How to Cast One-Sided Concrete Into a Rubber Mold

Concrete artwork often adorns yards or gardens and often these concrete objects are flat, such as decorative tiles or relief sculptures. Such one-sided objects are most often cast into open rubber molds called bucket molds. A bucket mold gets its name because, like a bucket, it has a wide open mouth that you pour concrete into. Once the concrete has hardened, you can peel the flexible mold off.

Box of sand
Mold
Mold release spray
Ready-mix concrete
Water
Mixing container
Mixing tools
Rubber mallet
Plastic tarp

Instructions

- 1
  Place the mold into a large box of sand. This will help it to stay level, and to keep its shape if it does not have a rigid shell.
- 2
  Spray the interior of the mold with a commercial mold release spray. Allow the spray to dry.
- 3
  Mix a batch of ready-mix concrete with water according to the mixing ratios on the package. Do this by hand in a bucket, with a drill and paddle mixer in a tub or with a cement mixer. The concrete should be slightly runny for the best pour.
  
  The amount of concrete that you will use depends on the size of the mold, but plan to make a little too much. Multiple batches will bond, but they may not be exactly the same color.
- 4
  Pour the concrete into the mold, working it into any deeper nooks and crannies with a cheap paint brush. Continue to fill the mold until the cement is even with the top.
- 5
  Tap the sides of the mold and sand box with a rubber mallet. These vibrations will dislodge any trapped air bubbles, which will rise to the surface and break.
- 6
  Cover the mold and concrete with a plastic sheet, held in place with clamps or small rocks. This will trap the moisture that is slowly released, slowing the drying time and making the concrete stronger.
- 7
  Demold the concrete after 24 hours. Let it sit on a flat surface for another three days to allow it to completely dry.

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