If you want to build a project that requires a permanent, hard bonding material, almost everyone uses cement. Before using cement, you must mix it with gravel and sand. While the process may seem difficult, you can do it easily if you use the right equipment. You can mix the cement in the stroller with a large or small trowel before applying it to the desired area.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Dry Mix
Step 1. Buy the right amount of cement, sand and gravel
The exact ratio will vary depending on the type of cement you buy. So, check the cement packaging bag for instructions. However, as a general rule, you usually need 1 part cement, 2 parts sand and 4 parts gravel.
Step 2. Wear protective gear
Cement contains dirt and dust that can harm you if you don't wear protective gear. When mixing cement, wear a dustproof mask, protective goggles, and thick gloves.
Step 3. Prepare materials and equipment
Mixing cement is a dirty and messy process that requires serious attention. Prepare materials and equipment before mixing. In addition to cement, sand, and gravel, you'll also need to prepare a bucket, stroller, and a shovel or other tool that can be used to mix the cement.
Step 4. Place all the ingredients into the stroller
Use a small shovel to put 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, and 4 parts gravel into the stroller. Make sure you have put on a dust mask because dirt and dust will float in the air while you are doing this process.
To prevent the cement from drying out before use, do not mix more than half the cart at a time. After using the first mixture, you can make a new cement mixture
Step 5. Mix all ingredients
Although everything will be mixed later, it's a good idea to mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the water. After placing the cement, sand, and gravel in the stroller, use a shovel or other similar tool to mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed and combined.
Part 2 of 3: Mixing with Water
Step 1. Make a hole in the cement mound
Use a shovel to make a small hole in the center of the mound. The size of the hole should be about half the diameter of the mound. When finished, the cement mound will resemble a volcano.
Step 2. Add a little water
There is no exact calculation of the amount of water that should be added to cement. You just need to add enough to make a smooth paste with the consistency of peanut butter. Start by adding a little water to avoid the formation of an overly runny cement mixture. Pour a little water (eg half a bucket) into the hole of the cement mound. Next, mix the water and cement using a trowel until evenly distributed.
Step 3. Test the mixture
Move the shovel from the edge to the center of the cement mixture. If the mixture is too dry, the edges of your trowel groove will split. This means that the mixture must be added with water.
Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Process
Step 1. Adjust the mixture as needed
You'll have to do some testing to get the right consistency. Add water little by little until you get a thick, easy-to-spread cement paste. If the cement mixture is too runny, add the dry mixture a little at a time to fix it.
Step 2. Pour the cement mixture quickly into the project area you created
This step should be completed as quickly as possible to prevent the cement mixture from drying out before you finish the project. Tilt the stroller and pour the cement mixture on the desired area.
Step 3. Clean all equipment as quickly as possible
Immediately pour water into the stroller after you finish the cement. Soak all equipment in the stroller. Next, use a stiff brush to scrub the stroller and utensils until there is no cement adhering to it.
Tips
- Before mixing, read the instructions on the cement bag. There may be specific instructions from the cement manufacturer to follow.
- If your project requires more than one or two strollers of cement, we recommend that you rent a portable cement mixer from a building contractor.
