"How
to" Step by Step
Step
9 - Transfer or draw your design on the surface
of your casting. A sharp knife or pointed tool, like an
awl or large nail, works well for this.
Step
10 - Rough out the shape of your design using
a sharp knife or other tool.
Step
11 - Carve your design using a coarse saw blade,
knife, spoon, or other tool, scraping and shaving away
concrete to refine the shape you want. Frequently change
directions of your strokes, each one at right angles to
the previous stroke, to create a constant surface texture.
Remove waste material to a bucket as you carve.
Step 9
Transferring your design*
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|
Step 11
Carving* |
Step
12 - Smoothe the surface with a flat-edged tool
being careful not to touch the surface with your fingers.
This will create a uniform surface texture. Gently mist
any rough areas with water to help smooth, if needed, but
do not add much moisture.
Step
13 - Go over the edges of your design with a sharp
tool like a knife point to redefine the shape.
Step
14 - Softly brush the surface of your casting
with a whisk broom to leave a uniform texture.
Step
15 - When carving and surface texturing are completed,
store your casting uncovered overnight. Mist with water
2 or 3 times during the first 24 hours, if possible.
Step
16 - After overnight curing, carefully turn the
casting over onto something soft like a piece of carpeting
or folded towel. Using a flat piece of metal, scrape at
an angle to remove the sharp bottom edge. This is also
an opportunity to sign and date your creation, if you wish.
Step
17 - Take your casting outside, spray it with
water to remove and dust. For final curing, wrap the casting
in a wet towel, then wrap again in plastic. leave the double-wrapped
casting for five days. |
