How much cement mix?

[Matt724]

I'm made a DIY background and have it all cut out and siliconed, but I need to know how much cement to mix for each layer. I have the quikrite fast setting cement, 50lbs of it. I planned to get the first layer on today, actually within the next couple hours or so and I forgot that each layer is going to be different. I planned to do the first layer runny, second layer thick, and third layer somewhat runny.

How much should I mix for each layer?

How do I cure the cement and what does curing actually do?

If you guys help me through this, I should have pics up of hte finished project E.T.A Monday.

 

[Matt724]

anyone?

 

[KYeasting]

Well, you're going to have to be willing to wait around for your concrete to set if you want to make it runny. I'd say go for something around a 0.3 water:cement ratio (by weight) and go from there. Its going to take awhile to set well, up to 16-18 hours. Also, the longer you work the cement paste, the more fluid it will become. It's going to take some elbow grease, but you'll see. Also, keep in mind that concrete layers tend to shear cleanly off one another when one is added above another separately. If you want the concrete a little stiffer, slowly add water as you mix. Once it starts to thicken up and everything is wet, mix it around. Once you have the mix as stiff as you're looking for, STOP MIXING! If you keep mixing your concrete will get very runny and won't keep the shape you're looking for. I hope this helps some.