KD Concrete

[kevin]

I.ve been trying to get a fool proof form for concrete

Its really hard to get sharp letters in concrete .The reason for all the effort it is so cool also have job coming

first picture first attemp tear our around edges same in second attemp

[kevin]

Third attemp played with mixture added glue also extra paint.
The form was reverse imprint mdf
I.am on cloud nine as you can see how sharp edges are also center

I.ll try stain to highlight edges . I have a large sign to do in concrete when we thaw out in July .The thing with concrete signs you can;t cut corners

This makes a great smple for the show room

[kevin]

On another note spent last week to get the hang of corel draw as Joe recomends Its worth it ,long learning curve .I understand now why its important if you want to make in signs

[bob_s]

Kevin
Would you mind sharing what kind of glue you added. I did a little of this in the past and used some of the latex milk meant to go into tile grout. Yours turned out great from a hard mold - impressive.

[kevin]

Bob I wouldn't try this on a customer it was a small pour I used wood glue

On the the real pour I'll use concrete glue It makes the concrete more richer like doug

Also use 4 coats of oil based polyturance [i know i promote water base but don't use in this case]

The frst pour 2 coats extra coats make a differce

[GlenP]

Hey Kevin. I use CorelDraw and visit this guys site for videos and tricks. Some are free or you can donate to him to get full version of his tutorials. I like them and they have helped me allot with using the software as well as design tips. Hope it helps with learning curve.
http://coreldrawtips.com

[joe]

Kevin,

Good for you on both counts.

I also think its important to get a little help when learning Corel. I like Lynda.com but all the programs are good.

For the past three years I've been making letters from Extira for concrete casting. As you know they are done in reverse and beveled.

There are two kinds of concrete mixtures they use. One is a dry tamp method. It is much lighter in color and much more granular. Then there is the wet pour. I think there are lots of formula's. When I'm looking for this secret info I cry "Calf Rope" and start asking for help.

Each year there's a huge concrete convention in Las Vegas. I've been wanting to go. Can't imagine what info there might be.

Keep up the excellent work my friend.

Joe Crumley

[Mayo]

Some things to consider if you haven't already...

Use a tapered bit and it will allow the concrete to come out of the mold easier.

Liberal use of a mold release agent on your mold will also help.

Use vibration to eliminate air bubbles.
If you don't have an actual concrete vibrator, you can tap the mold with a hammer or use a hammer drill (with no bit or just a piece of 1/2 inch rod in the chuck) against a piece of wood held against the mold.

Good luck and keep us posted on the progress!

[joe]

Kevin,

Here are some of the letters I've been carving for the concrete companies. Sometimes they will request a bevel all the way down. Most often they will ask for shoulder of a bout 1/4".

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/jcrumley1/IMG_0080-1.jpg

I'm using extira and sealing it up with shellac. Nothing else.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com

[kevin]

Thanks Joe I really like the look of concrete it timeless .I was looking for a picture but couln't find it .It was a loby in NY they had a wood top with the logo in coroncrete below it was in such harmony wood and concrete

The backward part somtimes give me a brain freeze

Mayo thanks for the tip I didn't know about bevel .I have a product that remove the air

[kevin]

I found the picture this is what I am trying to do .
This is not my work jusy an example

[gene]

what type of releasing agent are you using ?

[kevin]

Gene I use no release agent the secret is I use plastic paint the concrete mimic the paint and almost looks and as smooth

[Brady Watson]

Use vibration to eliminate air bubbles.


X2

El Cheapo via Horrible Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-hp-concrete-vibrator-34923.html)

-B