Why RapidSet CementAll Is My Favourite Concrete Mix
If you’ve followed my projects over the years, you know that concrete is one of my favourite mediums. But not just any concrete—my go-to is RapidSet Cement All.
I’ve tested a lot of mixes, and this one consistently wins for strength, speed, and versatility. Whether I’m draping fabric, sculpting large/small objects, or embedding textures from nature, this mix delivers the results I want—quickly and beautifully.
So why do I love it so much? Let me count the ways…
1. It Sets Fast—But Not Too Fast
One of the biggest challenges with traditional concrete is the waiting. Not with Cement All! It sets in about 15 minutes and cures in just an hour. That’s a dream when you’re experimenting with various techniques or layering textures. It allows some sculpting when it starts to stiffen. It was great to sculpt the Large Concrete Face
You don’t have to babysit your projects all day or worry about things collapsing before setting. It strikes the perfect balance: quick but still workable for a window of creative time.
🛠 Example Project:
Draped Concrete Bowls
This was one of the first projects where I realized how well Cement All holds shape—even with soft, slouchy forms. It catches the folds and ripples like fabric, but hardens into a strong, sculptural object.
Rock Eye Peepers & Smiling Stones
As the mix starts to stiffen it allows some quick sculpting and progressing through the design quite quickly.
I liken the way this concrete mix works as almost an instant mix.
💪 2. It’s Incredibly Strong & Durable
Don’t be fooled by the delicate shapes—this stuff is rock solid once cured. It’s much stronger than traditional concrete mixes used for patching or post holes. That makes it ideal for thin-walled vessels, jewelry, and even garden pieces that need to withstand the elements.
These Faux fossil coasters are quite thin but I have always marvelled at how they have not broken.
🛠 Example Project:
Concrete Leaf Casting
Using Cement All gives me crisp, detailed impressions without crumbling edges. The durability means they can sit outside for seasons without worry. That is why I started with concrete in the beginning; I want to leave my concrete creations outside during all weather and my climate in Canada!
3. It Has a Smooth, Fine Texture
Rapidset CementAll mixes up into a creamy, clay-like consistency—perfect for casting fine detail or hand-sculpting. It’s not sandy or gravelly like some quick-sets. This is especially important for smaller-scale or intricate work.
It can be used to pour into a mold and coat the walls. This worked great for the Slush Pour Planters made from doll heads
Simple Soda can vessels made by pouring Rapidset Cementall into trash!
You can press objects into the surface—lace, leaves, fabric—and they leave behind amazing textures. The mix picks up the tiniest detail without flaking. I do not even use a mold release for the leaves but make sure to leave until it has set.
🛠 Example Project:
Lacy Leaves Concrete Circle
4. It Takes Pigment & Finishes Well
Whether you want a natural concrete look or something vibrant, Cement All plays nicely with tints, oxides, and finishes. It’s also easy to paint, stain, or seal once cured.
🛠 Example Project:
Giant Concrete Geode
I’ve added glass and metallic paint The smooth finish allows for layering and detail—no crumbly mess.
5. It’s Ideal for Experimentation
As someone who’s always trying to push materials in new ways, I appreciate how forgiving Cement All is. You can mix it thick like clay or thinner like pancake batter, depending on what you need. It sets fast, but not so fast that you can’t pivot.
🛠 Example Project:
Layered Concrete Vase
Yes, I even imbed crystals and stones into the layers. That blend holds detail while staying lightweight—something that’s hard to do with traditional mixes.
6. Versatile as a fixing concrete:
This mixes ability to bond with other older concrete makes it ideal to fix broken concrete.
I am happy to say that this birdbath has managed to hold water again! Here’s how to Fix (resurface) a Concrete Birdbath
Large Holey Concrete Voronoi Orb
💬 Final Thoughts
After years of experimenting with concrete, RapidSet Cement All is still my top choice. It’s easy to find (usually at Home Depot), mixes consistently, and lets me create everything from delicate jewelry to bold outdoor art. If you’re serious about crafting with concrete—or just curious to try—it’s the one I always recommend.
Curious to start? Check out my growing list of concrete projects here:
👉 All Concrete Crafts on MadeByBarb.com
Let me know if you’ve tried Cement All or if you have questions—I’m always happy to help you dive into the wonderful, gritty world of DIY concrete!
Thank you for all your hard-won research. I realize these things are not learned overnight and involve many many experiments.
Josie
Yes! I really believe learning comes from ‘playing’! From college I learnt that observation skills are actually of high importance, perhaps more than talent. Even during clean-up a lot can be learnt from a certain media! Enjoy!