6 Easy Steps To Make The Concrete Planters Lightweight And Durable
The users can easily build lightweight planters and can even give them the antique look by using the concrete mix. In order to create many neutral tones, the users are advised to mix the concrete with the tufa but make sure to mix the equal amount of the cement and the tufa in order to attain the perfect matches of the color. Through this process, the users can easily fill up their yard with many colorful planters. The users can easily make the concrete planters at home by following the below-mentioned steps:
- Dig The Hole: Start by digging and shaping the hole directly in damp sand. They should dig the hole of the approximate size of the container and then the users need to place that Container directly in the dug hole.
- Mix Up The Mixture: Then mix up the equal parts of the portland cement, peat moss, and the perlite as well. If desired the users can add one spoon of the fiber mesh to this mixture and then mix up all the ingredients and then pour the small water amount at one time so as to make the suspension in the mixture by having the cheesy consistency.
- Set The Two Molds: Then they need to set up the two molds of the large size over the drop cloth. In order to make the sink with the walls than one mold should be near about four inches long and wide as well than the container of the small size. The sharp edges get chipped off easily and that is why it is advised to the users to craft the mold by having the round edges and then paint down the surface of the mold by using the linseed oil.
- Pour The Mixture: Before stepping on to the next step the users are advised to wear up the hand gloves and then pour down the above-mentioned mixture in the large mold so as to make the base of the planter and it should be near about two inches thick. Then they need to align the small-sized mold at the center of the slurry and then press it gently downwards. The users are advised to pour the mixture in between the interior and the exterior molds so as to build the walls of the planter with the help of the trowel. Then they need to tap it down gently and then wait for almost ten minutes. Then they need to death the small-sized mold and then craft the drainage openings in the base of the planter by using the wooden dowel. They are advised to round up the inner edges if they desire to do so.
- Cover Up The Large Mold: Then they need to cover up the large-sized mold and then set up the slurry by using the plastic so as to speed down it's drying process. Then allow the cement mixture to get cured off for almost 2-3 days. Then they need to detach the exterior mold and use the wire brush to brush down the outer walls of the planter so as to smoothen its texture. Then they need to cover up the planter again with the plastic and allow it to get cured off completely for almost 2 weeks.
- Place The Planter: Then they need to wash the planter many times so that they can leach out the unneeded lime that can affect the pH of the soil. Then they need to grab the planter from its base so as to move it accordingly. The users are advised to handle this planter with uttermost care so as to avoid the cracks. Then they need to use the propane torch so as to burn the fiber that is usually caused by the brushing.