How to Paint Cement Leaves

Homemade, painted-cement leaves gives the garden a custom flair and saves money.

1. Make a paint wash for the concrete leaves. Use three drops of an acrylic paint to 2 cups of water. Mix with a paint stick until the water and paint are well blended.

2. Paint the concrete leaf. Use a medium-sized artist brush to cover the leaf with the paint mixture. Paint the front and back of the leaf.

3. Wipe excess paint wash from the leaf. With a clean, cotton cloth or rag, wipe over the leaf once to remove excess paint wash. Wwork quickly as the paint wash dries quickly.

4. Add a second and third coat of paint wash to the leaf. Continue the paint wash process until the leaf reaches the desired color. Allow the leaf to dry for 3 to 4 hours.

5. Add 1 to 2 coats of concrete sealer and allow the leaf to dry in a cool, protected area for another 3 to 4 hours before placing it in the garden.