Concrete Statue Repair - Fixing broken parts, filling air bubbles & seams, and painting restoration

Concrete garden statues and art can withstand years of outdoor elements, but the human factor of people dropping one or an accident can be frustrating. There are various techniques and glues, but in this video, Andy will demonstrate how he repairs or fixes damaged and broken statues primarily using Portland cement.
Garden art, whether animals, gnomes, or seasonal figurines, enhances the garden, patio, or yard, it lasts forever, and it also makes an ideal gift. There are several other videos on Backyard Adventures with Andy showing how to make a statue mold and how to finish a statue with various paint effects, and more. Subscribe to the statue playlist and check out the channel to see more videos on statues.
Backyard Adventures with Andy Wright is a channel devoted to all-thing gardening and yard care, along with random "adventures" that include statue making, building a pizza oven (coming soon), home entertainment tips, and more. Tune-in for some inspiration and instruction on all things home and yard!
Focus Question: How does one repair concrete garden statues?

[@TroyRudd574]

Dude! Just put the head in the basket... instant Halloween decor! haha Thanks for the video! My turtle paver lost his head.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for watching. Yes, the head in the basket has worked for some humor. Also, I attached the head to a different mold (a bird), and that has been fun to see. Thanks for watching!

[@xz4wkd]

Nice job. Followed your technique and my 60 year old broken statues turned out to be awesome.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Nice to hear... I hope to start a beaver statue soon!

[@ericksonstatuary]

Nice job on repair and base coat 👍, I restore old statuary as a hobby/ side business. I also use regular cement for big repairs but try red devil concrete patch it's nice ready to use out of the tub. Works great for pitting and small cracks then I use a dremmel tool with grinding stones to smooth it all out. Great video, you nice work!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I appreciate the tip about the Red Devil Patch and the rotary tool!

[@janicep1508]

I think I will try this as I only need to restore one statue.

[@BrushworksStatueRestoration]

We use meadow patch 20. Made by meadows Ltd and sets in 20 minutes. Can be smoothed by gloved hands while still workable. Thanks for a good video!!

[@faith2ful]

have you ever tried bondo. a concrete statue company said that’s what they use.

[@beckyeaton9617]

Nice job! ALWAYS wear a mask to avoid breathing in the concrete dust, no matter if you're inside or out. Definitely when you use the grinder!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Yes...I do need to be more consistent with this, too. It is especially important with fiberglass dust.

[@beckyeaton9617]

@@backyardadventureswithandy The dust isn't good for your lungs. Absolutely with the fiberglass. You do fantastic work & I'd hate to see your health go south from not using proper stuff. Just a friendly reminder! 😉

[@Tarot_Time_with_Belle]

@@beckyeaton9617 agreed! After watching my aunty dying from COPD from dust from having a bird indoors and doing lots of home improvement works with no masks. I once thought it was all over the top, but actually after SEEING the damage it does and losing my aunty at just 61 after many years being housebound and stuck to oxygen, it was a tragic, long suffering, extremely frightening end to life. She left behind 5 children and many Grt Grandchildren, 5 years on and it seems so silly and sad to think that, if my aunty had worn a mask when doing diy and maybe not had the bird in her living room, then my cousins and their children wouldn’t be still struggling to deal with the heartache her loss has bought. One simple thing, could’ve made all the difference to her family, who all adored her. Clever, creative, funny, the greatest sense of humour id ever known and with her London cockney accent making her one liners more hilarious, some how. She’s greatly missed. One simple thing we could all do that would make so much difference to our families.

[@beckyeaton9617]

@@Tarot_Time_with_Belle Yes I lost my mom to lung cancer in 2018. She was a heavy smoker for 60 yrs, she was 82. She didn't do any diy's but the cigarettes killed her. Any smoke, dust of any kind, epoxy resin etc are all bad for your lungs. Once they are damaged it only goes south from there.

[@davepowell7168]

Thanks. The 'patina' was effective adding depth and surprisingly an aged look to the cement.

[@familyfuntime1750]

Really beautiful work! Thank you for the tutorial!Now let me see if I can make my repair look as good as yours do!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for watching and I hope this turns out nice for you!

[@clarenclaren7882]

Thank you for this great tutorial. I just inherited a few 70’s/80’s concrete frog statues that I had no idea how to began to repair or repaint. This was such great information.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

You are welcome. Sometimes, the old statues are so amazing and the process of remaking them is quite worthwhile, too. Enjoy!

[@BrendaLonon]

Great job !. I have a couple of things to repair and I will use your technique. Thanks for the video.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your statues.

[@ascricco987]

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you very much, sir!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Glad I could help!

[@janemcgovern6184]

Thanks, Andy...I have a pocked marked statue I made in art school from being outside a long time...your method with Portland cement and the black/white paint job is terrific. Think you answered my need to restore my sculpture. I have seen other videos but I think you way will make the best job. 😀

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I really appreciate the encouragement. I am about to start a beaver and am going to try a new recording. They take a while, but it is fun to pass the info along.

[@gemmabanks851]

I’m doing a statue that I got given for free. Beautiful summer pillar with and elf on top with fairy, Gnomes and a cornucopia. I have repaired today with your technique and tomorrow I am going to resurface with plaster of Paris. A little nervous as never done it before but excited to try it, thank you for helping me as I plan to turn this into a regular thing. Xx

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

How did this turn out? I appreciate the feedback. Remember, Plaster of Paris is good for a short term model. I assume you are using it to make a new mold, or to repair a statue for inside decor?

[@angelkwick233]

Thank you very much for the videos. I watched these and have fixed two of mine already . Ty

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

You are welcome!

[@SkylarknTexas]

Thank you! A late 60’s or early 1970’s Peasant’s Proposal is about to get a repair & refurbishment. The upper bowl fell apart one move so fearful of not at least paint sealing.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Good luck and thanks for watching...

[@faith2ful]

Love this aged technique. appreciate this video so much. My daughter in law goose neck and beak broke and they want a lot to repair at concrete place we bought from. they use bondo they told me. hmmm.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Bondo or other products work. Each has pros and cons... thanks for watching!

[@victoriapiekarz4767]

Thanks!! I will try these techniques to fix my garden gnomes

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I hope they work out for you!

[@anneformanek5180]

So many great tips in this video! I'm working on my first mold castings and having a problem with bits coming off as I demold. Hopefully will get that sorted out, but now I think I can actually repair some of my fails! Love your paint technique too

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Tell me more about the bits coming off as you demold...is it little parts breaking or something else?

[@petroniabailey185]

M I’ll s

[@skerriesrockart]

your mix isn't right..either too much water or you're not leaving it long enough to harden

[@CraftsmanCollective]

Very cool- we love this kind of stuff on our channel!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks, and I hope your channel is successful!

[@bgyangco]

THIS IS A GREAT FIND! Good Morning Andy, We would like to ask you for advice as to repair pits and cracks on our Lion Concrete Statues. We have had the lions for about 10 years and brought them with us to Washington from Florida when we moved here. I see that you are in the Seattle area. We live in Gig Harbor, WA and would be most happy to send you photos of our lion statues and perhaps you can give us advice or even come over to help us and we will pay for your help repairing our lion statues.Thank you very much!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks so much for the kind words and reaching out! I am not at a spot where I can help with actual work, but I would encourage you to try in a more discreet spot the repair technique I use and see if it seems worth the effort and look you want. I am also will to see some pictures and give input. Enjoy the beauty of Fall in the Pacific NW!

[@bgyangco]

Hi Andy, We have been referring to your website to repair our Lion Statues. I would like to send you some pictures of our Lion Statue which we started, to find out what whether we are on the right tract. Also as you know obviously the color of the cement does not match the original appearance of the lions so we want to paint them. You use a paint diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio? What about painting with colored portland cement which we just noticed on another video? Also is there an email address I can use to send you the Lion photos ? Thank you very much. - Benny Yangco@@backyardadventureswithandy

[@mar1video]

Thanks for the ideas ❗️ Great video ❗️

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

No problem!!

[@eileenhelmick4126]

Raccoons ear looks great ! My first attempt is feathers on top of cardinal head ! I'm hoping ? Thank you so much !!!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks also for watching!!

[@Devenrenghen]

Very nice ❤ How do you proceed with a statue that doesn't have its leg, for example? Thank you

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I have not personally dealt with it, but if it was a statue I wanted to keep or duplicate, I would try to remold a leg. I have some statues that have had a broken leg, and in those cases, it was not worth repairing, but I had them strategically in the yard where the broken part was hidden.

[@michaelfrancis1715]

Any special kind of paint or does it matter. Thanks for showing and they look great

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I'll often use an inexpensive, exterior flat latex paint. I then water it down for the base coat and follow that up with a dry brush of white. I can't say for sure if the type of paint matters, but I'd imagine exterior paint is slightly better than interior.

[@brianslayter6470]

Great job!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks!

[@BarbaraBrooks-r5i]

Ive watched your video sevral times and appreciate your knowledge. I have an old statue that has had major repairs done with plaster of paris. It needs some structural repairs. Do I need to remove the plaster of paris to allow the cement to adhere properly? 23:07

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I don't know for sure, but I would suspect that plaster of paris will not adhere very well. Sorry I can't be of more help, but hopefully you can figure this out.

[@whttrails]

I cleaned a friends statue and coated it to be all gray cement. They like it as is but I'm thinking they'd like it more with that aged looked like it originally looked like. Technique you did looks awesome. Thanks for tip. Do you need a concrete sealer before or after if you are painting?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I don't put a sealer on it, but if I had a special paint done that was going to be out in the weather, I would spray a clear coat over it. Otherwise, I leave it as is and most are great. Every once in a while, if the paint is thick and doesn't stain/absorb into the statue, it may have a problem after a couple years and start to flake off.

[@marekgorniak8357]

Hi that’s really helpful regarding the metal support for the girl statue head. How did you match the holes for the metal bit on the head and body?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I have all sorts of scrap metal and lose bolts/screws around, so I sort of try and see what looks best.

[@barbboyd9865]

I'm so happy to have found your channel! I have 2 bunnies that I'm estimating are about 100 years old (made of cement by my great- grandmother) and need some repairs (broken foot, shipped tail...). Knowing about Portland cement is a God-send and I should easily be able to do the repairs. I have a few other questions regarding a life-sized statue (also made by my great-grandmother, and likely to be about the same age as the bunnies) - which sits in a cemetery at her gravesite. She has been painted white for decades and now the paint is chipping. I would like to completely remove the paint and have been told to use lots of water and D2 Biological cleaning solution. Is this something you're familiar with? If I have additional questions, is it possible to email you (if you do that sort of thing...). Thank you so much for any assistance you could provide! The bunnies will be easy compared to the statue...

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

As for paint removal, I do not have enough experience to know the best ways and safest ways to do that. I often pressure wash, but that damages the surface of old concrete. You are welcome to ask questions or if you find my email, try that, but I check comments periodically and try to respond. Thanks for the support!

[@barbboyd9865]

@@backyardadventureswithandy no worries about the paint removal; I'm still gathering info, so may find something eventually. I was advised NOT to pressure wash the statue because of the potential damage as well as the paint chips spraying around the cemetery, so will likely just do the scrubbing - with a non-wire brush. I recently found an article from 1997 about the angel (saying it was created in 1905!) and that Portland cement was what my great-grandmother used - so that was a huge plus from your video. Now, I just need to find a small-enough quantity of it to start repairing the bunnies as my "test" (guinea-bunnies?). Thanks for getting back to me, and if I find I have more questions you may be able to answer, I'll reach out again.

[@285Lioness]

How would you replace a hand to a statue? I need to repair my great grandmothers Virgin Mary Statue and the hand is missing. It cannot be located. Love your videos too!! thank you

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

This is likely going to be a challenge for (us) amateurs, but if you were trying to fix it yourself, you could try creating a mold and be sure to have a reinforcement that is inset in the original statue. For example, if a metal rod was able to be inset and then supported with a glue, and then the mold would be built around it, that might work. Or, premake a hand and adhere it to the broken spot with concrete adhesive?

[@dannoakl]

Instead of superglue, use Paraloid b72. It is stronger. A 20% dilution with acetone can also be used to seal surfaces.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for the ideas and input!

[@grubalcava]

I just finished staining my 52" concrete wall fountain and filled cracks that it had. What sealer should I use on a fountain to protect the concrete from water seeping in and cracking again?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I am not sure the best product for this, but if it was me, I'd double up on whatever is recommended.

[@taylarogers313]

I really appreciate your videos! How do you feel about using the fast setting quikcrete in the red bag?? I've tried the Portland mixture with the sand and gravel and it was a DISASTER!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I think you should try it, but for years, I just use the standard concrete from the crates at Home Depot (or wherever) and it works great. I still break statues if I take them a part too early, and reinforcing the breakable pieces helps too, but try whatever! My biggest problem is not waiting, especially in colder temperatures where concrete cures more slowly.

[@davidcastro3473]

Great information sir thanks

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@mrsdragnfly]

Fantastic

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thank you so much 😀

[@texaswalkerwoman9875]

thank you that was so helpful.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SamanthaFisher-r3c]

What color gray, black and white are you using. What are the names of the colors if your using Sherwin Williams

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

The colors are not exact, and the key is black-ish and white-ish. I've used a variety that are close, and there is not a visual difference that I have seen.

[@mr.c8033]

Regarding the head repair: This might be ideal if the head sits and balances when setting. But, what about if it doesn't? Wouldn't a quick set construction adhesive be better?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Yes, the construction adhesive is very helpful, but the biggest issue with this is hiding the glue from being visible. It can look quite tacky but adds strength!

[@GersonManrique]

Muy buen trabajo amigo.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for watching!

[@GersonManrique]

@@backyardadventureswithandy You're welcome

[@bluebowser3347]

I bought a concrete angel statue for my mothers grave. It was very expensive and imported from Germany. The wing is chipped so I hope to fix it. I'm not very competent with stuff like this though.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

It might be worth trying a puddy or the Portland Cement mix. It won't match initially, but over time, the weather will bring it close in color, I think.

[@yvonneschimmel453]

What of my statue is clay? Can.i.mix cement with adhesive and put it all over the statue and let it dry?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I am not sure what would be clay, and I am a bit confused by the question. Are you trying to make a mold or to fix a part?

[@yvonneschimmel453]

@@backyardadventureswithandy fixing some wings that broke off my statue

[@hilaryberry7133]

Just found this video. We have a large ‘Modesty’ statue found in my sister’s garden when she moved in. Head is almost off and has crack down one cheek. Going to try your techniques. But Modesty has been painted silver at some point and flaking in some places. What would be your advice for cleaning up before recolouring?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I would start with a wash with a stiff scrubby brush, and if the loose paint seems off, then get a watered-down black/gray paint and soak it in once or twice, followed by a dry brush with a light color. You could try the pressure washer carefully, but that could destroy concrete if you are not careful.

[@Rod7355]

Great video what type of concrete do you use in regards to your statuary work? I’m trying to figure out what concrete I need. Do use for molding planter boxes. Also, what type of paint do you use to coat your concrete work? Because I’m trying to decide what do use for the concrete planters

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

The concept with latex molds can work with planters, but I suspect many planters are more of a hard cast mold. The latex is ideal when you are trying to copy lots of fine details, like flowers, shapes, etc. I use the mixed bags from the local hardware stores, and it is nothing fancy. It works great and I will often reinforce legs or breakable parts with some scrap metal like long bolts or wire. As for paint, I just use a cheap, exterior paint mixed heavily with water to make it thin.

[@chavezs24]

Hello!!! I hope you see this because i am struggling to figure out how to seperate my piece to make a mold. I have a planter that is A female in a Yoga pose. Im trying to figure out where to put the cards for the seams. Or whats the best way to go about it without breaking it when i unmold. Or maybe this is just a technique that i cant use with this planter? What other ways can i make a mold from this? How do i send you a picture?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

All statues should be able to have a mold, its juts that some will require extra seams. Start with one part and work your way around. if parts will get hung up when you separate, consider if a seam or something is needed.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Also, sometimes you can go to a store that sells statues and look carefully at the statues to see how they placed their seams.

[@kimberlysmith-parkerson7067]

Do you seal the paint? Great instructional video. Thank you for sharing.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

If I have it outside, any sort of seal or coating helps it last longer. I have some styles that are aged-stone looking that I don't seal, because I like the weathered look over time. Anything with colors does better with a seal.

[@lydiaahubbell8545]

@@backyardadventureswithandymy friend has a concrete fountain of children standing under an umbrella that was in 3 pieces. The middle piece broke and he took it away (i think he still has the pieces) and is operating the fountain with the umbrella part sitting directly on top of the children, which makes it look like a very misshapen toadstool.

[@lydiaahubbell8545]

@@backyardadventureswithandywhat kind of sealer do you recommend?

[@j.d.1488]

First time at this channel. Great video. ? Did you ever use a binder (concrete glue) to help with cement surface mating? Also portland cement straight up, no sand?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

The Portland cement is without sand for smaller repairs and cosmetic fixes...YES! If it is a bigger fix or hole, then sand would help and would change things. I would use a concrete glue, but you have to watch it leaking out as it looks really tacky when exposed, for certain types of finish.

[@jennifercernava6443]

What would you recommend to rebuild small missing fingers and facial features that I can sculpt the fine features? I am wanting to restore a small concrete gnome that got pretty beat up

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I would try a molding clay, and then after it is dry and firm, rebuild the statue with latex rubber.

[@coburnlowman]

You make great detaied videos. I promise I'm not making fun , but you remind me of Dwight Shruet from the office , now that he has a beard.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I'll take it! Thanks...

[@joentexas]

Watching this I can now fix a cat's ear that was damaged by the movers. The cats about 26-28 inches tall and must weigh in excess 75#. How durable is the paint when the statue becomes wet when it rains? Could or would it be protected with lacquer? Or should the statue be placed in a covered area? Good stuff, Thanks.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I have statues that have been out in the Pacific NW rain and weather for years (like 6+ years), and most look fabulous! I had one I remember that the paint was not thinned, so it was more like a paint, and it has some peeling, but for all the statues that were more of a stain, they are good. With that said, under cover is always better!

[@joentexas]

@@backyardadventureswithandy Thanks for your reply.

[@hello_rice]

do you need to use a cement bonding agent or just cement? i saw some other tutorials that use a bonding agent and i'm hoping its not needed cause the ones i find are pricey. (also i don't need a huge amount since i'm only repairing one statue)

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I have not used any cement bonding agent...but there are a variety of techniques!

[@sislertx]

U should try to paint them to look like aged.copper...always a headache...lol. Thanks tho..i repaired a really special one i have but its broke again and this gives me some incentive to.redo it.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I understand...some statues are special, and a fix would be helpful. I may try the copper and a few other base coats. When I sell my statues, the black foundation that makes the aged look have been the most popular.

[@woodfantasy871]

Nice job! do you seal it?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Over the last 5+ years, I have only sealed a few. Most of my unsealed ones have done great, but the few statues I painted where the paint did not absorb/semi-stain into the concrete have had some paint come off. I think that statues with paint on the surface and minimal absorbing would benefit from a seal if in the weather year after year, otherwise repainting may be needed.

[@binger1212]

A friend needs this done to a 100 year small statue. What TYPE of contractor should I look for to do this? I'm in Phoenix

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I do not know people in different areas, but it might be worth rebuilding the statue after fixing it.

[@maryannmoy7812]

Hi, I’m making life size concrete sculpture using 1 part Portland cement to 2 parts play sand and I’ve got some shim lines and holes to fill, if I just use straight up Portland will that have the same strength as my usual formula? Thank you for your video!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

The Portland cement will have a similar texture if you do any paint over it, but it often leaves a different shade of gray. One way around this is to sort of paint the statue or wash the statue in the Portland cement watered-down, so it all has a similar color.

[@Chris-nw5lk]

Hi, do you have any suggestions for a yard statue made with plaster I think, the legs fell off and left a hole in the belly. It's a tall bird, about 2-3 ft high but the legs are actually metal, much heavier than the plaster body. I need a material that can hold the legs up under the belly and fill the hole in the belly. I think cement would be too heavy. Thanks for any info😍

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I am not sure what would be best. You could almost try to put a mix of PVC pipe or another material in the body cavity and protruding out as legs, and then get spray foam (very light) to fill the cavity. Then the PVC/etc. could hopefully look realistic enough and be painted to look like legs?

[@Chris-nw5lk]

@@backyardadventureswithandy spray foam sound promising. I saw some craft plaster, but I don't know anything about it, or if it would hold legs. If I had a pond, I'd seal it up and make it a swimmer 😂 I think it will probably fail anyway I try. It may be a fatal injury. I enjoy your site. I have been painting all my outdoor cement. I'm in the middle of a religious statue. He was white cement but I decided to clothe him in appropriate garb, which is tons of fun. Thanks your help😍

[@suncat1396]

My mom broke her back and they did a kaphectomy don't know if i spelled it right basically they inject a glue in the break. That's what this reminds me of.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Uh, sorry about your mom, and interesting!

[@kellywilsonhollidaypeterson1]

Would this also work for concrete benches that have seen better days

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I don't know how long it would last with the wear and tear that benches have. I am doubtful it would last for a while.

[@bharris9824]

How long does your paint last? I’ve got to stencil silhouettes on fresh cement support columns for an outdoor birding platform by a lake and need some sort of paint that will last (hopefully) at least a decade. Thanks for the video -very informative.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Most of my painted statues are less than 6 years old, and the ones in the exposed rain and sun have started to show signs of breaking down the paint. However, the higher quality paints, like at Sherwin Williams, seem to hold up better over time if the surface was clean and fully dry when painted on.

[@janicep1508]

I have a 30 year old painted fawn. Starting to show cracks and pockmarks because he is outside all winter. The tricky part is his paint is nicely colored multi toned to resemble real fur. I don't want him to look like cheaply dyed hair. Your brushing technique should help with that, lightly brushing in a few different shades.

[@candiceclgg5693]

What about really heavy statues I have a bird feeder that the bass cracked and it fell over Now I know I'm going to have to put A metal beam in there but can I use that cement too with something that heavy

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

A lot of the concrete will respond in a similar way if it is supported. You may want to look at other products that bond concrete together. with more adhesive strength.

[@brukashe]

Hi i have some questions about repairs for the face of a buddah fountain face that has fore damage and the surface needs repair

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

What questions do you have?

[@Lady_of_Ishpeming]

Getting your concrete wet before drilling into it may help reduce dust...

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Yes, and for certain drilling, I have used a small roto-drill to get a bigger hole. Now days, I like using glues and trying to avoid having it leak out the seam. Then, I fill in the seams with my Portland Cement mixture.

[@kevinkendall-qb1ne]

How do you handle the hairline cracks? Have one with a crack around the neck, back of head and wrist.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Concrete always has natural cracks, such as in sidewalks, but if the part is still attached, it is fine. If you are saying the hairline crack is all the way through, meaning broken, then you will need to repair it. The nice thing about a tight break is that some glues will hold it together with minimal showing out the seam.

[@swkrissie]

Should you wear a respirator to protect your lungs?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Always a good thing!

[@swkrissie]

My concrete fountain topper was reinforced with steel rebar, it has cracked and the rebar is rusting, which is causing the topper to crumble. Is it beyond help? I have looked for replacement toppers, it seems like it is futile to find something similar and large enough. I bought some cement clay, but I am looking at something that is in pieces.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I think your concern is quite valid, especially because this is a fountain with continual water exposure and movement. It's a lo of work, but I wonder if you could "patch it" with modeling clay, and then make a cast/mold to duplicate the top? I would consider this if the fountain is pretty unique.

[@swkrissie]

@@backyardadventureswithandy It is a unique piece, and I know the original designer and maker of this fountain has passed away. His son tried to take up the art, but couldn't get the mixture right, and his creations crumbled. I was very sad when I heard that. I was thinking about fixing it and casting/mold it, but I have never done anything like that before. I have watched numerous videos of people doing it, they make it look easy, but I know everything takes a skill set I don't have (yet). This fountain was bought in celebration of my surviving cancer, I would hate to give up on the topper.

[@carlfranklin7818]

I'm trying to glue to concrete legs together and everything I try just pulls apart....what should I use?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

There are some caulk high strength glues at the hardware stores that are great for concrete. Perhaps ask there about a glue and that might be a good next step.

[@SandraEllis-y4l]

How do u put a broken deer horn back on, broke off. It is cement

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I have one like this that is really thin, and I think a concrete adhesive from the hardware store is your best bet, but unless you paint over it, the color of the adhesive will likely be visible to the eye.

[@misskitty6586]

Is that Sherwin Williams paint? Exterior grade I assume?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Yes, typically Sherwin Williams, although I have used other cheaper ones and they have been just fine!

[@nancycarver1317]

I have a donkey that had his tail broken. It screwed into the donkey. It broke the top half of the concrete off the bolt of the tail. How can I fix it? Not much left in the curve of the tail to drill into. 😢

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

This sounds quite challenging. It may not be possible to repair with a solid fix. Sometimes, a visual fix can work, but it doesn't hold together very well.

[@Txnkid76]

What kind of paint are you using with the white details? I am restoring and water fountain so after I paint it is there a clear protectant that might save the color longer? Thanks

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I don't use anything special, just a latex white/grayish color. It lasts for years outside, and the aging only makes it look better. There are spray can seals or other seals that you can put on it, too. I don't usually seal mine.

[@Txnkid76]

@@backyardadventureswithandy Thank You!

[@mirtamorado5910]

I have a Cement Artichoke I want to marry with wood stand as it is uneven and unsteady… any advice?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

No advice, but I have seen birdbaths and other things with various supports. Concrete is heavy!

[@carolsartor282]

What kind of paint did you use?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I use a latex exterior mixed with extra water. Nothing special, and I have even use interior paint and it worked for years. As long as the paint is thin enough to "stain" or absorb, it holds up nicely over time.

[@thehungrynutritionist]

Hi my water fountain had the bird beak missing how can I fix it 😢 I don’t have the missing piece .

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

If the beak is really small, I don't know that you could make a little piece that would hold, but I would try to mold a small piece into the shape of a beak and glue it on. It could even be another material and painted black. It will always be fragile, so that might not be ideal.

[@remsnv7069]

What concrete mix do you use? Do you add sand to it too?

[@remsnv7069]

Wait nevermind it’s in the video😅

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Ha...yes, just standard concrete mix from the local home and garden store. I do ad metal for reinforcement of more breakable parts like arms and legs and heads.

[@rosericketts3708]

Hello! I bought sand - does it matter if it's added to the cement? I have some heavy repairs to do, as well as several like in this video.

[@carollxo1019]

Hi. Which product shd i buy at Can Tire Lowes or Home Depot to reattach a beheaded CHERUB ?! Its cement, no visible wiri g and its 20ins tall. Heavy too! Help :-/ pls&thx

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

If you are (re)painting it, there is a tube of concrete adhesive in the aisle that sells concrete materials that could be an effective glue, the glue line is visible if it is not repainted. the portland cement can help if you are not repainting it, but it won't have the original strength.

[@benstevinson764]

The wind 🍃 blew over my garden statue of Venus ♀ over and her head has broken off I've tried to glue her concrete head back on but it didn't work she is still broken???

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thin pieces are really difficult to repair, especially when made of concrete without reinforcement.

[@danielcarbajal5351]

I noticed that you didn't mention to wear safety goggles or glasses while working with power tools on concrete projects, just a suggestion.😉

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Great point!

[@davepowell7168]

Hard hats and ear defenders are essential but optional

[@Nick-b7b9s]

You have put the head in the basket, would make a pretty creepy statue

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I just made an Eagle body with the girl head.... I think it would make a great white elephant.

[@MoneyPitCastle]

Hey Andy. Do you have a way to contact you on social media or email? I bought a house with a bunch of statues on it and looking for any advise you have to preserve and clean them. They're a little weird looking, I can send photos.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

you can email me at backyardadventureswithandy @ gmail dotcom

[@tonysmith8779]

You didn't really show how the repairs looked after they dried

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I'll try to make a video soon and include this a little closer. Thanks!

[@Bluesidian]

Maybe someone got offended seeing a "Black Jockey" Gnome and threw a rock at it lol.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks!

[@JUGSEASON]

Do you really think an inch long screw was the best support for the head and body? It didn’t even go inside the head! Only the body. 😂

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

No, I think that longer is better. Most of these repairs are to bring stability, realizing that they will never be the same once broken, as far as total strength.

[@catlady5261]

Dude, safety first! Wearing gloves to cover your paws yes. But you need to cover your EYES! Don't learn that lesson by experience.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Good point! Your are right!

[@BendOver69420lol]

This looks great!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks! I am getting ready to start a new one of a beaver. Enjoy!