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How to make a concrete lantern

June 22, 2017

On today’s Euromaxx DIY, we’re looking at lanterns made out of concrete. Golden paint inside makes for a warm glow. We’ll show you how you can do it yourself. Try it out.

https://p.dw.com/p/2f2ui
DW Euromaxx DIY - Betonlicht1
Image: DW/F. Kouidis

Euromaxx - DIY - Concrete Lantern

For one lantern,

  • you’ll need a balloon
  • yome cement
  • a container of some kind, like a yoghurt cup.
  • golden acrylic paint
  • a paintbrush
  • a tealight
  • and some waterproof gloves

Instructions:

DW Euromaxx DIY - Betonlicht2
Image: DW/F. Kouidis

Follow the instructions and mix the cement with water.

You might want to use a little less water, so the cement mix is a little thicker.

Put the balloon on the empty container and start spreading the cement on it.

​​

DW Euromaxx DIY - Betonlicht4
Image: DW/F. Kouidis

The cement mix might crack a bit. 

Just keep filing the cracks with cement. It will also run down the sides. So you will need to push it back up, or add more on top.

Let the whole thing set for 24 hours.

The cement should have hardened completely. Turn in around, and use a pin to pop the balloon.

DW Euromaxx DIY - Betonlicht9
Image: DW/F. Kouidis

You will now have a pretty good idea of what your lantern will look like.  

But we’re still missing the paint. So, paint the inside of your lamp with the golden acrylic paint.

Once the paint has dried, you can put in your candle.

 

Tip:

  • The more you blow up your balloon, the bigger your lantern
  • Do not put excess cement into the sink or toilet. It could lead to stopped up pipes