Hey folks, remember gnomes have feelings too… or at least they look like they might. Garden angels, bird baths, gargoyles, and statues of the Holy Mother all deserve a little tender care and respect; after all, they spent a harsh cold winter exposed to the nasty elements. Cracks happen, chips happen… and suddenly things don’t look so brand new or cared for. So, do you need to toss your backyard treasures? We say NAH! Here’s how to fix them.
Photo by visagency
Concrete repair is simple
Don’t believe it? A bold first attempt to repair a garden gnome may have been a difficult experience for a noob in the past, but Protective Coating Company has formulated some fabulous and high-tech epoxies that eliminate “difficult” from many DIY projects. We stake our honor on it! So, grab a pair of gloves and get ready to bring your gnome back to life.
Items you will need
- A garden hose
- A stiff bristled brush
- PC-11® or PC-Crete™ epoxy
Save the gnome in 5 simple steps
1. Dampen the cement statue with your garden hose until all surfaces are wet. Scrub the statue gently with a soft-bristled brush to remove all dirt and grime that may interfere with the pc epoxy bond.
2. Allow the area to dry completely before continuing. This is the only part that will take some extra time if you are using PC-Crete™, but you don’t have to actually do anything. Have a drink. Relax.
3. Mix your PC-11® or PC-Crete™ as instructed on the package. PC-Crete™ is a putty formula that can be used to build up and replace any missing pieces. PC-11® is an excellent product as well due to its longer working time and ability to hold up under damp, cold, and wet conditions.
• PC-Crete™ is formulated with real aggregate to look and feel like concrete. Cut, mix and apply. PC-Crete™ allows a working time of about 3 minutes and cures for service in 60 minutes. It’s a “quick fix” product that’s super easy to use.
• PC-11® is formulated to provide an extended working time, for larger concrete repairs, which allows the user to reposition work or make changes as they go. The great thing about PC-11® is that it bonds to both wet and dry substrate. No wait time after hosing down.
4. Apply your pc epoxy of choice to the cement cracks or chips by squeezing it on, or applying it with a putty knife. To reattach part of the statue, apply a 1/4-inch layer of epoxy to both the broken piece and the statue and press them together for two to three minutes.
5. Wait 15 minutes and scrape off all excess epoxy with a putty knife to prevent it from hardening and developing ridges or bumps. Then allow appropriate curing time as per the package label.
What next, you wonder? Not much. The simplicity lies in the fact that PC-Crete™ epoxy looks and feels like concrete. If you need to make corrections to the paint on your gnome or statue, that counts as another project!