GFRC Supplies: What You Need to Know Before You Mix
Have you ever looked at a beautifully sculpted concrete benchtop, a modern planter, or a smooth fireplace surround and thought, “I wish I could make something like that”? Good news—you can. And if you’re just dipping your toes into the world of GFRC supplies, you’re in for a creative ride.
Let’s talk about what GFRC (Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete) is, why it's making waves in the concrete design world, and what you should look for when choosing your GFRC supplies in Australia and New Zealand.
What Exactly Is GFRC?
Before we dive into the supplies, it helps to understand what GFRC really is. Put simply, GFRC is a high-performance concrete mix that’s reinforced with alkali-resistant glass fibres. These fibres give the concrete flexibility and strength without the need for traditional steel mesh.
GFRC is widely used in architectural concrete, furniture, sculpture, benchtops, wall panels, vanity units, street furniture, you name it. It’s tough, thin, and beautiful all at once.
Why GFRC Is Different to Standard Concrete
Here’s the thing: regular concrete is heavy. It's great for structural work, sure, but when you’re designing something thin or detailed, like a sleek bench seat or a 20 mm concrete sink, traditional mixes don’t cut it. They’re either too brittle, too thick, or too prone to cracking.
That’s where GFRC supplies come in.
GFRC allows you to:
Pour thinner sections - think 10 mm to 20 mm thick, rather than 50 mm.
Avoid steel reinforcing - the fibres do all the work.
Create complex moulded shapes without the same cracking risks.
Reduce weight while maintaining strength.
Achieve smooth, high-end finishes.
The versatility of GFRC means it’s now the go-to material for concrete artists, furniture makers, architects, and DIYers who want more control over their finish and form.
Essential GFRC Supplies You’ll Need
Getting into GFRC isn't just about buying any old bag of concrete. This is a system, and the quality of your results heavily depends on the products you use. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for when building your GFRC kit.
1. Cementitious Base Mix
At the heart of any GFRC setup is the premix, or base mix. A high-quality GFRC mix will already include the perfect blend of:
Fine sand
Cement (often white or off-white for better colouring)
Pozzolans (like metakaolin or silica fume)
Plasticisers and additives
You want a mix that’s engineered for performance and workability. It should be flowable, easy to de-air, and strong once cured. Avoid cheap, off-the-shelf cement if you're serious about results, it won’t give you the density, strength or fibre integration that GFRC demands.
2. Alkali-Resistant Glass Fibres
This is the backbone of your strength. Not all fibres are created equal, you want alkali-resistant (AR) glass fibres, specifically designed for use in cement-based systems. They come in different lengths and types (chopped strand, scrim, rovings), depending on the layer you're building.
Chopped strand: Used for blending directly into your mix.
Scrim or mesh: Used between layers for added tensile strength.
Roving fibres: Used for spray-up applications.
Always go with certified AR fibres to ensure durability and prevent deterioration over time.
3. Acrylic Polymer
Polymers help make the GFRC mix more flexible and reduce cracking. They also improve adhesion and reduce water demand, which leads to stronger, denser concrete. You’ll often find liquid polymer additives formulated for GFRC to improve performance, especially for sprayed or hand-packed applications.
If your base mix doesn’t already include polymer, make sure you add it to achieve those signature GFRC results.
4. Plasticisers and Retarders
Plasticisers increase flowability without adding water (which can weaken the mix), while retarders slow down curing—especially useful in hot Aussie summers when everything wants to set too fast.
Depending on your project and climate, these are tools you’ll likely need in your GFRC supplies collection.
5. Pigments and Additives
Want a jet-black concrete benchtop? Or a warm earth-toned planter? Integral oxide pigments let you colour your mix before it’s poured. Go for UV-stable pigments that blend evenly.
You might also experiment with admixtures like crystalline waterproofers or anti-fungal agents depending on your final product’s application.
Tools for GFRC Projects
Once your materials are sorted, the next step is having the right gear:
Mixers: A high-shear or paddle mixer is ideal. A standard cement mixer might not blend your polymers and fibres evenly.
Moulds: Silicone, melamine, or rubber moulds depending on complexity.
Vibrating tables: Optional, but they help eliminate air bubbles for a smooth finish.
Sprayers (for advanced users): Used for spraying face coats in more complex GFRC fabrication.
Learning GFRC the Right Way
If you're serious about working with GFRC, especially if you're planning to sell your work or work on custom designs, it’s well worth looking into hands-on GFRC training. In-person training courses can walk you through proper mix design, mould making, sealing techniques, and troubleshooting.
In Australia and New Zealand, there are a few dedicated training facilities that teach GFRC using scientifically backed methods. Whether you're an artist, builder, or total beginner, attending one of these workshops is a game-changer. You’ll learn not just how to use GFRC supplies, but how to make your creations last.
Common GFRC Projects to Try
You might be wondering, “What can I actually make with all this?” Here are a few popular project ideas that use GFRC:
Kitchen and bathroom benchtops
Concrete planters and pots
Wall panels for architectural feature walls
Fireplace surrounds and mantels
Outdoor BBQ areas
Custom sinks and basins
Modern furniture - coffee tables, stools, shelves
Sculptural or artistic installations
The beauty of GFRC is that it doesn’t box you in. If you can dream it and mould it, you can probably build it.
Working Safely with GFRC Supplies
It’s worth remembering that GFRC, like all cementitious materials, needs to be handled with care. Always:
Wear gloves and protective glasses
Use a dust mask when mixing dry ingredients
Ventilate your workspace
Follow curing instructions for sealers and polymers
And don’t forget to cure your pieces properly. Most problems with GFRC cracking or failing come down to poor curing. Give your concrete time to develop its full strength before putting it to work.
Where to Go From Here
If you've made it this far, you’re probably pretty keen to get your hands dirty. That’s the fun part. Working with GFRC supplies can feel like both an art and a science, and that’s what makes it so satisfying. It’s not just about following a recipe; it’s about tweaking, testing, learning, and improving with every batch.
Here’s a quick checklist to get started:
✅ Understand your mix (face coat vs. back coat, spray-up vs. premix) ✅ Source quality GFRC supplies (start small, but don’t skimp on quality) ✅ Watch videos or attend a training course ✅ Start with small projects - benchtop offcuts, trays, tiles ✅ Learn sealing and finishing techniques ✅ Share your projects and get feedback from other makers
Ready to Reinvent Concrete?
GFRC opens up a whole new world of creative potential. Whether you're designing sleek architectural panels or a handcrafted concrete sink, having the right GFRC supplies is the first step. Invest in good materials, take your time learning the mix, and don’t be afraid to fail a little as you get the hang of it.
Concrete might be one of the oldest building materials in the world, but with GFRC, it feels completely new again.
Now’s the time to get mixing.