How to 'finish' a concrete fountain?

N80 · Jul 22, 2013

Tomorrow is our 25th wedding anniversary and my wife has wanted a fountain for our back yard so I think I am going to get it for her. This is a pretty large fountain. We have had smaller concrete fountains and bird baths and I have been suprised how quickly they crack, leak and then fall apart. So I'm just wondering is there some sort of finishing or sealing process that needs to be done and if so, with what and how often.

I'm sure the folks that sell these will tell me and I'm hoping they make a quality product (not sure how to tell) but I usually get good info here so I thought I'd ask here too. Thanks.

GolfAddict · Jul 22, 2013

I have two fairly large fountains, bird baths, and a bunch of statuary. I don't think anything was treated for preservation. The fountains do have something on them, but I think it's just for color. The rest of the stuff is unfinished, and I haven't done anything to them.

What I've found is almost everything has held up very well, but a couple of items have just kind of disintegrated, and in a fairly short period of time. I'm inclined to think it was the quality of the cement, as I haven't done anything for the other stuff. Perhaps I'm supposed to and just don't know enough...

MossRoad · Jul 22, 2013

I've had the same problem with concrete bird baths. I guess you could use the same type of concrete sealer you put on concrete steps, foundations, sidewalks, etc...

deepNdirt · Jul 23, 2013

Yes, MossRoad is correct,
Thompson water sealer/proofer, or brand of choice, Be sure the cement is completely dry and soak it down with the water proofer, let the first coat dry then add a 2nd coat, after it has dried if you want to add detail color you can paint over it with a oil base paint, Fallow up each year with a fresh coat of water sealant,