Sculptures can be made with several different materials, including cement. There are three ways to make a statue out of cement. Cement sculptures can be made by preparing cement molds, carving cement, or using wire mesh. These three sculpting methods can produce good cement sculptures.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making a Cement Mold
Step 1. Select the template
Before the cement is stirred, prepare the statue mold first. Molds can be made of plastic or styrofoam yourself, or they can be purchased at a hardware store. You can find a variety of cement molds for purchase on the internet.
Step 2. Stir the cement and water mixture
Empty the sack (bag of cement) into a large bucket or wheelbarrow. Measure the recommended amount of water carefully. For example, a 35 kg bag usually requires about 3 liters of water. Add about water to the cement mixture.
- Set aside 0.5 liters (2 cups) of cement. This portion can be added to the mixture if the consistency is too runny.
- Read the mixing instructions on the bag to make sure the ratio of water to cement mixture is correct.
Step 3. Stir the cement
Use a cement mixer, hoe, or drill bit to mix. Add the prepared water until the consistency of the mixture becomes as thick as oatmeal. Wet cement should be able to maintain its shape when kneaded by hand.
- Cement mortar that is too runny is easy to pour, but it will not last and will break more easily over time.
- Add water to the mixture if the consistency is still firm and lumpy.
Step 4. Put the cement into the mold
Carefully pour the cement mixture into the mold until it is full. Use a cement spoon to smooth the surface.
You can apply a small amount of engine oil to the walls of the mold before pouring the cement so it can be opened easily without damaging the statue
Step 5. Open the mold
After the cement is completely dry, open the mold. Most of the molds can be opened after one day. Sometimes the statue can be opened and the mold still intact. Sometimes the mold has to be disassembled to get the statue out of it.
- Allow the cement to dry to solidify for at least a week before using it.
- Read the instructions that came with the print you purchased. These instructions will provide specific information about when and how to open the mold. Every project will be different.
Method 2 of 3: Carving Cement
Step 1. Prepare carving tools
Engraving tools such as knives, chisels, and hammers which are usually used to carve ceramics, are suitable for carving cement. You can find these tools at most craft or art stores.
Step 2. Prepare the design
Draw directly or trace the design you want onto the cement with a pencil or chalk. This image will give you a guide to start carving.
Step 3. Stir and pour the cement
Read the instructions for use on the cement bag, mix the cement in a large bucket or wheelbarrow. Usually, a 35 kg bag of cement requires about 3 liters of water. Pour the cement into your desired mold and allow it to half dry before carving.
- Pour the cement in small parts that can be worked directly so that they don't dry out before they can be carved.
- Cement that is too runny will be easier to pour, but will not last and will break more easily over time.
- Add water if the cement mixture is still too dense and lumpy.
- The length of time you need to wait will depend on the thickness of the mold. The cement is ready to be carved when it is still soft and malleable.
Step 4. Carve out the design
Before the cement is completely dry, start engraving the design with a engraving tool. Start at the top of the statue and work your way down. You'll need to work quickly to get the carving done before the cement dries. Try to finish one piece of carving a maximum of an hour after the cement has been poured.
- Coat your hands with Vaseline so the cement doesn't damage the skin.
- Do not touch the surface of the cement until it is completely dry to avoid smearing. The cement will dry within 24 hours, but must be allowed to solidify for seven days.
Method 3 of 3: Using Wire Mesh
Step 1. Cut the wire mesh
Cut the wire mesh to the desired size using a wire cutter. The wire will serve as the skeleton of the statue. The wire will hold the wet cement in place until it dries.
Use metal wire that is heavy enough and can hold its own shape
Step 2. Wrap the wire around a hard object
If you can't modify the wire into the shape you want, just wrap it in something hard, like cardboard or Styrofoam to get the shape you want.
Step 3. Mix the cement
Stir the cement and water mixture in a large bucket or wheelbarrow. Use a cement mixer, hoe, or drill bit to mix it thoroughly. Usually, a 35 kg bag of cement requires about 3 liters of water. The consistency of the mixture should be as thick as oatmeal.
- Read the instructions on the bag before mixing it with water. The instructions provided will tell you the ratio of water to cement.
- Cement that is too runny is easy to pour, but it will not last and will break more easily over time.
- Add water to the mortar if the consistency is still too thick and lumpy.
Step 4. Apply cement to the wire mesh
Use a cement spoon or other manual tool to pour the cement onto the wire mesh. Apply cement in a thin layer. Add layers until you get the shape you want.
Step 5. Let the cement dry
The cement will be dry to the touch after 24 hours. However, you should allow it to fully solidify for seven days. Do not touch or move the statue during this time.
