How to Make a Sand-Cast Bird Bath
- 1). Select the pattern you would like for your bird bath. Many people will sand cast a large leaf, such as an elephant ear, fig or rhubarb.
- 2). Spread a large plastic drop cloth over your flat work surface.
- 3). Moisten the sand and use it to form a mound on top of the plastic drop cloth. The sand mound should be slightly larger than the object you are casting. For a flatter bath, flatten the sand well. For a bowl-shaped bath, the sand should be more rounded. Place plastic wrap over the sand.
- 4). Place the leaf or other casting object on top of the plastic wrap. Be sure to place it so that it is well-supported by the sand mound, and adjust the mound of the sand around to form a slight lip at the edges.
- 5). Prepare the concrete mixture according to the package directions, using a pair of rubber gloves and a large mixing container. The final mixture should be a spreadable consistency but should be thick.
- 6). Place the cement over your leaf. Spread the cement out to the edges, leaving it thicker in the center and tapering out as you work it toward the edges.
- 7). Cover your cement mold with plastic wrap while it dries for at least 48 hours. Review the recommended drying time printed on your cement mix.
- 8). After allowing the concrete to dry, remove the plastic wrap and the leaf from the mold.
- 9). Allow the cement to rest for one week to fully harden.
- 10
Use a paintbrush to coat the mold in cement sealer to weatherproof it before filling. Allow the sealant to dry. - 11
Place your bird bath in the yard, fill it and watch it draw the birds.
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