5)

You need to make sure your mould is level and then press firmly into sand ( wiggle from side to side if need be. )

These moulds are 1.5mm ABS, so don't worry they won't break.

You can use a spirit level to ensure that the mould is level and sitting correctly if you prefer.

MIXING

STEP ONE

Add 1 full Scoop of water into 10 Ltr Bucket. (6)

Add 40mls (approx) Multiseal. (7)

Using the same measuring jug add 2 full scoops of cement (8) and three full scoops of sand. (9) If your sand is already quite wet you may have to reduce the amount of water.

If your mix is wrong you can fix it later by adding more sand, water, or cement.

These measurements are for demonstrating purposes to give you a basic idea. You will soon learn to " judge by eye " how much to add to make the correct mix.
Don't forget to give your jug a quick rinse with water!

STEP TWO

Using your drill, mix thoroughly, making sure your drill shaft mixes all the way to the bottom of the bucket and around the sides. (10) You do not want any lumps of sand or cement.

After mixing check that the mix looks correct.
You don't want it too dry or it will be difficult to pour.

You want the cement/sand mix to be the same consistency as "pankcake mix" or "batter". (11)

If it is to dry simply add more water. A little bit at a time.

If it is to wet simply add more cement and/or sand.

Mixing with a drill and plaster's mixer should only take around 1 minute.

When you have finished mixing, place your mixing shaft in a bucket of water to clean. (12)

,

STEP ONE

POURING

Once again using your jug, start filling your mould. (13, 14)

Only fill about 2/3 or 1/2 way then stop.

Holding the edge of your mould, give a shake or wiggle it up and down. (15) This will help to level off your mix but more importantly, bring the air bubbles to the surface.(16) You can firmly tap the sides also if you prefer.

Resume filling your mould to the top. (17)

Make sure it is still level

Wipe the sides clean with rag or sponge (18)

Make sure you don't over fill. This will make things a lot more difficult later on.

Leave your mould to set. (Approx 24-36 hours)

Make sure it is NOT in direct sunlight. This will cause it to dry to fast and cause cracking. The slower your product dries...the stronger it will be.

Also make sure it is kept out of rain. Larger rain drops will wash out and damage the surface if it has not set or become firm. Setting of cement usually takes 4-6 hours.

STEP TWO

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