QUIKRETE Concrete Mixes can be successfully mixed by hand or machine mixed. For larger projects, machine mixing concrete is often the best method. When working with cement-based mixes, always wear rubber gloves and safety glasses. During concrete mixing and placing procedures, machine mixed concrete should be mixed in a barrel mixer mixing.
Blades in a barrel mixer are attached to the inside of the rotating barrel machine mixing the concrete. Measure the recommended water amount for the number of bags to be added to the mixer and pour half the water into the mixer, before adding any of the concrete mix. Each 80-pound bag will require about three quarts of water.
Typical mixers can hold up to three bags of 80 pound concrete mix. Add the dry mix into the mixer. Then, allow the concrete to mix with the water, for about a minute. Add the remaining water, as necessary. The concrete should be mixed for about three to five minutes until a uniform, workable consistency is achieved. If additional water is needed, small amounts of water may be added, sparingly.
When mixing concrete, it is important to know that the more water that is added to the mix, the weaker it becomes. Adding one extra quart of water per bag can reduce the strength of the concrete by up to forty percent. Properly mixed concrete should look like thick oatmeal and should hold its shape when it is
squeezed in a gloved hand.
Keep the mixer running and dump the concrete into a wheelbarrow for transporting to your work area. Adding liquid cement color to standard gray concrete mix can turn it into a decorative concrete with professional results.
One 10 ounce bottle of QUIKRETE Liquid Cement Color will color up to two bags of 60 or 80 pound concrete mix. To achieve a consistent color, mix the liquid cement color directly into the mixing water, before adding it to the dry mix. 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. Machine mixed concrete should be mixed in a barrel-type mixer.
Step 1
Measure the recommended water amount for the number of bags to be added to the mixer and pour half of the water into the mixer (each 80-pound bag will require about 3 quarts of water). If using liquid cement color, add to the mixing water.
NOTE: water should be added to the mixer before the dry mix.
Step 2
Turn the mixer on and add the dry mix into the mixer. Allow the concrete to mix for about a minute and then add the remaining water as necessary.
Step 3
Mix the concrete for about 3-5 minutes, until a uniform, workable consistency is achieved. If additional water is needed, add small amounts of water sparingly. 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%.
Step 4
Keep the mixer running and dump the concrete into a wheelbarrow for transporting to your work area.
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)
- Concrete Mixer – 3 cubic foot barrel mixer
- Mixing hoe
- Shovel
- Measuring Pail
- Wheelbarrow
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
For more project ideas just like this, visit QUIKRETE.com.
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