How to Smooth Seams on a Cast Concrete Statue

Most concrete statues found in yards and gardens are not carved from solid blocks but cast from molds. These molds are typically made up of two or more pieces, creating a seam line where the pieces connect. These seams are not usually very large, but they can be an eyesore. Fortunately they are fairly simple to remove, creating a seamless statue that looks freshly carved.

Clamps, straps or bolts (optional)
Chisel
Mallet
Wire mesh sandpaper
Sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Clamp, bolt or strap the mold together as tightly as possible if you are casing your own statue. This will help to reduce the seams to their smallest possible size. If you are removing the seam from a premade statue, skip this step.
- 2
  Remove the bulk of the seams with a mallet and small, sharp chisel. Work slowly, being careful not to chip the statue or dig below the surface. There will still be a small seam left behind when you are done chiseling.
- 3
  Gently sand off the remaining seams with a piece of wire mesh sandpaper. This will remove the remaining portion of the seams, but will leave texture marks behind. Work in small sections to minimize the texture left on the sides of the seam.
- 4
  Sand the seam areas with 100-grit sandpaper, which will reduce the sanding marks left behind by the wire mesh.
- 5
  Sand the seam areas again with 200-grit sandpaper, followed by 300-grit, 400-grit and so on. Each sanding will further refine and polish the area. Continue this until you are satisfied with the smoothness.

How to Mold Tree Eyes

How to Cast Cement Lawn Ornaments

Garden Statues