Decorative Finishes

If you want something more than a plain grey stepping stone, decorative finishes are where you can unleash your creativity. A wide variety of materials are available from paint, hardware and craft stores. In our Photo Gallery, check out just a few of the many possibilities.

Take notes on procedures and quantities so that desired effects can be duplicated in future stones (providing you want a consistent look). And because there's an element of unpredictability in the finished appearance of concrete stones, we recommend that you mix up a small batch of test concrete and use that as your experimental canvas.

Any surface coloring of stepping stones should be sealed to create a durable, lasting finish. There are many sealants available. Acyrlic sealants are UV stable, inexpensive and easy to apply but have the softest, least durable finish. Solvent-based acrylic sealants generally perform better than water-based products for outdoors use, are UV-stable, and are recommended for applications where a flat finish is desired. Water-based epoxy bonds well to concrete, is harder than acrylic sealants, but isn't UV-stable. This however, isn't an issue when applying iron oxide pigments, which are UV stable.

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Powdered Colorants

Iron oxide powders are the most common colorants used for dyeing concrete. Oxides come in a wide range of earth tones- brick reds, ochres, browns, greys, greens; they can be found in many home improvement stores, as well as masonry supply houses. Gardenmolds.com carries some, but for a few other internet sources see our Resource Guide.

The simplest decorative use of powdered oxide is to incorporate it into the still-wet concrete, adding powder until you're satisfied with the strength of the color. Again, take notes on quantity. Or sprinkle small quantities of powder (a little goes a long way) on the bottom of the mold before the cement is poured in; this yields a pretty mottling in the finished stone. Try using two or even 3 complimentary colors. Another interesting technique is marbelizing. Mix up a batch of concrete, remove a portion of the batch and add dye. Now loosely combine both batches, stirring just enough to create swirls of distinct colors. Pour into mold.

Beautiful washes can be created by making a slurry composed of Portland cement, powdered colorant and water. Unlike paints and sealants, which should be applied only after the concrete is well-cured, washes can be done immediately after removing the concrete from the mold. The thickness of the mix is up to you. Using an inexpensive paint brush, dip the brush in colored slurry and paint over the surface of the stepping stone. Wipe the slurry off areas of high relief with a sponge or paper towel. Pools of slurry will remain in the lower recesses of the mold, producing lovely contrasts in color and texture. Allow 1-2 weeks for curing of the concrete, then apply a sealant.

Paints, Patinas and Other Finishes

A trip to your local hobby store will yield a wealth of finishing materials. Acrylic paint, even house paint, can be applied either full-strength or mixed with water or a clear glaze medium (available at any paint store) and applied to the stone. You can then wipe the wash off the elevated surfaces with a dry sponge or paper towels. Allow to dry before coating again or applying another surface color. Just keep in mind that paint might make the stone slippery for foot traffic; in this case, add sand to the paint for traction. Paint stores also carry traction additives.

Craft stores also sell antique metallic finishes and antique "rusting kits" which can be successfully used on concrete. Crackle glaze, available at any paint or hobby store, also works beautifully. Most standard techniques that can be used for painting such as sponging, stippling, crackling, etc. will work with concrete. Just be sure to seal any surface finishes with a concrete sealant.

Concrete Stains, Acid Washes

Concrete stains and acid washes are available in most home improvement and mason's supply houses. They come in a wide variety of colors and are painted directly onto concrete. Stains are typically acrylic resins containing silicone; acid washes are metallic salts suspended in an acidic solution. Remove any oil or release agent from the stepping stone with a soap and water solution before applying stains. Follow manufacturer's directions for use.

A very simple but lovely stain can be made using diluted iron sulfate fertilizer; this will imbue the stone with a rust color.

Mossy Finish

One other interesting finish for your stepping stones is a moss or lichen-covered surface. It takes a long time for moss to establish by itself, but you can hasten the process considerably. Here's how:

1. Gather a few handfuls of moss or lichen, cleaning out any rock or debris.

2. In a blender combine 2 cups of buttermilk or yogurt with the moss; puree until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. 3 or 4 ounces of potter's clay (found in any arts or crafts supply store) can be added optionally. This thickens the mixture, and helps retain moisture after the slurry is spread on the stone.

3. Premoisten the stepping stones with a mister or garden hose, then apply the mossy slurry with a paint brush. Keep the rocks in a shady location, spraying daily to maintain consistent dampness.