QUIKRETE Concrete Mixes can be successfully mixed by hand or machine-mixed. For smaller projects, hand-mixing is often the best method. When working with cement mixes, always wear rubber gloves and safety glasses during concrete mixing and placing procedures. Hand-mixing can be done in a plastic mortar tub or wheelbarrow with a shovel or hoe.
When hand-mixing concrete, empty the mix into a mortar tub or wheelbarrow, and then form a depression in the middle of the mix. Measure the recommended water amount. Each 80 lb. bag of concrete mix will require about 3 quarts of water. Pour approximately 2/3 of the water into the depression.
Work the mix with a hoe, gradually adding water, until the mix reaches a uniform workable consistency. When mixing concrete, it is important to know–the more water that is added to the mix, the weaker it becomes. Adding 1 extra quart of water, per 80 lb. bag, can reduce the strength of concrete by up to 40%.
Properly mixed concrete should look like thick oatmeal and should hold its shape, when it is squeezed in a gloved hand. Adding Liquid Cement Color to a standard gray concrete mix can turn it into a decorative concrete with professional results. One 10 oz. bottle of QUIKRETE Liquid Cement Color will color up to two bags of 60 or 80 lb. concrete mix.
To achieve a consistent color, mix the Liquid Cement Color into the mixing water, before adding it to the mix. Using the same water-to-color ratio will help maintain color uniformity from batch to batch. QUIKRETE Liquid Cement Color will last the life of the concrete.
Project Instructions
When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.
Step 1
Empty the mix into a mortar tub or wheelbarrow and form a depression in the middle of the mix.
Step 2
Measure the recommended water amount (each 80-pound bag of concrete mix will require about 3 quarts of water).
Step 3
Pour approximately 2/3 of the water into the depression. If using liquid cement color, add to the mixing water.
Step 4
Work the mix with a hoe, gradually adding water, until the mix reaches a uniform, workable consistency. Properly mixed concrete should look like thick oatmeal and should hold its shape when it is squeezed in a gloved hand.
NOTE: the more water that is added to the mix the weaker it becomes; adding one extra quart of water per 80 lb bag can reduce the strength of the concrete by up to 40%.
Shopping List
- 80 lb QUIKRETE Crack Resistant Concrete Mix
Or
80 lb QUIKRETE Concrete Mix
Or
80 lb QUIKRETE 5000 Concrete Mix - 10oz QUIKRETE Liquid Cement Color (optional)
- Plastic mixing tub
- Mixing hoe
- Shovel
- Measuring Pail
- 5-gallon bucket
- Wheelbarrow
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
For more project ideas just like this, visit QUIKRETE.com.
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