Instructions To Make
Waterproof Eggshell Thin Concrete Garden Spheres
Or Any Other Object, For That Matter :-)

This "advanced technique" concrete recipe receives rave reviews by all who use it. Many crafters making hollow garden spheres swear by it because it allows you to produce a very thin walled object that is incredibly sturdy and can be as "thin" as an 1/8-inch thick.

Wow! That's as close to "eggshell thin" as you can get!

For projects where you want a thicker walled object, such as a fountain basin. merely apply additional layers of this concrete recipe for excellent results.

Because of the ingredients used in this recipe, you get a true WATERPROOF object. One that can also withstand the outdoor elements for years to come.

Mesh Strips Are An Important & Vital Component

A primary reason for the ultimate strength of a thin walled hollow concrete sphere made using this technique is that you use fiberglass mesh or plastic screen mesh (or metal hardware cloth strips if you desire) for the "base" or underlayment on which to apply this concrete recipe mixture.

The mesh strips can be cut in rectangular or triangular shapes. But not so large as to have them start wrinkling when they are applied to your sphere or other object you might be using this recipe for. You want the strips to smoothly adhere to your form.

Let's Begin ... How To Apply the
Mesh Strips & Concrete Recipe Mixture

The whole idea of using the mesh underlayment is that it gives the hollow garden sphere extra strength, allowing a thinner coating of concrete to be used. The reinforcing fibers also greatly enhance the "strength" of this concrete recipe mixture.

NOTE: you will be working in sections, so to speak, proceeding around the object until everything is covered. Make sure to overlap the edges of each mesh piece about ½ inch. The entire surface of the object MUST be covered by the mesh underlayment.

If you are NOT familiar with how to prepare your object before you begin this project, please make sure to refer to my article: Concrete & Hypertufa Mold Preparation Guidelines

Alright, The Basic Steps For The Mesh Strips Are ...

1)  Smear a small amount of your concrete recipe onto the ball then lay down a piece of mesh. "Push" it into the mixture. Smooth it gently against the surface of your mold. Then apply more concrete mixture over the mesh. **How much you apply depends on how thick walled you'd like your concrete sphere to be. You may have to apply a few layers of the mixture if you desire a thicker walled object.

2)  Lay down another piece of mesh, overlapping the first piece by apprx. ½-inches and repeat instructions as in #1.

3)  Repeat this procedure until you've covered the entire sphere. **Note: You will probably have to wait apprx. 30 minutes to let the majority of your object dry BEFORE you can finish it up.

Think about it ... if you want the finished surface to be smooth, without marks on the surface, you won't be able to apply your wet concrete recipe mixture to 100% of your object. It's going to have to sit or rest on an "unfinished" area allowing the rest of the object to dry, untouched by anything that might make an indention in it! (Spheres can be placed "on or in" the opening of a bucket to support them while you apply the concrete & while they dry.)

4)  Once your object has dried, turn it over and finish applying the mesh and concrete mixture.

Waterproof, Durable & As Smooth As Silk
Concrete Recipe

5 parts Portland cement
1 part Acrylic admix or concrete bonding admix
1/4 part Poly fibers
1 part latex paint
Water as needed to make a paste like thick mud

Option: Replace 1 part Portland cement with 1 part fine sand.
Adding some Fly ash or silica fume will make it even stronger.

**For colorful objects, use white Portland cement and the colored latex paint of your choice. Get creative with color! :-)

Make sure to CURE it properly. For thorough guidelines, please refer to my: Concrete & 'Tufa Curing Tutorial

There You Have It :-)

And, as I ALWAYS have to make sure to mention on my hypertufa and concrete project pages ... some trial and error may be necessary before you achieve EXACTLY the result you are striving for with this recipe. Remember it's just like when you first learned to bake cakes. Practice makes perfect!

• Hollow Garden Spheres: Basic How-to Instructions
• Mixing Guidelines & Tips
• Forms for Concrete & 'Tufa Projects: Best Ones To Use
• Mold Preparation Tips
• Leaf Casting: Tips for Finely Detailed Concrete Castings
• Concrete Colorants & Stains Guide