Compare Concrete Mixes for Crafting
I know what it’s like standing at the concrete aisle and getting that odd look from the guys at the building supply store…Â Since I get a lot of questions about which concrete to use I’m going to eliminate some of the guesswork. Follow me as I Compare Concrete Mixes for Crafting
So many Concrete Mixes for Crafting:
When I started buying concrete many years ago, I’d be quite puzzled reading and checking the packages. Someone would often think I was sent by my husband to buy ‘normal’ concrete. After a few attempts of trying to explain what I wanted to do I would just buy what I felt was right since they usually thought I was a bit crazy… Even nowadays there are so many that it’s quite daunting.
Cement and Concrete is not the same:
Do be aware that concrete is usually a mixture of portland cement & other things like sand and aggregates. The ingredients like the gravel give the concrete mixture strength, make it into a rock-like substance once cured.
I did know what I did not want; large aggregate in my mix, which is what the regular Concrete mixes usually have. They are quite cheap and can work for large pours in molds (planters), sidewalk slabs or fence posts. I am usually making smaller projects that are going to be cast in molds or hand shaped for decorative home use.
‘Leaf-casting’ was perfect to make my Concrete crafting tests since I like to work quite thin. These leaves are made with my new favourite; Savoy Cabbage!
Working Fast:
Since time is always short around my place so I like to see my projects finish quickly and I am constantly improving or redesigning so I can’t wait weeks or even days!
I really do love the ‘fast set’ mixes but am not exactly sure about what makes them set & cure so quickly and also so much stronger. There are special additives in the concrete mix resulting in a dense and less porous finish. The sand in these mixes is so much more fine than regular sand as well. Fast set mixes have special chemicals that make curing quite quick. Each manufacturer usually has some version of fast-setting concrete mix. These mixes also come with quite a hike in price, but it’s worth it in my eyes!
All concrete mixes go through curing process that involves hydration. The water is needed in order for proper curing to happen, and ensure that strength is achieved. Traditional bricks are made by firing clay in a kiln, much different than concrete.
Rapidset Cementall:
The above Rapidset Cementall is probably my all-time favourite!  The specs say that it can be used at different consistencies and it will cure much harder (up to 9000 psi compressive strength) than regular concrete. I am sure there are specific additives like polymers for strength and those also make it quite moldable at a thicker consistency. This mix does not contain large aggregates.
I learn by testing and it has worked well for many of my projects. Usually readers who have had concrete problems it’s because of their choice of concrete mix.
Rapidset Cementall Concrete Mix will start to thicken in about 30 seconds and can usually be taken out of the mold after 1 hour. The molds that I make are quite stiff and this mix will withstand the vigor needed to sometimes take them out. This mix is super fine, will pick up all the details and provide a super smooth white finish. A shiny finish can be achieved if the mold is also shiny material. It tends to not have many bubbles since the consistency can be fairly fine &Â does not need as much water as other mixes.
So Strong Concrete:
At a thin consistency it will be easily poured such as the Coasters and the Monster Eggs. The strength achieved in a thin wall is quite amazing! Check out all the projects that this mix is great for.
When reading the specs for different mixes it will give you a clue at how it can/should be used. ‘Featheredge’ means that it can be used at a very thin edge layer. Some mixes will state not to be used above a certain thickness.
The Rapidset Cementall mix can also be used at a thick; sculptable consistency. It will still slump ( a high pile of mix will flatten and sag) but not usually run away. That makes it work well for leaf casting such as the Lacy Circle the Smiling Stones. The workflow can be quite fast since sections harden quickly allowing more material to be added such as around an Orb or a Face sculpture fairly quickly. Temperature will also accelerate the setting/curing.
Dampening the drier sections is good practice before adhering new mix so there is good adhesion..
Quikrete Fastset All-crete:
Different brands offer similar products. Since entering the Quikrete contest I wanted to use a Quikrete product that compared to the RapidSet Cementall. I find this mix is almost exactly like Rapidset Cementall. It does seem like it comes under a few different names; Dual Purpose Grout & Structural Repair, Fastset Repair Mortar and Quikrete Fastset All-Crete. (See a selector guide here) It may be a difference of countries (here in Canada) Do NOT confuse it with any regular Fastset Mix though, as it will have large aggregate in it. If it says that it is meant to make sidewalks, post foundations and foundation walls then it usually contains large aggregate.
When comparing different types of concrete mix read the fine print and specifications.
Quikrete Fastset AllCrete has much of the same qualities, workability and also stated it can be used at all kinds of consistencies. It also a fine powder but the colour is more like a true concrete ‘grey’; darker than Rapidset Cementall.
The DIY Gigantic concrete Leaf Orb used this mix. It performed well at less than 1/2″ thick and the quick-setting allowed great workflow.
Make sure to consider enough overlap as this will make the open-work structure strong.
Quikrete Vinyl Concrete Patcher:
This product will also work well if you can wait a bit longer. Quikrete Vinyl Concrete Patcher also has additives to make it really strong but does not set as fast as the first 2. It has a window of 30 minutes of work time (conditions can affect it) and will be hard in 24 hours. It has good bonding abilities so layering works great as in this Giant Orb making.
You can see it still is a fine mix but I’d say it feels a bit more sandy. It cures to a similar concrete colour to the Fastset. You can see a slight bit more texture in the final product.
Sakrete Top’n Bond:
This is another of the bonding mixes with great strength and it performs very much like the Quikrete Vinyl Patch. Sakrete Top’n Bond will work for the continuous building around an orb shape (ball of some type) or casting of thin leaves. It will set & cure in about day as well.
My 20″Â Giant Orbs have lasted well through the canadian winters and are light enough to carry with one hand. Amazingly only 1/4″ thick. These are considered ornamental garden sculpture so if it was stepped on it would likely break.
So, there you have 3 direct comparisons (left to right) Quikrete Fastset Allcrete, Rapidset Cementall, and Quikrete Vinyl Concrete Patcher. This is by no way the only available mixes but it does give me quite the selection. Also notice the difference in colours…
As for sealers; you will notice I often do not seal my orbs since I like the look of old patinated concrete. I am also happy to report I have not had any issues with cracking with these mixes. If you have issues about cracking see this post.
If you are still a bit apprehensive about working with concrete visit my tips post. Believe me; it does not mean that you need to be ‘covered in concrete’ to make some easy concrete crafting treasures! Concrete crafting is like making a cake mix that does not need baking… And you can almost keep it forever! Concrete crafting – made simple…
I found your revue on the 3 different kinds of cement very interesting. I want to make a leaf basin for my master bathroom. What product will you recommend that will work best?
There are a lot of things to consider with that type of use. So far the hardest mix I use is the Rapidset Cementall and it is really dense too. I know there are some special counter-top mixes that have not tried. You will also need an appropriate sealer since it will get much use. I am stubborn in making things work, and there may well be a way… Good luck!
I am new at this. I have gone to several different places looking for some of the cement mixes you prefer but they look at me like in crazy. I try to explain what I’m looking for and they still don’t know what I want. The closest I’ve got is mortar mix. Any suggestions on where I should go
Are you in the US? Sometimes the fellows at the stores are not that knowledgable and like to think women don’t have a clue. I hate having to tell them info. Most places would carry the Quikrete Brand, so they should carry Sand Topping Mix. Maybe do the leg work before going to the store (Search online for suppliers) so that you have specific product names and even web pages.
Your website has been extremely informative. What do you use for a release agent when working with a plastic or aluminum mold?
Thank you!
If I use a smooth plastic mold concrete does not stick. I have used a mix of wax and oil, but don’t like the greasiness that it leaves so often I don’t use any. I don’t use aluminum molds. ‘Pam’ spray or WD40 can also work. I the mold is flexible it’s the easiest to get out. Hope that helps!
Color me stupid but concrete and cement are two different things and the verbiage is not interchangeable. Thank you for picture of cement. “The basic difference is that cement is a fine binding powder (which is never used alone), mortar is composed of cement and sand, and concrete is composed of cement, sand, and gravel. Cement is the binding element in both concrete and mortar.”
Yes, you are right. I get a lot of people who are confused. The sandtopping mix has no gravel and when it is cured it is also concrete, but would not be the same as mortar. Then there are the mixes that have more complicated elements that increase setting time and strength but still have no gravel like Rapidset Cementall. I use the Portland cement for the draping
Thank you for replying. I’ve watched and read so many articles on methods and designs it is so confusing. What would you recommend I use to make small to medium planters if I want a smooth finish? I am thinking cement and play sand which I have on hand. Do you soak your finished products in order to leech them?
I tend to keep things simple for myself and use pre-made mixes. The sand-topping mix (similar to sand and cement) works well as I used for my planters/bowls If you want thinner and stronger and very smooth then the Rapidset Cementall is great and pretty well cured in one hour! Even the coasters are great! I always like to make a small test piece to see strength etc. The more you tap to rid bubbles the smoother it will be. The shinier the mold – the Rapidset cementall will even be shiny. So much fun!
I am in Canada also 🙂 I cannot seem to find RapidSet CementAll anywhere! It seems that Home Depot is the only distributor but it is never in stock (in multiple stores). Have they changed their label/brand?
It’s probably the end of the season so it may be more scarce. I noticed not all of their stores carried it. I hope I’ll be able to find it when I need it.
Funny story. I was using some rapid set Quikcrete this summer and it was warm and windy outside. That set in like 5-10 minutes. I had to throw my mixing container with the spoon it it out. Is it possible to mix the rapid set with some that doesn’t set as fast to give me more time? New to your site.
There is an available retardent and I have read that a citric acid solution will slow it down. Using ice water to mix will also help. I have had times where it was just a tad too fast! Good luck!
Thank you so much for your concrete/cement comparisons. I had been using ultracal 30 initially, but it is rather expensive. I am going to try the RapidSet Cement All next and see how it does.
It is somewhat more expensive than the regular but well worth it for convenience. Happy making!
I have a question. I’m looking for some type of cement mix that I can mold into a shape with my gloved hands and it won’t just slump away. Any ideas?
You are looking for a clay-like concrete. The closest I use is the rapidset cementall but it still isn’t stiff enough to mold vertical shapes. If you make a frame work with some mesh etc then it will hold. See this chair and also this bird. There’s other ways to get shapes as well like draping. I have not tried the Shapecrete product but claims to be like clay. Good luck
Hi Barb! So much great info here. I’ve been using the Cement All to make vases. I use plastic recycled bottles for the outer mold and glass bottles or jars inside to create the cavity.
I love the white, shiny finish I get with the Cement All, but I’ve been having an issue with shrinkage cracks showing up in the vases, sometimes a week or two after making them. I’ve been increasing the time the vases are kept moist during curing, putting them in plastic bags and wetting once a day. Initially I did this just for 24 hours or so, but the cracks were still coming so now I’ve been trying it for up to a week.
Have you had any trouble with this? I’m just using the CementAll mix with water and pouring it into my molds…. thanks!!
This is happening due to shrinkage. I know driveways need to be cut into seams pretty early on to avoid odd racking across. Since the jar will not shrink that is why it’s happening. I have seen a bit of that the odd time. Maybe, use a denser mix with less water, as that may be less shrinkage? Stay tuned as I have a project soon that you may like!!!Hope that helps!
Thanks for your help!
Hi Barb,
I really would like to get into making things with concrete. I would like to start with the Cementall. Do I need to purchase anything else along with it to mix in such as sand? I live over an hour away from anywhere I can purchase materials, so I would like to know what all I need before making a trip. I am also interested in using molds as well to make numbers and letters. Do you have any advice on what type or where to purchase molds that would be good for using with cement?
Thank you for your advice and I really appreciate the information from your article!
Christine
Glad you are going to have some concrete fun! The Rapidset Cementall is one of my favourite products. I do not add anything like sand etc. It is a fussy mix that will not really ‘like’ the addition of colours as easily as the regular one. If you are planning a longer project it can set crazy fast especially when in a warm setting so that may require a retarding medium. Maybe have a talk with the rep there. I have not bought any molds as that feels too generic for me. I usually make my own or do sculpt more. If you see any silicone or flexible plastic forms they work well. I bet commercial molds are quite expensive as they are often layered with a plaster rigid form. I usually want what I make to be unique. Maybe do some small test projects before jumping in with both feet… This may also help
Thank you for the advice and such a quick reply!