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Best Concrete Mix for Models

matt22

I use concrete for a lot of my final models, but I'm struggling to find a good mix to use. I've used rockite in the past but am looking for a cheaper alternative. Any suggestions?

 
Mar 31, 16 8:13 pm
archanonymous

Mix your own.

 

Quickcrete portland cement and fine sand... add coarser aggregate as necessary. Plasticizer also really helps with finely detailed models.

Mar 31, 16 9:50 pm  · 
 · 
Young-Architect

I second the Quickcrete suggestion, I also have had very good luck using quickcrete cement mix, it gives you a very nice finish. 

Apr 2, 16 10:07 am  · 
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Janosh

Be sure to vibrate it.  Nothing crazy, you can just put a pad sander on the surface with your filled form to help the mix get into the corners...

Apr 2, 16 12:41 pm  · 
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Wood Guy

Don't use too much water, as it leaves holes in the cured concrete. Just enough to thoroughly wet the mix. A little plasticizer helps but don't use too much of it, either.

Apr 3, 16 10:29 am  · 
 · 
archanonymous

I don't know about that Wood Guy. More water is better than not enough water.  

 

Best way if you are mixing small amounts is to get a digital scale and weigh everything precisely. Start with ratios from engineeringtoolbox.com or similar and adjust per experience.

Apr 3, 16 12:02 pm  · 
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Wood Guy

Archanonymous, in my past life as a contractor I mixed and placed a lot of concrete and mortar of various sorts, everything from concrete counters to fireplaces and tiled showers, and I have a degree in structural engineering which involved a lot of concrete research, but I have not made architectural models out of concrete so I can't claim to be an expert in that niche.

I agree that not enough water is a worse problem than too much water, which is why I specified "enough to thoroughly wet the mix." Almost everyone uses too much water which weakens the mix (probably not a big deal for models) and leaves bubbles. You can fill the bubbles with a slurry mix if necessary.

Apr 3, 16 2:02 pm  · 
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shellarchitect

a concrete vibrator should be good for tons of fun in studio, just make sure your prof and classmates can handle dirty jokes

Apr 4, 16 12:29 pm  · 
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null pointer

Alternatively, you could get another type of vibrator and get the job done (for smaller models).

Apr 4, 16 12:53 pm  · 
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shellarchitect

maybe save a few bucks and ask around?

Apr 4, 16 12:56 pm  · 
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