Air Bubbles in Pavers

baystater

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« on: August 02, 2009, 02:18:09 PM »

I've been making some stepping stones using scrap glass. Nothing special, just randomized scraps, grand kids names, freehand designs, etc. I've been using a mortar mix from Home Depot and getting a lot of air bubbles. My current method is just to repair the air bubbles while I clean up the surface of the stone.

I've tapped the mold when it was half full and when full with out much result. I'm using Contact Paper to stabilize the glass and WD 40 as a mold release.

Any good ideas on how to remove, eliminate the air bubbles??? help!


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LadyInGlass

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Re: Air Bubbles in Pavers

« Reply #1 on: August 02, 2009, 10:55:22 PM »

Are you maybe mixing too vigorously? I have only made one stepping stone using mortar mix, I usually use grout as a stepping stone product, it's so nice and smooth, if you get the white grout you can turn it any color you like with grout colorants. I use Vaseline as my mold release but I don't think the WD40 could cause bubbles? Maybe try using a wooden spoon or some such to tap the sides of your mold after it is filled as well as tapping the bottom on a hard surface. Just suggestions, hope you find the answer


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We are all just prisoners here of our own device.
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baystater

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Re: Air Bubbles in Pavers

« Reply #2 on: August 03, 2009, 06:33:55 PM »

I've tapped the sides of the mold fairly vigorously, all around the edges, usually twice. I fill the mold about !/2 full, 1", tap the edges with a chunk of 2X4, then fill to the top and tap again. I guess the bubbles have place to go at the bottom of the mold so they stay there.


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Wayne

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Re: Air Bubbles in Pavers

« Reply #3 on: August 04, 2009, 07:43:57 AM »

You have to tap the half full and full mold for about 5 minutes or more since it takes a while for the bubbles to move. You should be able to see them appear as well.


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Gayle

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Re: Air Bubbles in Pavers

« Reply #4 on: August 04, 2009, 04:54:42 PM »

I don't tap the mold directly. I place the mold on a piece of plywood before I pour. Then using a hammer I tap the plywood all around. I agree that you should see the bubbles coming to the top.


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jackypunker

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Re: Air Bubbles in Pavers

« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2010, 08:02:12 AM »

Use a scoop to pour the concrete into the mold, and make sure it spreads into all the corners and creases. Smooth it out on the top so that the surface is flat. Bounce the mold up and down gently to push all the air bubbles out. Allow your concrete pavers to cure for at least 48 hours in a dry place. Once they're done, you should be able to pop them right out of the mold and place them in your yard. Do several at a time, and within a short period you'll have enough pavers for any size project!


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rainbowreaction

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Lilyrain

Re: Air Bubbles in Pavers

« Reply #6 on: June 22, 2010, 01:49:41 AM »

Hi all. I've never actually done a paver, but an aquaintance that has done lots of them had the bubble problem also. She said she used a sander (the rotary kind) to vibrate the mold. She got tired of the 5 minute tapping with a hammer method and came up with that. Not sure where she placed it, but it's worth a try.

-- Mrs. P.


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