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…
Hi Barb. I just picked up a box of Rapid Set Cement All. I have a small mold for a garden gnome, about 10 inches tall. Will I be able to mix this thin enough to pour, and get it into the mold fast enough? Having read some of your other comments, I’m worried it might set before I can pour it in.
Thanks in advance! Very helpful information!
Yes, I believe so. Is the mold flexible or in parts so that it will come out easily? When I made the Bunnies I poured the Rapidset Cementall (it also says it works in various ways on the bag). If it’s extra warm, work fast…
Yes, it’s a flexible mold. Just checked out the bunnies! Wonderful! So yes, if it worked for those, it should be fine with my mold. Thank you so much!
By the way, the instructions on the box did not give any indication of the extent to which I could add more water (instead of the 4 to 1 ratio that is recommended for repairs etc) but I found a data sheet with really good information about how much extra liquid you can add here: https://www.buildsite.com/pdf/cts/Rapid-Set-Cement-All-Product-Data-1687805.pdf
Funny, my bag has a few drawings of different ways to use. I tend to be a bit of a rule breaker… always looking for a new creative way to use things. ‘Outside the box’ or concrete bag in this case. Have fun!
Thank you for the info about the various types of concrete you use. I’ve wanted to branch out with crafting using concrete but wasn’t sure what to purchase for the projects I have in mind. I want to use various recycled items with the concrete including old towels for flower pots. Would the Quikrete Fastset Allcrete work best with towles?
That is a different type of use so check out this post You would want just a portland cement, possibly some sand added but I don’t like adding it. You would like this one
Accidentally bought high strength – any thoughts of whether to use for plastic and latex molds? Thanks
I would think that Rapidset Cementall would qualify as high strength. Plastic releases quite easily depending on shape. Silicone likes to have a bit of a mold release.
I just found your FABULOUS informative website and will become a fan, I’m sure!
I have a large garden angel that is ugly resin. I want to age it by covering it with concrete and moss. Can I do that? It will stick forever and ever? It’s for a memorial garden.
Thank you!
Kay
Resin is a form of plastic I believe. Concrete will want to flake off. I can’t guarantee it. You could maybe use some draping of fabric with portland cement but features like face would probably be lost. You could consider just using an outdoor paint made for the material and making it look old and weathered by antiquing. Similar to this
Barb,
I have really enjoyed reading through some of your articles. My wife is wanting to get into to this and I have found you site very informative.
As you said Rapid Set is carried by Home Depot and I’m in the US and have gotten a bag.
You also stated that you go by how much flow/slump you want.
Could you give me a couple examples of the ratio of water to mix that you use.
I have tried doing searches on how to mix small amounts and have not found anything that seems to help out.
My wife is older and would probably use a drill with an attachment in a bucket.. Unless its going to be easier doing it another way. Thanks
That Rapidset cementall is a very fast setting mix. I usually use a small sour cream container and mix less than a cup at a time. I’d say do a very small test to get the feel. It uses less water than most mixes. The drill and paddle would get all full of dried concrete and would set before being able to do what you want. Unless you are just pouring it into a mold. My projects usually involve a slower use. It can be more fluid for a mold or more soft clay type for sculpting like my face mask It is fun because results come so quick. Happy making!
Hi, I was wondering what you would use to make cementall very white, or quickcrete fast set white? (in Canada)
Want to make some white concrete items for my home and the natural colour to me is just light grey.
Thanks
I find that the Rapidset Cementall is practically white, I often think it’s too white for looking like concrete. I know some people add latex/acrylic paint to concrete but the fastset kind do not ‘like’ the addition of anything; they start to coagulate. It’s a trial and error. I know in soap, even donuts they use a powder called Titanium Dioxide to make it white. It has a lot of power that I see when making soap. You could try that. Hope that helps
Can I use quikcrete for molding a sculpture like a face on styrofoam. They discontinued shapecrete where i live.
Can you get RapidSet Cementall? Or another fast setting mix? Check specs for thickness suggestions, curing time, and make sure there’s no aggregate. Generally ask for hydraulic concrete, but be aware that it sets super fast so mixing small quantities is best.
I want to make some pots for planting. (will have molds) Which concrete do u think is best for this? I read about each one but still unsure. Thanks for your help.
I have not been disappointed with the RapidSet Cementall as it is super strong (sets crazy fast). The only issue is that it doesn’t look that much like concrete, very smooth and light colour. If the walls are thick enough I have used Sandtopping mix to make many bowls. It has a longer cure.
Thank you so much for this very informative post. I am going to cast cement with higher details, if I use rapidset cementall – do you add in sand ?
Since there’s lot of articles online teaching how you would cast cement and all would mention sand is needed – otherwise the piece will crack easily. Is that the case for rapidset ? Thank you !
The mixes are already formulated, and it is a very unique mix. I would think sand will throw off the specifications. You could contact them, but I have had very good results with the Rapidset Cementall. Portland Cement should have sand added, but that’s different than this mix. Rapidset Cementall is very fine and picks up the smallest details, see here
Hello Barb
Thanks for the advice, can you or anyone reading this please advise me on the equivalent products I can use to create craft items such as soap dishes, pots /planters etc in the UK ? I have been looking around for the longest time but still unsure what to use, I’m based in the United Kingdom
Thank you
I would read the bags of the mix available there. See what the setting/cure times are. Also look at what is suggested thickness minimum. Price also can suggest it isn’t just basic concrete with aggregate in it. Ask the store associate lots of questions. I’m sure there is comparable mixes to ours here in US/Canada. Good luck!
Thanks for your information. I’m working on repairing a fountain. Part of the edge has broke away exposing the metal reinforcement. The rest is in pretty good shape although the existing con rear has a jot of aggregate showing which makes the details ugly. I want to use a smother concrete to resculpt the flowers and repair the broken edge. Not real sure what would be the best mix to use. I’m in the US. I also plan to mosaic over this in places.
I just did a similar thing. I resurfaced a bird bath that had seen some winter freezing. I wet it and added a layer of Rapidset Cementall with the rhubarb leaf imprinted into it. It worked so nicely and holds water even without sealing. I’m curious about the winter here in Canada. Just make sure you keep the ‘old’ concrete dampe enough so that the ‘new’ does not steal the water from it. Just be aware about the quick setting!