Coping stones, how are they made,?

I moved house about a year ago. In my garden I have some very ornate coping stones and have just found the mould the previous owner must have used to make them. As the summer is hopefully on its way I want to get some jobs done in the garden, I would like to know what is the best materials to use, how do I get a smothe finnish, and how to release the moulds after they have cured. Thanks