How to Pour Concrete Shapes

Wet concrete, poured into molds or forms will take on shapes and patterns in the cast. Homeowners and decorators use shape as garden stepping stones, address plates or as a stylish accent in and around a home. Concrete does not require special molds; many household items become concrete molds which can make the shapes as whimsical or plain as desired.

Plastic sheeting or newspapers
Molds
Petroleum jelly
Safety goggles
Rubber gloves
Ready-mix concrete
Bucket or plastic basin
Spoon or ladle
Small trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Lay down thick plastic sheeting or several layers of newspaper to protect the work surface. Mixing and pouring concrete is an outdoor project.
- 2
  Choose a shape and use a pretty, odd-shaped plastic bowl, part of a milk carton or an inexpensive cake pan as a mold.
- 3
  Coat the inside of the mold with a thick layer of petroleum jelly.
- 4
  Don safety goggles, rubber gloves and cover exposed skin on arms and legs to avoid exposure to the concrete, which is harsh to skin and can cause burns.
- 5
  Mix ready-mix concrete with water in a bucket or plastic basin according to the directions on the package.
- 6
  Pour wet concrete into the mold. Use a spoon or ladle to add lesser amounts of concrete into smaller molds.
- 7
  Smooth the concrete with a small trowel or flat stick.
- 8
  Allow the concrete to set for 24 to 48 hours depending on the thickness of the shape. If adding, any type of decorations, allow the concrete to set for 30 to 45 minutes before pressing in decorations.
- 9
  Turn the mold over and let the concrete shape slide out of the mold.

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