Our Handprint stepping stone has been designed with a 5¼" wide by 1" deep center cavity. By filling this cavity with fresh concrete, you can take impressions of your kids' hands or pawprints of household pets, create artful designs using mosaic tiles, glass, leaf prints… or whatever else strikes your imagination!
The 5¼" cavity should accommodate the hands of children ages 5 to 6 and under. Your kids can then have fun decorating the stepstone with our new selection of Patio Paints.
Here are some helpful tips for using the mold:
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QUICK - KIDS' HANDPRINT STONE DIRECTIONS:
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| 1. Prepare the mold by brushing with oil. Pour concrete or mortar mix into the mold, lightly tapping the mold to remove air bubbles. Cure 36-48 hours before de-molding stone. |
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2. After de-molding, prepare another small batch of concrete by mixing one cup dry concrete with enough water to create a mud-like consistency. Pour into the cavity. Before pressing children's hands or pet paws into the concrete, coat hands or paws with a little vegetable oil or Vaseline; wet concrete is slightly caustic. |
| 3. Press prints into the concrete. If you have difficulty getting a good, clear impression, remove the concrete from the cavity. Replace it with a mix consisting of 2 parts Portland cement to 1 part sand, plus enough water to create a thick, mud-like slurry. Another option: concrete patch (found in small boxes at any hardware store) contains a high percentage of Portland cement relative to sand, which is helpful in making a clear, crisp impression. |
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4. After allowing the second pour to hard, the stones can be decorated with either paint or iron oxide washes. Oxide washes should be applied 1-2 days after demolding the stone while the concrete is still "green;" paints should be applied 1-2 weeks after demolding. For more information, go to our website or the How-To booklet which comes with each mold. |
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COMPLETE - STEPPING STONE DIRECTIONS:
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1. Thoroughly coat inner mold surface with mold release.
2. In a wheelbarrow or utility tub, blend concrete, mortar or stucco mix with water according to directions on bag. You may need to add a little extra water; the goal is to create a mix resembling thick pancake batter. If using pigments, they can be added to either the water (before it's mixed with concrete) or to the wet concrete "batter." Be sure to take notes on how much pigment was added to your first stepping stone, providing you want to duplicate this color in future pourings. Note: if using a mechanical mixer, add liquids to the mixer first, then the dry ingredients.
3. Fill mold approximately 1/3 full, then gently shake or tap on the ground to remove air bubbles; this also allows the mix to better settle into the detailed surfaces of the mold. Now fill mold to the top, gently shaking to level cement.
Note: To extend mold life, try to avoid lifting filled molds by the mold rim. Either fill them in the location they'll be curing, or slip a piece of plywood under the filled mold and use the plywood to carry the mold.
4. Cover with damp towels and plastic sheeting and allow to harden for 2 days. Unmold and allow to cure for another week before adding any surface finishes such as stains and paints. Then allow painted stones a couple more weeks of drying before sealing. See more about stains, dyes and sealants in our Finishes section.
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 Want more information on concrete, including recipes? [Read More...]
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