Concrete molding products provide do-it-it-yourself with wood precision, molding's performance, and reliability. Instead of rolling it, you can pour it into an area with enough room for it to set hard. You do not necessary to plaster the ceiling; you can leave it be if you want an uneven finish. While you think about it, the form will do the job for you. When the concrete is poured, the mold's base becomes the smooth surface.
Although making these concrete wood molds is a unique project, the same methods apply to several different construction styles. Whether you make your side table, planter box, or pour the concrete, you will eventually need a fine, sturdy mold to keep it in place. The wooden mold does a great job in this case.
It's fairly simple to make a concrete mold from wood. A large portion of the process is already completed if you correctly prepare for this stage. Keep reading this content to know how to make concrete molds from wood.
- Circular saw
- Caulking gun
- Cordless drill
- Drill bits and drivers
- Two bar clamps
- One Marble or ball bearing
- Latex gloves
Required Supply and Materials
- Melamine white MDF panel
- Drywall screws
- Silicone caulk
What Are Concrete Molds Made of?
Melamine is the most commonly used material for creating concrete molds. You will find it in the shelving area. You can either chop it down at home or send it out to the supermarket. With melamine being relatively cheap, you don't have to concern yourself with adding a lot of expense. You can also reuse it even though you haven't broken any of the pieces.
Making Your Own Concrete Molds (6 Steps)
Step-1: Cut the Melamine Board to Size
Determine each side and cut each of the 8-foot by 4-foot melamine cut in the following dimensions:
- Cut one 24 inches by 48 inches
- Cut two 3 inches by 48 inches
- Cut three 3 inches by 25 1/2 inches
Editor's Tip
A fine-toothed blade can help you avoid any chipping of the melamine base, and its depth should be set at a depth equal to around 1-½ inches. Know the inside measurements are essential and the outside measurements when cutting the wood concrete molds parts. A common mistake in measuring the project is to set the mold piece sizes so close that they wind up being equal.
Step-2: Clamp the Long Side Walls to the Mold Base
When you lay the big melamine board on a surface with the melamine side up, the sides tend to show imprinting residue. The two 48-inch-long melamine boards must be lined up opposite each other, with the melamine side in the center. Use the crimping clamps.
Step-3: Add the Long Side Walls to the Mold Base
A drill with six equally spaced pilot holes per side should be used on each wall. Run in the pre-drilled holes. Make sure each screw is securely in place so it can bear against the framework.
Step-4: Add the Short Side Walls to the Mold
Set the two 25-1/2-inch backboard side-to-to-boards at an angle and on top of the melamine panel. h must face the interior walls. First, drill all the pilot holes, then drill five in each wall.
Info
If you have long clamps, use them to fasten the side walls when installing the clamps. An alternative is to position the concrete and a wall that acts as a barrier in the mold's path.
Step-5: Bevel the Corners
Add 1/4 to 1/2-inch silicone to every nook and cranny of the mold, almost eight corners. Melt the marble or bearing. Draw it in a smooth arc to produce a figure-eight pattern.
Step-6: Remove the Excess Caulk
When the silicone has set, cut the silicone strips away from the four corners, then peel them off. Cautiously touch the fingernail at the end of the belt. Remove as much of the sealant as possible and throw it away.
Watch the video on how to make concrete molds from wood:
Secrets! How Long to Leave Concrete in Wood Molds?
Wait at least one full day for the concrete to harden before removing the mold, or use any equipment that will not damage the surface of the concrete. Leaving the concrete molds in the container for too long allows the cement to permeate into the wood fibers and bond.
4 Tips for Making Concrete Molds from Wood
- 1Use Coated WoodUnfinished concrete is often used for massive foundations and footings. The concrete can detach from the wood after being dried and hardened. Using wood board concrete molds that have been coated with a glossy finish can make it easier to release. MDF needs to be 3/4-inch thick and coated with melamine for this to work.
- 2Use an Inexpensive Disposable WoodIf the melamine board has been used in concrete formwork, it's usually too encrusted to be usable in another use. Melamine is the best wood for concrete molds and cheap raw material that is easily discarded after use
- 3Use a Release AgentCover the surface of the concrete that has been taken out of the mold with a release agent. You may use some release agents found in the home, including cooking oil, vegetable oil, and dishwashing detergent. You can apply any of these agents by hand through a sprayer, brush-on silicone-based substance, or sealer.
- 4Use Exposed Removable FastenersWhen you create the mold, make it simple to take apart. A drill bit may be used to make concrete molds out of wood because it can be rotated, in contrast to a pin or punch. They need to have their faces smeared, too. Do not attempt to unscrew a fastener that has been inserted in the concrete. There's no need to screw the fasteners into the cheeks of the panel.
Pro-Tip: Best Release Agent for Concrete in Wood Molds
However, silicone rubber can lose fidelity over time if exposed to concrete particles, resulting in lower performance. For making wood rubber molds for concrete, you can use an acrylic-based product, Smooth-On's AquaCon® water-based concrete release agent. You can buy this releasing agent online through amazon.com.
Can Concrete Molds Be Made Out of Plastic?
Concrete molds can be made from recycled plastic bottles. Concrete molds must be constructed differently than everything else because they are made from plastic bottles and other accessories. Look in your shed or garage for standard or big tubs, containers, or maybe even garbage cans and bottles. Anything from a doll to sculpture, metal boxes, shovels, and sand toys are on the list. With your array of plastic molds, you can make anything from decorative walking stones to plaques to monumental plinths towards to stone garden structures.
Final Words
Exotic household pieces, such as flagstones and other pieces made from a concrete mold, can be very costly to buy. Many of these products you can make by yourself as DIY projects, and the majority of projects begin as poured or modular parts that harden into an obvious or predetermined shape and are then attached or assembled. Constructing one of these uncomplicated molds requires only a few supplies and a little bit of time. Making concrete molds from wood is an innovative way to make your pieces in perfect shape and size. This way you can save a lot of money and time. I hope this article would help you to make a perfect concrete mold using wood.