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Gypsum decorative stone for interior decoration: advantages, disadvantages, independent production, installation. Instructions for preparing solutions for decorative stone

This page is devoted to a general description of the production process and examples of the consumption of materials for the manufacture of artificial stone.

Production technology.

Is there a clear "technology" for the manufacture of artificial stone, and what, in fact, hides behind this concept? The essence of the manufacturing process of decorative facing stone can be briefly formulated as follows: a tinted liquid solution (for example, cement or gypsum) is poured into a mold, where it sets over time. At the output, we get a painted product with characteristics corresponding to the raw material used. The form only gives the product a certain size and relief. Thus, the whole "highlight of technology" is hidden precisely in the proportions and properties of the materials used. Unfortunately, it is impossible to give uniform dosages for all types of materials, since the ratio of raw materials used directly depends on its properties (brand, freshness, quality, purity, manufacturer, etc.). The exact proportions and characteristics for the manufacture of artificial stone can only be determined for the specific raw material you use! The composition of the solution and the properties of the components used affect the final properties of the finished product. As a general rule for all materials mixed with water, reducing the amount of water for the mixture to the minimum possible allows increasing the strength of the finished product. For example, for gypsum (cement), reducing the amount of water for the mixture allows the use of raw materials of high grades (sculptural gypsum) and (or) the use of suitable plasticizers , which allows some manufacturers to talk about "gypsum polymer technology". In fact, it all comes down to the use of hardening additives (plasticizers, hyperplasticizers, superplasticizers). The essence of the action of the plasticizer is to increase the mobility of the mixture while reducing (preserving) the amount of water, which increases the density and, accordingly, the strength of the finished product.

Material properties.

The scope of artificial stone directly depends on the properties of the materials used for its manufacture, for example, gypsum-based stone should only be used for interior decoration (indoors), due to its non-moisture resistance. For finishing wet rooms or street facades of buildings, cement stone, a completely moisture-resistant and frost-resistant material, should be used.

Coloring.

For high-quality staining of artificial stone, the use of combined methods is recommended. Namely, the internal coloring of the solution (for example, the dye is added to the water to mix the mixture) is for the uniformity of the color of the stone (mixture), and, in addition, the surface coloring of the stone is used. For example, immediately before pouring a mold with a liquid solution, its segments are painted with various pigments (the mold itself is painted). When pouring a liquid solution, the pigment applied to the mold is absorbed into the top layer of the stone. Thus, the heterogeneity of the color of the artificial stone is achieved. This and other staining methods are described in more detail in the instructions for use. kit for the manufacture of artificial stone. Recommended (included in kit) pigments used for coloring concrete and intended for outdoor use (moisture, frost, light and alkali resistant). For coloring gypsum (indoor use), any suitable coloring compounds (available from hardware stores) can be used. A link to the coordinates of one of the possible suppliers of pigments recommended by us is given on the page Questions .

Vibration.

In order for the product to turn out to be durable (high-quality), it is necessary to reduce the amount of water for mixing the mixture to a comfortable minimum and, under the influence of vibration, evenly distribute and compact it in the form (the mixture must have time to spread over the form and vibrate). To do this, for example, at home, the mold with the solution can be shaken by hand for 30 - 60 seconds on a hard, even substrate (for example, a chipboard sheet). In the commercial production of artificial stone, a vibrating table is needed. Vibration is also used to release air bubbles from the surface of the mold, to prevent the appearance of cavities on the surface of the finished stone.

Setting time and drying of mortar.

The setting time in the form (before excavation) of the gypsum mortar is 15 - 30 minutes, then - natural drying for a day, two, depending on the conditions (temperature, humidity). It is possible to heat gypsum up to 60 degrees to accelerate the release of moisture. Curing time in the form of cement mortar 8 - 10 hours, then natural drying, premature release of moisture (heating) is not recommended.

BUSINESS. Features of the artificial stone market in Russia.

  1. Artificial stone is produced mainly in large cities (regional centers). In small settlements, its production is absent, or an expensive imported product is sold.
  2. Most manufacturers of artificial stone make it only on a cement basis, thus focusing on outdoor use with a pronounced seasonality (installation is possible only at positive temperatures). As a rule, a stone made of cement is thicker, heavier and inconvenient for processing and interior use.
  3. The cost of artificial cement stone is high due to low productivity, narrowness of the sales market and pronounced seasonality of demand.
  4. Long-distance transportation of artificial stone does not make sense due to the large weight and losses, therefore its local production is preferable.

Summary. The use of cement artificial stone (for exterior decoration) is gradually developing, along with the development of individual construction (cottages, townhouses, summer cottages, etc.), but, unfortunately, is limited not only by the narrowness of the market (not everyone has a country house yet), but and seasonal restrictions for installation. On the contrary, the market for interior artificial stone (indoor use), against the background of the almost complete absence of a corresponding supply, has a huge market for use (sales) and, thus, a wide potential for development and the possibility of building a production and business! A positive factor, as well, is a higher productivity per shift of gypsum stone, in contrast to cement. The large rate of return included in the production of cement stone by its manufacturers, taking into account the narrowness of the sales market and seasonal restrictions, also allows manufacturers of interior decorative stone, at relatively low costs and higher productivity, to be a highly profitable enterprise, without seasonal declines and huge market for sales.

The main advantages of commercial production of interior artificial stone:

Large market capacity;

No seasonal restrictions;

High performance;

Simplified, environmentally friendly production;

Lack of competition.

COST OF MATERIALS for the manufacture of artificial stone using our polyurethane molds.

We will not point to the "magically" low cost of stone production, but simply indicate the approximate consumption of raw materials for the production of 1 sq. m of artificial stone, using our polyurethane molds. I think you can independently recalculate the cost of materials in the offer prices of your region.

Gypsum artificial stone. Consumption of materials for 1 sq. m. finished decorative stone:

Gypsum (or a mixture, it is possible to use a filler!), 15 - 20 kg .;

Pigment consumption, on average 0.5 - 1% by weight of the binder (without filler), maximum consumption - up to 2%;

Possible plasticizer consumption (may not be used) - 0.1% (a tenth of 1%) by weight of gypsum;

Impregnation (water repellent, may not be used), 200 - 300 ml.

Gypsum/water ratio. Depending on the brand of gypsum, the amount of water for mixing it can vary from 40 to 70% of the mass of gypsum. The higher the grade of gypsum, the less water is required and the stronger the finished product.

Conclusion: Against the background of extremely low consumption of dyes and other additives, the main contribution to the cost of production of gypsum artificial stone is made only by the main binding material for manufacturing (gypsum).

Cement artificial stone. Portland cement (gray, white) grades M400, 500 is used for manufacturing. Consumption per 1 sq. m. finished facing stone:

Cement mixture (cement in proportion with filler, for example, sand), 20 - 30 kg .;

Pigment consumption 3-5% by weight of cement;

Plasticizer - the same;

Water repellent - similar to gypsum.

The conclusion is similar to the gypsum composition.

Cement/sand/water ratio. For facing artificial stone, the following proportion is recommended: cement with sand from 1 to 2 to 1 to 4, water not more than 50% by weight of cement.

P.S. The cost of materials for manufacturing may vary depending on the region, we recommend recalculating the cost in accordance with the prices of your suppliers.

For comparison. With a resource of one polyurethane mold (0.2 sq. m.) of 500 - 1000 castings, you can produce 100 - 200 sq. m. m. finished artificial stone. The average retail price of the finished stone is about 900 rubles per 1 sq. m., respectively, for the purchase of 100 sq. m. of stone, you will have to spend about 90 thousand rubles. But, you can purchase molds and make a stone yourself! Your savings, taking into account the cost of materials, will be 400 - 600% of the cost of the finished stone. The cost of one polyurethane form is adequate to purchase only 3 square meters. m. of finished stone, and its own resource is ten times higher! Roughly speaking, having 3,000 rubles in your pocket, you can go to the manufacturer and buy about 3 square meters. m. of finished stone, or buy 1 mold with the same funds and make 70 times more stone! And all this, without taking into account the possibility of manufacturing a stone that is absolutely individual in color and shape! It's good to have an informed choice. It's up to you to decide.

Let's say you have 2 square meters in your arsenal. m. forms, and per day you make 16 sq. m. in 8 cycles. m of gypsum artificial stone. Let the selling price of your stone be 500 rubles. for 1 sq. m. The cost of materials (even to the maximum) is 2,000 rubles, the daily profit will be 6,000 rubles, the monthly profit is 180,000 rubles. It is clear that this is in theory, the stone still needs to be made and sold. But why not?

What is needed for this:

  1. Analysis of similar offers in your region (marketing), cost, assortment, materials, sales methods.
  2. Search for the nearest suppliers of raw materials for manufacturing, calculation of the cost of materials.
  3. Calculation of the desired volumes per day, month.
  4. Production room with tools.
  5. Form park.
  6. The mechanism of promotion, presentation of your products to the consumer (sales method).

In more detail, the process of manufacturing artificial stone is considered in the instructions attached to any number of polyurethane molds ordered from us.

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Suggested types of polyurethane molds in the section Catalog, their cost per page Price. Answers to common questions, links to possible suppliers of raw materials are given on the page Questions . Good luck in production!

The construction market offers a variety of products manufactured using the latest technologies. It contains interesting combinations of materials that give amazing visual results.

Within the framework of this article, we will talk about such a finishing material as a decorative gypsum stone and its use for interior and exterior decoration.

Gypsum facing stone and its properties

Even in ancient times, gypsum was used by craftsmen from India, China, and Egypt for exterior and interior decoration. Gypsum was used for lining walls, floors and ceilings in various rooms.

Such a wide application is explained by its uniqueness: the mineral stone had the ability to regulate the microclimate of the premises due to good air conduction.

At present, facing decorative artificial stone is a composite material, which includes high-strength gypsum. Due to its qualities, it received the name "gypsum polymer stone".

Properties of decorative gypsum stone:

  • low specific gravity;
  • material strength;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • ease of processing;
  • high level of sound and heat insulation;
  • maintains the required level of humidity;
  • fire resistance.

Due to its interesting texture and aesthetic appearance, the decorative stone is suitable for the interior of any premises.

By means of stone, the lining of the internal and external surfaces of the walls, both in children's rooms, is carried out. It looks great in the decoration of design elements and is absolutely safe.

Fine dispersion of gypsum and ease of its processing allows you to create a variety of architectural forms, consisting of interesting elements.

A small specific gravity contributes to the use of decorative stone even in the lining of thin partitions between rooms.

Walls lined with artificial gypsum stone are well washed and practically do not get dirty. The only drawback of this material is its hygroscopicity.

Making an artificial stone from gypsum with your own hands

As a rule, professional production of artificial stone from gypsum takes place in the factory. However, it is quite possible to make it yourself.

Some masters have turned an interesting and exciting activity in the manufacture of decorative stone into a rather profitable business. Moreover, without large investments of funds and with minimal effort, its production pays off in a short time.

Subject to certain rules and the use of high-quality raw materials, such activities are promising and quite profitable.

The use of natural gypsum in its pure form is not advisable, since the products have low strength and are short-lived. Modern technologies offer to make compounds from modified gypsum, which have high strength and retain the qualities of a natural material.

Manufacturing technology of decorative artificial stone from gypsum

Not everyone can afford natural stone cladding, as it has a high cost. Therefore, it is more rational to use an artificial stone made of gypsum or cement, which has in its composition various color pigments, as well as polymeric materials.

Required material and tools

  • Gypsum white;
  • A container, preferably made of plastic, for mixing the components;
  • Pallet;
  • Table and polyethylene roll;
  • Forms (matrices);
  • Electric drill;
  • corrugated glass;
  • Any water-based dyes.

Workplace preparation

For the manufacture of stone large working areas are not required. Enough two square meters.

We will provide a workplace with a table in advance. Shelves with shelves should be at hand, where all the necessary elements and inventory will be placed.

Form preparation

Attention should be paid to the forms themselves (matrices). The most optimal are silicone molds. They are quite flexible and plastic. But forms made of metal, wood, plastic are also allowed, although they do not convey the texture of gypsum so thoroughly, which reflects the smallest details of the relief and its bends.

Preparation of materials

After preparing the workplace and inventory, we prepare the material. For gypsum dough, we need mineral gypsum, anhydride, pure water. This will form the basis of the plaster test. Sand or similar filler is also harvested.

The process of making stone from gypsum

Preparing plaster dough

In order to save money, the volume of the solution should correspond to the number of molds.

Since the gypsum dough hardens very quickly, you can not leave the mixed solution for the next call.

We independently determine the proportion of gypsum and water. After pouring water into the container, gradually add gypsum and stir continuously until the normal density of the gypsum dough is obtained.

The consistency of the solution should be thick, since the segments from the liquid solution are less durable and dry for a long time. For the strength of the material, add about 10% sand.

Processing forms (matrices)

We lubricate the working surface of the molds with a surfactant (a mixture of wax and turpentine 3: 7), this is done so that you can then easily remove the finished (hardened) stone.


This mixture can be made using a water bath, which contributes to the uniform and complete dissolution of the wax. The mixture is applied in a thin layer to the inner surface of the mold.

Further, to protect the stone from the formation of shells, we apply liquid gypsum to the working surface of the molds.

We lay the prepared forms in the pallet.

Color creation

We mix the desired coloring matter with gypsum. We use separate containers for this.

We fill the obtained shades into molds. As a result, we get a rather heterogeneous color.

Plaster casting

After that, we fill the bulk of the gypsum.

Gently level the plaster with a spatula. We cover the molds with pre-prepared corrugated glass, after which we vibrate for even installation. This procedure will take approximately 2 minutes. Gypsum hardening time is approximately 15-20 minutes. When the glass is free to separate from the forms, we remove the products and dry them in the open air.

How is the laying of decorative gypsum stone

During the fixation of such a gypsum tile to the base (for example, a wall), the contact surfaces are primed.

After that, glue the gypsum stone. Mastic, mounting, water-acrylic glue, a mixture of gypsum and PVA, sealant, cement-adhesive mortar are suitable as glue.

You can change the geometric parameters of such a workpiece using an ordinary hacksaw.

One of the articles has already considered the process of how it is performed, which, in fact, can be found.


In fact, making a decorative stone from gypsum is not difficult. Of course, "the first pancake is lumpy" is not excluded, but nevertheless, the result is worth it.

A rich imagination and a flight of fancy will help you find original color schemes and textures (you can even make artificial marble from gypsum). Thanks to this decoration, your home will be filled with a peculiar flavor, and the elements decorated with it will add extraordinary comfort and beauty to the interior.

Making artificial stone from gypsum - video

Decorative stone from plaster - a photo in an interior


Since ancient times, people have tried to find various uses for the stone. They went hunting with him, butchered prey, fought with enemies, and later began to build reliable shelters. However, our ancestors were not alien to the sense of beauty, and they began to notice that stones can be beautiful. This is how the first design techniques for decorating dwellings and public spaces with stone were born. There was one problem with him - a lot of weight. The way out was found in Ancient Egypt, Babylon, Ancient Greece. In those countries where architecture has reached a high level of development. It does not matter who borrowed from whom, it is important that these peoples learned how to make artificial stone. Including on the basis of gypsum.

Today we have the opportunity to decorate our apartments and houses with artificial stone, which is close to natural in shape and color. Such a stone is called wild, and the laying is torn. Anyone can make gypsum with their own hands, it is quite easy to lay it and, most importantly, it is affordable.

What is gypsum decorative stone?

It is made from crushed gypsum and water, to which sand, a modifier, a solution of surfactants (surfactants), pigments can be added. Manufacturing companies use different recipes for the manufacture of such tiles, but the basis of these mixtures is gypsum and water. Decorative stone can be made in the form of tiles, bricks and natural "wild" stone.

The popularity of gypsum decorative stone is explained by its remarkable qualities:

    Light weight material.

    Beautiful appearance.

    The ability to get different textures and different colors.

    High strength.

    Ease of processing.

    Good sound and heat insulation characteristics.

    Hygiene and environmental friendliness. Surfaces lined with such material retain the ability to "breathe".

    Positive effect on indoor climate.

The use of new modifiers in the process of manufacturing gypsum decorative stone makes it possible to improve the quality of natural gypsum. First of all, this refers to strength characteristics, reliability and durability.

Application

Gypsum decorative stone is used for interior and exterior decoration of premises, arches, doorways, loggias and balconies, fireplaces are decorated with it. This finishing material looks good on large and small areas. In small rooms, it is preferable to lay out fragments of gypsum tiles, and not to veneer the entire surface of the wall with it. In a small living room or bedroom, a wall completely tiled with decorative tiles will leave a strange impression. Thus, it is better to use gypsum decorative stone in large, airy rooms.

The design of the fireplace installation sites with decorative stone is considered classic.

Advice. Use small-sized gypsum tiles with a medium-sized texture to decorate walls. On the contrary, it is preferable to lay out the arches with rough bricks with a pronounced rough texture. Be sure to ensure that the color of the gypsum tiles is combined with the color scheme of the entire room.

Gypsum decorative stone goes well with wood, ceramics, decorative plaster and looks great with photo wallpapers. It brings solidity to the design of the room, which can be cozy and warm or solemn and strict. The technique of accentuating individual elements with the help of gypsum stone looks very impressive in the interior - parts of the wall, column, podium. This effect is enhanced by the combination of smooth and “torn” surfaces of finishing materials.

In addition to the decorative function, it is also capable of performing a utilitarian one, including the protection of arches and doorways. Gypsum tiles, due to their low weight, can be laid on thin walls and partitions. It does not absorb dirt and dust, the tiles are easy to clean.

Making a gypsum decorative stone with your own hands

The cost of finished gypsum decorative stone in building materials stores and in the construction markets is several times lower than the cost of natural stone. However, you have the opportunity to save money, and instead of buying, make a gypsum decorative stone with your own hands. This will require:


After processing the internal surfaces of the matrix with a special composition from a spray gun, paints of the desired shade are applied with light strokes. Gypsum decorative stone can be made two- or three-color. We use a flat brush to apply the paint.

Pour gypsum and sand into one container. In another, we mix water, a modifier, a pigment (if you need to get a product painted to the full depth), a surfactant solution. Mix thoroughly with a mixing attachment. Then pour this solution into a container with gypsum and continue to mix with another mixing nozzle.

Very important! The solution should be thick enough. A product made of liquid gypsum will dry for a long time and will not have the necessary strength. Calculate the amount of solution for only one fill - the solution sets quickly, and you will not have time to repeat the operation.

Pour the finished solution into the matrix, wait until the solution begins to set, and use a notched trowel to remove the excess from the matrix. Stripes form on the back surface of the gypsum decorative stone, thanks to which it will have better adhesion to the wall surface.

After about half an hour, we remove the finished products from the matrix and put them on the table. Gypsum stone must still gain strength. Heat treatment for finished products is not required.

Laying gypsum tiles

Tools and materials required for installation:


Important! The tile is laid out and viewed, whether the color of the product depends on the angle and side of the viewing. If it depends, we select the tiles with the “correct” side and start laying.

The surface of the wall and the back side of the tile are pre-primed. We have about an hour left before the primer dries. Dilute the glue (do not need much!) To the state of a thick paste, mix thoroughly. We check the level of the floor with a level, lay the first tiles along the line, which we will apply using the level. Apply a small amount of adhesive to the wall with a comb trowel, otherwise it will dry before laying. We firmly press the tiles, squeeze out excess glue from under them. Remove the excess with a sponge.

Try to lay from the first row so that the tiles alternate in size and do not repeat. If necessary, select a tile of a different size. This is an imitation of a wild stone, which does not know coincidences in nature. And we constantly check the evenness of the masonry.

Trimming in difficult places is done with a chisel, then we process the edges with emery. We cut the corners with a miter box. Tiles should fit snugly together. We also grind the saw cuts with emery. Curly cutting is done along the lines of the texture.

Places of curly pruning, joints and corners are carefully sealed with putty. It is convenient to buy special bags from which to squeeze the putty into the right places. We remove the residue with a damp sponge so that nothing remains on the tiles. After the putty has dried, we pass these places with a brush with paint in the color of the tile. The final touch is the coating of gypsum decorative stone with water-based varnish. Now he is not afraid of wet cleaning.

It was the penultimate touch. Get up, step back a couple of meters, and with a tired but satisfied smile of the master, inspect your work. Might need to tweak a couple of places. That's it, you can call relatives and friends - you deserve their compliments.

For several millennia, natural stones have been used to decorate buildings and structures. Today it is a rather expensive material, but it has an alternative - making an artificial stone with your own hands at home. With the correct execution of all actions, it will look attractive, and its cost will be much lower.

With the use of stone in interior decoration, you can achieve an unexpected result. It is perfect for decorating the entire room or its individual elements, such as columns. It is not difficult to make an artificial stone with your own hands, but you need to correctly follow the entire sequence of procedures.

In terms of mechanical resistance or other qualities, artificial stone is in no way inferior to natural stone. In addition, it has several important advantages:

  • At home, artificial products can be made with thin tiles. This will reduce the weight of objects, but at the same time maintain strength;
  • With independent work, it becomes possible to make a stone of the required shape for a specific place;
  • Its production can take place at the place of use, therefore transport waste is excluded;
  • It is possible to obtain a smooth stone. This eliminates the cost of polishing;
  • An artificial stone at home can be created in an irregular shape. This allows you to imitate a household stone variety.

Making molds for artificial stone

Forms for making artificial stone can be purchased at a specialized store, but it is recommended to make them yourself. You need to start by choosing one of the samples. As it is selected a stone that corresponds not only to its size, but also to its shape.

Silicone is used for the base material. To make a mold, you will need to take a box that has suitable dimensions. In shape, it should exceed the stone taken as a sample. The box will act as a formwork.

After that, it is required to apply a thick layer of grease to both the box and the selected sample. Then carefully place the stone at the bottom of the formwork. In order to increase the level of productivity, it is recommended to create several boxes at once along with the forms.

The next step is to pour the silicone into the formwork. For subsequent compaction, it is required to use a simple paint brush, previously moistened with soapy water. After the final filling of the form, it is recommended to carefully level the entire surface with a spatula. It is also best to moisten it in soapy water.

The filled form will dry for 15 days, and only at the end of this period can the box be disassembled and the sample stone removed.

As a result, ready-made silicone molds are obtained, which are necessary for the independent manufacture of artificial stone. If small cracks or defects are found on the surface, it is recommended to additionally fill them with silicone.

Advice: Instead of soap, a few drops of Fairy detergent can be used to make a solution.

Form making, video:

Creating an artificial stone from gypsum

materials

The technology for making artificial stone from gypsum is the most popular. At the preliminary stage, to create it, you need to prepare the following materials with tools:

  • gypsum in white;
  • anhydride;
  • warm water;
  • river sand;
  • a plastic container necessary for mixing all the elements together;
  • pallet;
  • matrix;
  • electric drill;
  • corrugated glass;
  • water-based dyes.

To produce an artificial stone from gypsum does not require a large area. A few squares will be considered quite sufficient. To begin with, you should carefully consider the arrangement of the workplace, all racks and the necessary shelves should be at hand. The next step in the work is the preparation of a gypsum mortar.

Manufacturing technology

After preparing the workplace and creating silicone molds, you can start creating it. Here are the instructions for this:

  • To save money, you need to prepare an amount of solution that equals the number of forms. Gypsum dough cannot be left for use next time, as it quickly hardens and becomes unusable.
  • The proportions of water with gypsum must be determined independently.
  • After adding water, gypsum must be poured into a container specially prepared for this. You need to add it in small portions. This will allow you to get a gypsum dough with a normal density. The solution should be thick in consistency. The liquid mixture dries longer and has a low strength.
  • It will be possible to get a harder material with the addition of 10% sand to the mixture.
  • The next step is to lubricate the working forms and their surfaces. In this case, wax and turpentine are used. Such a procedure is necessary, without it it is difficult to remove the frozen stone from the mold.
  • The preparation of this mixture is carried out in a water bath. It allows the wax to dissolve. After the substance is applied in a thin layer on the surface of the mold.
  • When dried, shells may form on the stone. To protect against them, it is recommended to apply gypsum in liquid form to the workplace. It is best to lay stones on a pallet.
  • To obtain a stone of a certain color, you need to mix the paint with plaster. It is recommended to do this at the stage of kneading the gypsum dough. To accomplish the goal, it is best to use separate containers.
  • After that, it is required to fill the main part of the stone in a special form. Using a spatula, gently smooth out the mixture.
  • Forms are covered with long corrugated glass, then vibration is carried out. This is a necessary stage of work for uniform styling. This process will take approximately two minutes.
  • The curing of plaster takes about twenty minutes. Glass is easily separated from the mold, so there will be no difficulties with this activity. We take out the resulting product and dry it until completely dry in the open air. Heat treatment is not recommended, as it greatly spoils the performance of gypsum.
  • At the end of the process, the stone needs to be painted. It is necessary to prepare a brush, coupled with a special paint. For painting, it is required to remove dust and similar dirt from the surface of the stone, then evenly distribute the coloring composition. After the final drying, it is recommended to apply a few more layers, this will allow you to get the desired shade.

Artificial stone from cement

Artificial stone from cement, video:

Manufacturing process

After the preparation of the form is completed, the following several stages of work are carried out.

  • The first step is to mix sand with cement. This is necessary for the first layer. It needs to be applied to a silicone mold. The ratio of cement to sand will be as follows 1:3.
  • Next, you need to add a certain amount of water. The mass should be similar to the consistency of thick sour cream.
  • If you intend to paint a ready-made artificial stone, you will not need to add any components. If it is already necessary to give a shade to the future product, then it is recommended to add dyes at this stage in an amount of 2.5% of the total volume of the solution. The amount of dye should vary depending on the desired color and its brightness.
  • As a result, the resulting mixture should be laid out in the finished form. but only half.
  • Next, the mesh is cut from the outer mold.. It is necessary to harden the stone. The mesh must be placed on the mixture, then topped up with silicone.
  • At the end of the pouring process, you need to draw a sharp element on the top layer to form a groove. This will give you excellent grip on the surface.

It can be seen that the technology is simple and does not require the use of additional equipment. It is recommended to remove the stone from the mold only after 12 hours, and then leave it to dry again for two weeks. During this period, the material will finally gain the necessary strength. After completion of work, the form must be thoroughly rinsed.

If coloring components were not added to the composition during the manufacturing process, then coloring can be completed already during the manufacture of the stone. To do this, you need to clean its surface from dust and dirt. Using a brush, apply paint evenly. To create shades, it is recommended to use paint with a darker base.

Artificial stone can be used for many purposes. This is an interior decoration, giving it a special zest and expressiveness. Creating it at home will not bring difficulties, but in the end you will be able to get an excellent facing material.

Natural stone has long and firmly occupied a leading position among the materials for interior decoration of the house. With its help, the interior is given a refined, respectable look. The disadvantage of the material is its high price and heavy weight. A decorative stone made of gypsum makes it easy to solve these problems.

Due to the availability of materials, well-established production technology, the manufacture of artificial stones has become popular and is actively used in the production of repair work.

The surface of an artificial stone can be given any texture, made it flat or embossed, painted in the desired color. Outwardly, it is very difficult to see the difference between finishing with natural or artificial material. Even experts are not always able to do it.

At the same time, gypsum decorative stone has the following advantages:

  • well amenable to processing;
  • resistant to rain, wind, temperature;
  • has a low thermal conductivity;
  • light;
  • the surface of gypsum is easily cleaned of contaminants;
  • coloring, it is given the desired color.

Gypsum has a unique ability to maintain optimal humidity in the room. With an excess of moisture, it absorbs the excess, and when it decreases, it gives it away. In addition, the material is much cheaper than natural analogues. Its shape is convenient for masonry, which significantly reduces the complexity of the work.

Gypsum artificial stone allows designers to realize any ideas. Its manufacture can be carried out in production or at home, while outwardly it is practically indistinguishable from imitated materials.

There are several types of surfaces:

  • chipped - uneven coating, giving the impression that the edges are beaten off with a hammer;
  • sawn - the edges are smooth, but uneven;
  • rubble - in shape they resemble natural stones (boulders, pebbles);
  • arbitrary - embodies any fantasy of the designer.

The disadvantage of gypsum is its brittleness. The larger the element, the easier it is to damage it during transportation or installation. Therefore, when using gypsum for interior decoration, they try to place it in places that are less subject to mechanical stress. Often, artificial stone is used to decorate a fireplace, arched opening, cladding part of the walls, highlighting a specific area or zone in a room or kitchen.

Do-it-yourself gypsum molds and stone

Making a stone may well be done on your own. This will require silicone or polyurethane molds, which can be purchased at a hardware store. The molds are highly durable and will withstand hundreds of pours. Therefore, the selection criterion is not the material, but the desired size, surface pattern, coating geometry.

The mixture for preparation includes gypsum, modifiers, color pigments. The addition of sand (no more than 10%) will help to give strength to the solution. The mixture can be dyed completely or the paint is applied only to the surface of the mold. Often different methods are used, combining them. In order for the finished element to be easily and quickly removed from the mold, it is smeared with a thin layer of wax mixed in a water bath with turpentine.

Often, interior decoration requires an artificial stone of an unusual shape or size. In this case, it is possible to manufacture a silicone mold according to an individual sketch. To do this, select a sample, put it in a box, which will serve as a formwork. The surface of the box and stone is pre-lubricated with grease.

The top is filled with silicone. It is rammed with a brush moistened with soapy water. Then the surface is leveled with a spatula. It will take several weeks for the mold to dry. The finished form is taken out of the formwork.

The gypsum mixture is diluted with water to the consistency of thick sour cream, poured into prepared forms. A slight vibration for 2 minutes will help to achieve uniform shrinkage. When the mixture thickens a little, use a notched trowel to remove the excess mixture, leaving mounting notches on the back of the workpiece.

If it is intended to add a dye directly to the mixture, it is recommended to dilute it in a large container. Otherwise, it will be difficult to achieve the same color saturation of different batches. The finished forms are left to dry completely for 40 minutes at room temperature.

Preparation for cladding

Using artificial stone for interior decoration, they create a unique interior. Laying the material is simple, but you must adhere to the technology. It can be performed on any surface: wood, drywall, brick, concrete. The wall must be level.

However, facing a perfectly flat surface can cause it to come off even with a slight vibration. Therefore, first, with the help of plaster, the wall is leveled, they are allowed to grab slightly. Then, with a notched trowel, furrows are created on the surface. They will help the elements stay on the wall more firmly. The prepared surface is degreased and primed.

When choosing an adhesive composition, pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions. The adhesive must be suitable for working with plaster. This may be the simplest tile adhesive to which PVA should be added at the rate of 10% of the total. To dilute the glue, use a large container, mixing it with a mixer. When finished, it should be of a uniform consistency and medium density in order to fill the mounting grooves well.

First row masonry

This is the most difficult and important stage. Previously, vertical and horizontal lines are marked on the wall, which will help orient the direction of the masonry. It is usually led from the bottom up. If the decorative gypsum stone has an irregular shape or it is necessary to create an intricate contour on the wall, then it is first laid out on the floor.

Glue is smeared with a part of the wall and applied to the back of the stone. The first bar is placed on the wall and pressed, squeezing out the glue. Immediately you need to assess the correctness of the position and, if necessary, correct it. Then continue laying a row. Excess glue is removed with a conventional spatula. Carefully remove the solution from the front of the bars.

To trim the elements, use a grinder or a saw. The smaller its teeth, the better. For curved cutting (for example, under a switch), you can use a chisel, and then process the edge with sandpaper. It may also be required to accurately fit the elements if the stones were made independently. A grinder with a nozzle will help speed up the work. However, when using it, care must be taken not to break the element.

To create angles of 90 and 45 degrees, a miter box is used.

Foundation stage

The subsequent rows of finishing are laid like a brick - with an offset. Laying can be carried out close or with seams. To make the seams the same, pieces of fiberboard are laid between the rows. They are removed after completion of work and drying of the solution.

Unfilled seams between the elements are sealed at the end of the cladding. The glue mass is filled with a mounting gun, then it is carefully applied between the rows. Remove excess glue with a soft cloth. After the mixture has hardened, it can be given a shade of finish. To do this, brush with paint along the seams and joints.

You can also use a special grout. A clear varnish will help to give the coating an exquisite shine and protect it from external influences. It is applied in one layer with a wide brush.