Faux Casted Concrete Brand From a 3D Print

Want the rugged, heavy look of a cast concrete sign without the weight or complex mold-making?

I used a 3D print and a finishing trick that uses cement to create a realistic faux-concrete ranch brand. By combining a 3D printed frame, spray bed liner, and dry Portland cement, you can achieve an authentic stone texture that looks great in a covered barn.

For more DIY articles and videos, check out Reckon I'll Outdoors.

Materials

1. 3D Printer Filament (PETG or PLA)
2. Rust-Oleum Spray Truck Bed Coating
3. Dry Portland Cement
4. Water

Tools

1. Bambu Labs P1S 3D Printer
2. Plastic Spray Bottle
3. Fusion 360

Create your custom ranch brand or logo in Fusion 360. Because the design is likely larger than your 3D printer's build volume, use the software to slice the model into smaller sections. Add interlocking dovetail joints to the cuts so the pieces will securely lock together later.

Print all the sliced sections of your brand using standard filament. Once the parts are finished printing, slide the dovetail joints together to assemble the full-sized sign.

One trick for sealing the joints is to put a piece of filament in a dremel tools and let it spin to melt the joint together...just try on a piece of scrap until you get the hang of it.

Lay your assembled print on a tarp in a well-ventilated area. Spray a generous, even coat of black rubberized bed liner over the entire surface. This creates a textured, sticky base layer that acts as an adhesive for the next step.

While the bed liner is still completely wet, use a small cup to heavily dust dry Portland cement over the entire sign. Ensure all the wet, black areas are completely coated and covered with the cement powder. Wait for it to dry.

Fill a spray bottle with water and gently mist the dry cement layer. The water will react with the Portland cement, causing it to harden and permanently bond with the bed liner to create a realistic concrete shell.

If you spot any bare plastic or uneven areas, apply quick bursts of bed liner and dust with more cement to blend it in. Once fully cured and hardened, mount your lightweight, faux-concrete brand to your fence or gate!

Did you try this finishing technique on your own 3D prints? Be sure to share your results using the "I Made It!" button below!