To all weekend warriors out there

In order to assist you effectively, we’ve put together some straightforward instructions for preparing your molds for casting and finishing your bricks. Depending on the mold you purchase, here are our recommendations:

1. Non-Business Owners:
   • If you’re buying our largest circular gravine or rope mold, consider purchasing at least five molds. This will allow you to limit your casting to two sets of five bricks per circle. A minimum purchase of two molds is required.
2. Small Business Owners or Startups:
   • For those running a small business or planning to start one, we recommend having at least 10 molds per type and diameter. Again, a minimum purchase of two molds is required.

These custom 3D rubber molds are approximately 18" x 9" x 4.75" in size. With proper care, these rubber molds can be reused 800-1000 times, producing up to 100 circles with an inside diameter of 47.75".

Now, let’s dive into the instructions:

Preparing Your Molds

1. First Use:
   • We recommend using Pol-Ease 2650 release agent (sold by Polytek).
2. Subsequent Uses:
   • After each use, wash the molds thoroughly and let them dry. Then, reapply the release agent.

Preparing to Cast Your Brick

1. Mix the following ingredients in a plastic trough to cast three bricks at a time:
   • One 80 lb bag of ready-mix concrete
   • For additional strength:
     • 2lbs (or about 4 cups) of high-strength Portland cement.
   • Mix until thoroughly combined, adding water as needed. The final mix should be troweled or scooped out (avoid excess water, which weakens the brick).
2. Scoop the mix into the mold and gently shake it from side to side, tapping the mold with a rubber mallet, a vibrating table would produce the best results. This shaking, tapping or vibrating minimizes air bubbles on the finish side of the brick.
3. To ensure consistent brick height, fill each mold to the same level on a flat level surface.
4. Allow the bricks to cure for a minimum of 24 hours, but better results are achieved after 48 hours before demolding.

Remember that concrete doesn’t dry instantly; it’s a chemical process activated by water and requires 7-28 days for full curing.

Demolding

1. After 24 hours, you can demold, but for better results, wait 48 hours.
2. In a level area, pick up the casting from the flat side. Gently shake and drag laterally and upwards until the brick emerges—voilà! Your first brick is born.

Dressing or Finishing

1. After seven days, your brick should be dry and slightly dusty to the touch. Dust it off with a dry, cheap 2-3 inch paintbrush.
2. Spray the entire brick with watered-down exterior latex paint (white). Let it dry.
3. Seal this first color with a light coat using a cheap paint sealer.
4. Apply a semi-transparent concrete glaze to the entire surface. Wipe off the raised surfaces, leaving the glaze in the grooves. Follow the specific drying time for the chosen glaze.
5. Once the glaze is completely dry, seal your masterpiece with an exterior sealant for concrete. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

These molds are made from very strong polyurethane rubber. Proper cleaning and care will help them recover their cost. Remember that molds degrade faster if stored in direct sunlight. After casting, wash them thoroughly and store them in a dry place.

And there you have it—you’re done!

After you have cast and dressed ten bricks, go see how easy it is to install at this link .

Thank You for reading through this, for professional instruction on antiquing or faux painting please refer to to the experts on the web. Must call 727-642-2886 to verify availability thanks.

Use this calculator to see the industry cost for decorative concrete borders, on average it is more than $35 per linear foot.