How to Make Stone Molds for Cement

Round Stepping Stones

• 1

  Purchase several round cake pans at a discount store or craft store.

• 2

  Mix a batch of concrete in the 5-gallon bucket. Bags of concrete mix are readily available at home improvement stores and are relatively inexpensive. Follow the directions on the bag for the specific brand you've purchased. The resulting mix should have the consistency of pancake batter. If it is too thick, just mix in a little more water until the desired consistency is reached.

• 3

  Grease the interior of the cake pan with vegetable oil or special cement molding oil. Use a liberal amount.

• 4

  Use a garden trowel to load the concrete mix into the cake pan. Stop periodically to tap the pan against a firm surface to get rid of any air bubbles. Fill the pan with the mixture to about 1/4 inch from the top of the pan.

• 5

  Let the concrete cure and harden for at least 24 hours. Avoid drying in direct sunlight as this could cause cracking.

• 6

  Flip the cake pan upside down on a firm surface. Give the bottom a firm tap to release the stone then slowly lift the pan up off the stone. If the stone seems to be sticking to the pan, set it back on the surface and give it a few more taps.

• 7

  Paint your stone with colors of your choice. Cement paint comes in a wide array of colors. Then apply a coat of cement sealant. If you would prefer to keep the natural gray color, apply a coat of cement sealant without the paint. The sealant will protect the stone against the elements and preserve it for years.

Geometric Stones

• 8

  Construct concrete forms out of wood. Use pieces of 2-by-4 lumber for the sides and a piece of plywood for the bottom.

• 9

  Cut the lumber to your desired length and screw the pieces together with wood screws to get a tight seal. You can construct squares, rectangles, octagons or any uneven shape you desire.

• 10

  Screw a piece of plywood to the bottom of the wooden form. It does not matter if the plywood is cut to match the shape; as long as it completely covers the bottom of the form. You could construct several forms on the same piece of plywood if you wanted.

• 11

  Ensure the inside of your form is smooth so the cement doesn't stick to the wood. Sand down any rough edges with fine grit sandpaper. You can also use a mold releasing agent purchased at a home improvement store and sprayed on the inside of the mold to ensure the stone releases.

• 12

  Mix your batch of concrete and use a trowel to fill the forms. Tap the wood periodically as you fill to remove any air bubbles.

• 13

  Allow the concrete to dry for at least 24 hours then turn your molds over and give a firm tap to pop out the stones. If they are being stubborn, you can unscrew the wood from around them.

• 14

  Color and seal your geometric shapes just as you did the round stones.