A simple mold was used to cast this compass rose.

How to Use Your Molds

In The Beginning - Plan Ahead.

Depending on the material your mold is made out of, you'll need some sort of lubricant to make it possible to remove your casting from the mold.  Concrete or Hypertufa will stick to some types of molds better than others. There are commercially produced mold releases if you're inclined to use them.  Personally I think they're a waste of money.

I've found that motor oil, Vaseline or petroleum jelly, cooking spray, and spray on lubricants used in the automotive industry work well and are cheap.  Surprisingly cooking spray, does not work very well and in my opinion should not be on this list.  I know why but I've never had a hell of a lot of luck with.  Maybe it's because I bought the cheap stuff I don't know.

Petroleum jelly is best used if you have a wooden mold because it doesn't soak in, like oil does. Be generous with it, especially on new wood.

I'm not going to mention cooking spray, because I never use it.  But spray on oils are easy to use and work well on any metal or plastic mold.  However I have to say that my favorite is 10 weight engine oil.  It's around a dollar a quart, buy the cheapest stuff you can find. It is easy to use, just pour some on a rag and rub it on your mold.

The important thing is to make sure that you got whatever lube you are using into all the corners, and that is not puddled up anywhere.

Depending on the size of the casting.  You may decide to put in some wire mesh for reinforcing.  I don't usually bother if it is something I will be hanging however if you are casting steppingstones or something like that is a good idea to use some form of reinforcement. A general rule for Me is anything over a foot square will have reinforcement. If you are making a hanging, be sure to have the hangar ready to insert.  You don't want to be looking for something to make it out of in the middle of casting it.

Once you've used your mold and removed your casting another very very important thing to clean your mall.  Immediately, before you put it away. I've found the best thing to use is ordinary liquid dish soap.  Like you use in the sink, not the stuff from the dish-washing machine.  Be sure you do a good job and then hang up your mold out of the sun and it will serve you for a long time.

Once Again - Plan ahead.