8. Use your gloved hands to shape little clumps of concrete and then press them onto the melamine to build a surface of random globs of “dough.” The clumps should vary in size so that the voids produced are not too orderly. You want an unevenly pressed look; don’t push too firmly between the handfuls of mix. For the corners and sides, however, tightly hand-pack the concrete to ensure a firm edge.

9. Once the surface is covered with this first layer of concrete, lay down a piece of galvanized wire mesh to fit the mold.

10. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to the remaining concrete to make the mixture feel more like cottage cheese. Liberally spread the second layer of concrete over the first layer and the mesh, and squish it down through the openings in the mesh using a mud knife.