Concrete

Introduction

Concrete is a fantastic material which is incredibly versatile. Basically speaking, Concrete is a mixture between cement, an aggregate and water. First you mix the dry components together and then add the water. Admixtures can also be added to improve workability or modifying the setting time. Concrete does not dry but hardens over time by a hydration process called curing.

There are two main types of Cement; Portland Cement and Ciment Fondu. Ciment fondu is preferred by artists who use it combined with sand as an aggregate to get a sculpture that is fine in detail and of the highest quality. Tools that are used by Artists who work with concrete are traditional builders tools such as trowels, knives, chisels, files, rasps, and power tools.

Concrete is so versatile it can even be carved into at an early stage, when it has yet to cure, or at the final stage of curing. Concrete can be finished with a variety of processes from Painting and Staining, to Polishing, Embedding and Mosaic.

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Techniques

Casting:

Concrete can be cast from a mould using Plastic, Wood or Metal. As with any form of casting, always remember to put a release agent onto your mould. Release agents for Concrete are diesel, motor oil, petroleum jelly and spray lubricants. Cement is a strong medium but will always need reinforcing. Good reinforcement is usually provide by Steel, in the form of Bars or Wire Mesh. A great way to get started with concrete is to cast within plastic tubs to get different shapes. Casting with Concrete is not only restricted to large scale pieces, but you can experiment with it on a smaller scale too.

Model Making:

You may be surprised to know that Concrete is a fantastic modeling material. First make your armature using bars and wire to join them. Then use Polystyrene over the armature to buildup your desired shape. Polystyrene can be easily shaped using saws and wire brushes. Then place a layer of Wire Mesh over the Polystyrene, securing into it with nails. Alternatively, just sculpt wire mesh to your desired form to use as an armature and then and pack it with cardboard to make it solid. Next, make up your Concrete and push it into the Wire Mesh to form a layer around it.

Mosaic:

Mosaic is a beautiful way of finishing Concrete and is permanent. Mosaic comes in either in the form of ceramic tile or stained glass. You can prepare the pieces of mosaic by randomly smashing them or nipping them with tile nippers to get your desired shape. The pieces of Mosaic are adhered on the cured Concrete surface with thin-set tile adhesive. Pieces of Mosaic can be place closer or further together to produce different effects. When all the pieces are placed a grout is pushed into the gaps to seal them. Finally, a sponge is used to wipe off the excess grout. When dry, Mosaic can be buffed up to its original shine. The possibilities with mosaic are endless. Use found objects, shells, stones and nuggets.

Go for it! Give it a go today!

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