Hello!
I will soon take on the task of casting countertops for the kitchen and other places. I don't want to deal with poor materials, so of course, I will build a mold from formply. Initially, it's about a simple construction, a kitchen island size 100*120 cm without any cutouts or anything. Eventually, I plan to (if everything goes well) also cast a countertop size about 60*180 cm with cutouts, and a small countertop size 60*45 cm. All in all, three separate countertops in different sizes.
My question is about reusing the plywood. Reusing the entire form is said to be completely OK. But if, in theory, I were to get a large piece of plywood that would be enough for all three parts on different occasions, say about 100*180 cm in size, do you think it would be possible to first screw on edges for the first countertop, then after the first countertop is cast, remove the edges, fill in (and lacquer over?) the screw holes, and screw on new edges for the next countertop? Or is the sheet "used up" on the parts where screws were previously placed?
My second question: Is it possible to use regular wooden battens as edges for the countertop, or does the concrete stick too hard to it? Is it best to also build edges from formply?
Grateful for all perspectives!
I will soon take on the task of casting countertops for the kitchen and other places. I don't want to deal with poor materials, so of course, I will build a mold from formply. Initially, it's about a simple construction, a kitchen island size 100*120 cm without any cutouts or anything. Eventually, I plan to (if everything goes well) also cast a countertop size about 60*180 cm with cutouts, and a small countertop size 60*45 cm. All in all, three separate countertops in different sizes.
My question is about reusing the plywood. Reusing the entire form is said to be completely OK. But if, in theory, I were to get a large piece of plywood that would be enough for all three parts on different occasions, say about 100*180 cm in size, do you think it would be possible to first screw on edges for the first countertop, then after the first countertop is cast, remove the edges, fill in (and lacquer over?) the screw holes, and screw on new edges for the next countertop? Or is the sheet "used up" on the parts where screws were previously placed?
My second question: Is it possible to use regular wooden battens as edges for the countertop, or does the concrete stick too hard to it? Is it best to also build edges from formply?
Grateful for all perspectives!
If you use the planed side, it should be fine, otherwise tape with something like duct tape so it will come off
Another pretty neat tip is to place a molding/triangle list at the transition to create a beveled edge (if you want that)
Another pretty neat tip is to place a molding/triangle list at the transition to create a beveled edge (if you want that)