Painting an Aged-Stone Finish to Statues - Tips, examples and a demonstration for painting a statue

A quality finish on concrete garden statues can bring several eye-catching looks, whether it is an antiquated, aged-stone look, a realistic animal finish, a natural and unpainted finish with moss, and more. This video has Andy giving examples and tips, along with a detailed demonstration on how to apply a finish to new statues or repainting old statues to it looks nice and last for decades.
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, so be sure to check those teaching videos.
NOTE - This is the first in a set of videos, focusing on latex rubber mold making. Subscribe and check out the channel to see the next video on how to make a mother-mold out of fiberglass for the concrete statue mold. Then, there will be a video on how to make a concrete cast and how to finish the statue for outdoors.
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 paint concrete garden statues, specifically with an aged-stone finish?

[@sashman4423]

I’ve never made anything crafty before, but you’ve made this process sound very fun and very feasible. I really want to give it a shot now! Thanks a million for the tutorials

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

You're welcome and thanks. This is a pretty fun thing to try and can be doable. It is a lot of time and work up front, and then a few years of reward after that as you make the statues!

[@teresathompson174]

This was exactly what I was looking for. I finished a baby deer after watching your videos. Next is a squirrel!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Nice! I find rabbits, frogs and turtles are quite popular, too. Many people don't like the vermin of the animal kingdom, so my racoon, squirrels, etc. are not quite as much a hit.

[@yvettehale6556]

I found you when I needed to repair my very old garden statue! The cement was actually eroded from years of weather. So very helpful!! You made it so easy looking that I wasn’t intimidated at all. Thank you!! ❤

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I hope the repairs look great and last a long time!

[@elaineclark6210]

Very nice !!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks...these are fun to make!

[@patrickkavanagh779]

Great videos, thank you for sharing.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Glad you like them!

[@IAbulldogs]

Beautiful

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks, and I am preparing to make a second video to show how different paint situations have lasted over the years. Possibly next month or so, as I get time. Anyway, thanks for watching and I hope yours turn out amazing, too.

[@vernhedeen9807]

Bear looks fabulous so cute you're an expert for sure. Thanks for such an instructional video

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks. I am about to start a new beaver soon!

[@505394]

Very very cool videos my friend, you make it sound so doable. Thank you

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks

[@m4ckm4n59]

Just watched this concrete animal series. Really enjoyed it, thanks a lot :)

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

You are welcome. It has been fun to share with the world!

[@Templarbroadsword]

Brilliant thanks

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@curth2140]

Great set of videos Andy. I've been wanting to cast some garden statues and you have answered a lot of questions just watching you do it. Nice work and look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks and I appreciate the encouragement! Enjoy...

[@brianmurphy4866]

Great video . Exactly what I do

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks. When I sell or these away, most seem to prefer the painted aged stone look...

[@kimberlysmith-parkerson7067]

Thank you, you answered my earlier questions!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks

[@theaussienurseflipper.8113]

Noice job mate, thx Graham

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@azmoz1321]

Brilliant series of videos you’ve got yourself another subscriber :-). The painting technique , so simple but so very effective. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thank you so much 😀

[@butt3ugly]

Nick Offerman's kin? Love this guy!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Yes! I've heard that...

[@tazmo2009]

Love this look! Have you ever used this process on anything other than animal staues? I was thinking of trying this out on an old angel statue I have.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Yes, it works on anything that you want to capture details on. I have a garden gnome, and may have other things down the road!

[@tricia1234gm]

Hi there, I've just found your channel and you have inspired me to have a go at making a concrete flower pot for my garden, but I have a question please. If I use white cement that only requires water to mix, ( I'm in the uk and can buy some from Amazon) Once I've made the pot ( I hope) and it has dried would it be ok to still wet it as you suggest in your video How to properly paint Concrete Statuary Part 1? or as it is only water based would it ruin the integrity of the cement and weaken it? Thank you.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Hello... Concrete and cement are two different products. Cement is one of the ingredients in concrete, and it acts as a glue for the rock and the sand and whatever is in there to make it super strong. You will want to use concrete. I would advise going to a local home repair or landscaping type place and buy the premixed bags of concrete, where you just add water. They are used for things like making fences and pouring concrete for random house project experience. It is available throughout the world and definitely in the UK. Once concrete dries and has a few weeks to really cure, then you can get it wet and leave it outside for any amount of time and it will hold up. Regarding painting, you can wet it down.

[@bonniethomas5737]

This is great ! Thank you. Would it work if for an elephant I painted it grey and then highlighted with black / dark grey for a real elephant look?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Yes, I think that could look really sharp!

[@teresajohns6089]

Love these videos. However how do you smooth the seams out? I didn’t see how you did it?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

After I demold the statue, I take a screwdriver or other small "scraper" and break off the extra pieces. I try to get the seam to be even with the rest of the statue, and usually it dries and is fairly hidden. Sometimes, I will fill in the seam with a paste to hide it better.

[@AimeemcCusker]

Absolutely loved this video series! I was just wondering if you could confirm what paint it is you use for the ages stone finish? I'm from the uk so brand's are all different, did you say it was exterior latx paint?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thank you for the encouragement and as far as the paint, it is an exterior latex flat paint. I've actually used interior paint also, and it doesn't really seem to matter. The key is to water it down and water. The statue down so that it soaks the paint in, otherwise it's possible for some flaking off in the future.

[@rulistening7777]

Love the info. Be careful to wear respiratory protection, as well as goggles. Dark circles under the eyes may indicate a stagnation in the circulation.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for the warning and blessings on you! Thanks also for watching...

[@Rob-jv1kr]

if you haven't heard yet. butter milk or peanut butter mix makes green. also dred moos water in blender pored over makes moss

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for sharing. I have not tried this, but next time I have buttermilk, I should do that! Also, my dog would love my statues covered in peanut butter!

[@taylarogers313]

Hello there, I'm in the process of making my 1st 3 molds and I'm using Holdens HX974 which is a higher viscocity than the one that you show. Is there a way to know visually if I have enough coats applied?? I've applied 3 thin coats and 6 pretty thick coats but i'm not sure if I can stop now.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

While I can't say for sure, I have some molds that are thinner and some are thicker. I actually have not had one rip for being too thin yet, so you might be OK.

[@romeom99]

Great video, Andy. Do you use any kind of waterproofing sealant on the statues?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I've done both and not seen a difference. After many years, none of my statues have worn out. They only have died if being broken by humans. One that I painted 6 or so years ago did have a fair amount of paint fade/come off, and I feel like it was sealed with a spray, but it actually looks cool still in a different way.

[@romeom99]

@@backyardadventureswithandy Awesome, thanks!

[@marilynmourdock3688]

I like to use liquid iron on raw concrete to give it kind of a rusty look

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Interesting. Sometime, just leaving it outside for a couple years makes it look amazing, but that takes to long for me!

[@AnnCazes-kt9gz]

I have really enjoyed your videos…I have an old statue of Christ with outstretched hands that needs some help…the hands over the years now appear to have been a kind of metal? Could this be? and if so…how do I paint and will it look uniform? Thank you for any suggestions and/or tips.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

That is interesting. I would think that you could paint both parts and have a uniform look, as long as the paint adheres to the metal. Perhaps a primer first on that part.

[@kkarr-zo6vs]

I cant seem to find Portland Limestone cement. IL, only portland type 1.(i'm on east coast) after reading about it, IL is better for the environment as it has a higher limestone content. will the regular type 1 work just as well as the IL?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I am not sure on the types of concrete you bring up. You might need to look deeper on the internet to find out more. Thanks for watching, though!

[@kkarr-zo6vs]

Hello! I was going to paint my statue with acrylic paint because I need some custom colors. should I do a watered down acrylic primer, or just watered down outdoor latex paint? and then a spray sealer? Have you ever used acrylics? also, have you ever used milliput for deep repairs, or just portland cement? I need to do a bit of sculpting for a repair. Love your videos they are very informative! Thanks!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I have used acrylic paints without a primer, and even put them outside with a seal on top of it. It lasts for a while and did fairly well in the Pacific Northwest weather. I feel a little awkward about selling statues with that paint on the statue because I'm not sure how well they will do, but that is something I tell people if they want them and decided to put outside. As for the other product and sculpting, I have never gotten into that and it sounds interesting.

[@kkarr-zo6vs]

@@backyardadventureswithandy Thank you for your response! I will see how it goes, I have a few weeks of curing to figure out what im going to do, as this is for a client, and I want to get it right. thanks again!

[@lisahale4331]

What kind of spray seal do you recommend for a large statue to protect the paint. I'm painting a large concrete cow in black and white. Thank you.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I don't have a preferred brand or material, but I look for a flat or satin coating of spray paint for external purposes.

[@klbooga]

Hi! I need to create a tomb for church using a cardboard box and lots of brown paper. Can you recommend what I might use to make the paper look like rock? I thought about a thin cement using different colors. Not sure if it will work

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I would not use cement, but perhaps old-style paper-mache or plaster of Paris. Painting is pretty easy with the dry-brush technique. Perhaps look up set design and making fake rocks?

[@crystalgardner4201]

I'm needing to know the exact kind of paint to get.im going for the age look.i know I need black and white but I say stain alot in your age videos so not sure...and is it flat paint or satin

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Sorry for the delay. I use a flat black or gray paint (other colors work too for different effects). I say stain because the paint absorbs into the concrete like a stain. Typically, a paint just adheres to the surface. The water mixed with pain gives it a better absorption result.

[@sandiblohm6733]

I like that chicken!!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks! I do to, but I wish I made my seams a bit different as it takes longer than I desire to put mold and all together. Lesson learned...

[@TheFeralFarmgirl]

There is something you can do to make the moss grow faster, I think you rub moss and yogurt or something. You can look it up for the recipe. I want to cast my own hand made sculptures, but making the molds seem so daunting. Not to mention, the resins mess with my athsma. Maybe I'll try this someday.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I think casting a sculpture would be pretty cool too try someday, and yes, you are right that the mold is a bit daunting. The nice thing is that once it is done, you have the ability for hundreds of these statues. You can also just make the rubber mold and put it in a box of sand to make the statue. Basically, the sand holds it together and once the concrete sets, you take the mold out. It might be worth trying.

[@Mylife-of2vg]

We’re can I get the a-100

[@marilynmourdock3688]

What kind of concrete patch material could I use on a flaking non painted concrete bird bath that is non-toxic? Thank you

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I would try a concrete-based mix. Ask at your local Home Depot, but if it is thin, I am not sure about the non-toxic glue or mix.

[@lisajohnson7340]

Hi, we have old cement lion, looks like needs wire brush to clean, should I use one before I start my lions

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I've done a couple statues where they were older and needed cleaning up. I found by spraying them off and clean them 1st, and then fill in in any holes or imperfections with with something solid helped the latex create the finish I wanted. One statue I forgot and did not fill in the imperfections, and the surface was OK but not great. Latex rubber goes on better with a clean surface.... and it picks up everything that was left behind

[@petramckean5041]

Hi there, I am thinking of buying a garden statue that has unfortunately been painted silver. I would like it to be a classic Italian white statue. Any tips? Do I paint over the silver or remove it?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Because a seal or coating may be on it, I think you will need to do something for better paint cohesion.

[@user-ds4le6mf5b]

I have a concrete statue that was left in water and the surface is rough like it has started to breakdown. Can I use the same process for painting it?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for watching and I think the answer to your question is YES, however you want to be sure the surface is generally clean of lose parts for the best appearance after it is painted.

[@Maxspeed996]

My question is what do you reccomend for a statue, and base that had been painted? is there a technique to remove the paint that is better or wont damage the concrete? BEFORE repainting with your technique here? Thanks and cheers!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

If you are repainting, I would give it a good cleaning to ensure any loose paint is off, and then put a base coat on it. If it is fully dry and clean of loose paint, you could go through the same process.

[@Maxspeed996]

@@backyardadventureswithandy Thanks for the input!

[@rickgault5349]

Is there a pigment that you can add to the concrete rather than painting? I was thinking of trying to create a Celtic cross and I thought a forest green color would look nice

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Yes, there is a concrete stain that I have tried a couple times, but it is not cost-effective, and it does not give the same finish I was looking for. Look in concrete products at your local store...

[@karlatonn-long7632]

I have a statue that someone painted completely white. I would like to strip and put a weather stain on it. Any advise on how to strip the glossy white? Thank you

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I am not sure the best remover, but I would try to get that gloss off or scuffed up. Experiment on a more hidden part and see how the surface responds. I also heard someone say a torch, but I don't know about that!

[@CarlaBitney]

Would you get something made with resin wet first also

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

No, I would not soak a resin statue as it would not absorb paint the same way. With resin, I would paint it with a quality paint, knowing that it does not adhere the same way as porous concrete.

[@edieken7]

Do you take your statues in for the Winter.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I actually leave them out all winter...both the painted/stained ones and the "all-natural" ones. I suppose freezing water in cracks could be a problem, but I have never had that show up and they actually "age" nicely over time outside.

[@jennylewis8465]

Can I use this technique with resin statues?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Yes, dry brush techniques work over any painted surface. Instead of staining or having paint absorb, you'll paint and then lightly dry brush over it.

[@lyndaohara9319]

What type of paint are you using I'm in UK is it masonry paint

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

No, my paint is ordinary, exterior latex paint...and it is the cheaper stuff. It works great for me, and the statues hold the great look for years and years!

[@lowrads3653]

Stable mineral paints should hold up forever.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for the advice!

[@sturfam]

I have that turtle I am going to copy it , where did you put your seams?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

From the bottom of the mouth down the neck, I followed an area that made it look like part of the neck-ripples. The seam went through the "chest" area. I am preparing to remake it as I finally wore out my first one, and one thing I have done is thicken the area by the front right leg, as it was the most fragile part of the statue...or the part that breaks the easiest. Also, I cleaned up the old air bubbles on the shell.

[@jackcrabtree4374]

Natural yogurt will help moss grow. Apply with a brush

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for the tip! I'll have to try it!

[@GersonManrique]

3:56 Beauty Squirrel i would like to have the mold.

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for watching!

[@GersonManrique]

@@backyardadventureswithandy Excelent job. Congratulations.

[@jeffhall1910]

Where did you get your tortoise statue?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I bought the statue from Flamingo Jims, down on the Oregon coast, which is in Rockaway Beach. The owner said these statues were all around for decades and not part of any sort of copyright or ownership thing. It sounds like several people had molds and would sell him statues for a number of years, but most had gone out of business. It has been my most popular one for gifts and for selling here and there.

[@ranamcneil74]

Mix moss and yougot together in the blender and paint onto the surface to get it to grow

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Thanks for the tip!

[@aaronartsstudio1152]

What paint sir?

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I use a basic exterior, latex paint. I've used interior paint at times, and I don't see it having an issue, but the experts have always said exterior does better, so I try to stick with that.

[@Mylife-of2vg]

We’re can I get the paint

[@Mylife-of2vg]

A-100

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Sorry for the delay...yes, I just use ordinary exterior paint. Now, be sure to also water it down and get it to soak into the concrete.

[@eddiesgsr]

Do you make latex and fiberglass shell turtle to sell

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I am not selling the mold at this point because I don't think I could make it financially worthwhile for me. I have sold the statues locally.

[@crystalgardner4201]

You say stain alot in video

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I've used mostly flat latex exterior paint, cheap stuff. The reason I say stain is that the watered-down paint acts more like a stain than a paint. It absorbs in the concrete.

[@crystalgardner4201]

@@backyardadventureswithandy will this work on cast iron...sorry for all the questions

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

@@crystalgardner4201 the statue making process works on anything solid, and I'd imagine iron would be a breeze!

[@davepowell7168]

My comment is deleted? Interesting repair and false patina. No disrespect intended

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

I don't think I have deleted you comment, but I apologize if I did, and perhaps it is something with KZbin? How can I help answer a question?

[@davepowell7168]

@@backyardadventureswithandy Thanks for attention to detail

[@lucianosestito736]

You talk too much. Your instructions are very confusing and very long. Just do one statue Start with a statue at the time and make another video one at the time. for the others.

[@mabuhayPinay]

Well, someone was absent for Manners 101. If there's anything objectionable to you, just click to another video. I personally enjoyed watching and observing the details of how Andy frosted the items. I find him very personable and am grateful for his sharing. Now I'm looking forward to painting my Shinto concrete temple. Thanks Andy!

[@backyardadventureswithandy]

Whoot! Someone spoke up for me, Thanks! I actually know that sometimes I can ramble, so no offense. Anyway, thanks to both of you for watching.