DIY Concrete Screed Mix

The easiest way to get into concrete is by casting it into pre-made molds.
Concrete will take the shape of whatever it's poured into and can have a surprising amount of detail. A fun way to see what we're working with is with silicone ice molds, just make sure that you don't use them for anything edible after you've used them for concrete.
Since concrete has aggregated. we'll have to take that into account before starting a mix. Even pea gravel aggregate can be much too large for small molds, so consider what you are casting into to determine if you need or want to remove aggregate.

For smaller molds, and finer textures, use the PACIFRICA DIY SCREED MIX TEXTURE: FINE.

Use the PACIFRICA DIY CONCRETE MIX TEXTURE: COARSE for bigger items and if you want to achieve a more rugged look.

Before pouring your concrete mix into the molds it's a good idea to use a release agent, this will make removing the concrete from the mold after it has cured very easy. The PACIFRICA MOLD RELEASE AGENT will work perfectly to line your mold.

Spray the release agent into the mold, ensuring coverage in all nooks of the mold. Be careful not to spray so much that the release agent pools and causes drip. If you use linseed oil, apply a thin coat and be careful not to make pools of oil in the mold.

Mix the concrete until a good water-to-cement ratio is achieved, then scoop a small amount of the concrete mix into the molds. Using a thin stick or skewer to poke the concrete into all areas of the mold.

Smooth and level the mold with the trowel, remove any excess concrete and clean up the edges so there's less over-pour flashing that needs to be cleaned up later when the concrete is cured. Then, vibrate your mold to release any air bubbles and allow the mix to settle in the voids of the mold. Using different techniques, vibrate the mold to release any air bubbles. Shake the mold, tap it, vibrate the table by striking a hammer around the mold, or use a power tool like a sander to cause the mold to vibrate and release any trapped bubbles. Since these molds are silicone, you can also stretch and warp them to help get air bubbles out in addition to the vibrating methods.

Any over-pour of concrete will set around the backside of the casting, this excess pouring is called flashing and can easily be removed. Since flashing is so thin it can be broken off with your fingers, and the edges can be smoothed over with 120 grit sandpaper.

Making solid concrete casts is easy, just remember the basics: achieve a good mix, use mold release, and vibrate our air bubbles.

Concrete typically takes 24 to 48 hours to dry enough for you to walk on it. However, concrete drying is a continuous and fluid event and usually reaches its full effective strength after about 28 days.

It might take a little longer in the winter to cure because of the colder temperatures.
HAPPY CASTING!